Walker Art Center's Free First Saturday in September Celebrates Comic Book Artist Sara Varon

The Walker Art Center’s Free First Saturday event from 10 am–5 pm Saturday, September 3, celebrates the work of comic book artist and storyteller Sara Varon. Featured events include Varon reading from her book Alphabet Sandwiches, as well as from other children’s books that have inspired her. Varon will also sign copies of her own comic book throughout the day. Other events include a cartoon workshop art-making activity, family tours, and film screenings based on Varon’s own Sweaterweather comic, as well as other animated shorts. In conjunction with its building expansion, the Walker commissioned Varon to develop a set of characters to promote family programs as well as a custom comic book, stationary, t-shirt, and collectible buttons.

Activities are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. In case of rain, outdoor events will be canceled, not rescheduled.

Free First Saturdays are for Families!

Stories with Sara

Saturday, September 3, 10 am–5 pm
Celebrate summer’s last sizzle with a special storytelling event. Comic book artist Sara Varon visits the Walker to share her characters’ adventures and some of the books and films that spark her imagination.

Story Time: Animal Tales

11 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:30 pm
Lecture Room
Varon reads from her comic tale, Alphabet Sandwiches, and from children’s books that have inspired her work. Book-signings follow each reading, so be sure to stick around.

Book Signing

11:30 am, 1pm, and 3 pm
Lecture Room
Stick around after the readings for an official comic book signing by illustrator Sara Varon.

Art-Making for the Whole Family: Comic Creations

12 noon–4 pm
Star Tribune Foundation Art Lab
Draw your own creature in a drop-in cartoon workshop.

Family Tours

12 noon
Discover the character behind the face on a guided tour of Chuck Close: Self-Portraits 1967-2005.

2 pm
Be on the lookout as you and a tour guide explore animal sculptures in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

Film: Sara’s Short List

1:30 pm
Cinema
Watch Varon’s Sweaterweather comic come to life on the big screen, followed by a series of her favorite animated shorts.