“Crankshaft” cartoonist Chuck Ayers will speak about his life, work, and his favorite character at Tap Talks on Tuesday, July 15 at North Water Brewing
Ayers graduated from Kent State University with a degree in graphic design
The character originated in the “Funky Winkerbean” comic by Tom Batiuk, who also writes the scripts for “Crankshaft.” Ayers has been illustrating the strip about the cranky old school bus driver since 1987. As a student, he was an eyewitness to the events on May 4, 1970 at Kent State and he and Batiuk told the tragic story through their comic strip.
Ayers has taught cartooning at Kent State University and the University of Akron. He received a first-place award for editorial cartoons from the Ohio Associated Press in 1986. His work has been printed in The New York Times, Washington Post, Forbes Magazine, and school textbooks.
Tap Talks was initiated by Don Schjeldahl, the creator of North Water Brewing, as a way to bring the community together for conversation about life in Kent, Kent’s history, and issues of the day that impact us all. It’s also a chance to enjoy an array of locally-brewed artisan ales and beers. Tap Talks are sponsored by Kent Historical Society and scheduled monthly at 7 pm at North Water Brewing, 101 Crain Avenue in Kent.
Those who attend will have an opportunity to meet Chuck Ayers and learn more about his life as a cartoonist for a syndicated comic strip.