This bi-annual competition explores critical contemporary issues related to freedom of expression, censorship, race, and representation inspired by the comics collection in the McHenry Special Collections library, with a special focus on the Gunderson/Coha comic collection. The award/class is led by a nominated faculty member, based on proposals to ARI. Awarded faculty are given one release time to develop this class. Faculty run the comics competition, select winning students and teach an independent study class to awardees. Nominated students receive a cash prize. Selected student work is published in a limited edition comic alongside contemporary comic artists and displayed in an exhibition at McHenry library Special Collections.

Student opportunity Spring 2022 Freedom of Expression Comics Competition/class OPEN NOW (Competition closes March 1)

The 2022 Arts & Oppression Comics Competition/Class led by Professor Dee Hibbert-Jones (art department)

Winning students will receive a cash award, an exhibition of their selected work, and inclusion in a limited-edition comic published with professional comic artists. Awarded students take an independent study (5 units) Spring quarter 2022 working with Professor Dee Hibbert-Jones. The class will meet together to create original comics, learn coloring techniques, study the art and role of comics and visit Special Collections to plan and install our exhibition/ publication. Open to all arts division students.

To enter submit a PDF to Professor Dee Hibbert-Jones hjdee@ucsc.edu including:

•  One new comic drawing (one page PDF) responding to the Gunderson/ Coha comic collection or other comics in the Mc Henry Special Collections. Link to samples.  You can also arrange a visit to special collections to see the comics in person.
•  Four images of past work (as a PDF)

•  An email expressing your interest and availability to take this independent study class next quarter (5 units) in Spring 2022. The class will be held on Wednesday afternoons (with some accommodations permitted for student schedules) 

Deadline:  Competition closes March 1^st

Questions? Contact Dee at hjdee@ucsc.edu