Four comic artists will unveil their craft during a gathering scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, at BeanRunner Café, in downtown Peekskill. Although the event is part of the First Tuesday Salon series, this special edition will take place the third week of June. The initiative, which will feature prominent comic creators, will begin at 6 p.m. and is free of charge.
For more than two hours, artists David Abrevaya, Michael Grassia, Eli Hernández, and Enoch Seasel will share insights into their work during a talk entitled “Let’s Talk Comics.” The event, which encourages active audience participation, will focus on creative processes, personal projects, and professional experiences within the comic book industry.
The panelists will also discuss their professional journeys. David Abrevaya is a freelance illustrator and professor at Westchester Community College. He has collaborated with brands such as Marvel, Lucasfilm, Nickelodeon, and Warner Bros. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Peekskill Arts Alliance (PAA). Michael Grassia is a cartoonist with more than two decades of experience and the creator of the educational workshop series “Get in Toon!” His work focuses on children’s art, books, and animation.
Eli Hernández, another local artist and the creator of the event’s official poster, is known for emotionally charged pieces inspired by Japanese manga, 1990s grunge, and b-boy graffiti. Her work has been exhibited in galleries throughout New York City and Westchester County. Enoch Seasel, also active in Peekskill’s graphic arts scene, is recognized for work that stands out due to its intricate detail and otherworldly visuals.
According to event organizers, the aim is to create an accessible space for dialogue in which attendees can explore the paths that lead to comics as both a narrative medium and a professional field. The event is designed as a horizontal exchange, where audience questions will be welcome in a relaxed and informal setting.
The event will be moderated by renowned local artist Carla Rae Johnson, founder and host of the series, which has taken place monthly in Peekskill since 2010. In its early years, the series was held on the first Monday of each month.
