THE National Cartoon Gallery is celebrating the 12th anniversary of Cartoon Chef, a program that teaches children how to draw, with an exhibition of cartoons galore by its founder Dahna Knight.

A series of workshops will also be offered, facilitated by Dahna.

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On Monday 5 June, Dahna previewed the exhibition with an invited participative audience of children.

Dahna will again be present when the exhibition opens on Friday 9 June from 5pm to 6pm.

For twelve years, the Cartoon Chef character has quietly been teaching children across Australia how to draw as a regular feature in the West Australian and Sunday Telegraph newspapers, distributed by Auspac Media.

Now with almost 600 cartoon strips to date and a published book, How to Draw Zoo Animals, reaching six countries, there’s a history to celebrate.

Award winning illustrator, animator and digital design whizz, Dahna founded the creative ‘tutor’ from her home in Boambee.

“Cartoon Chef, the character, was cooked up one night in the kitchen,” Dahna told News Of The Area.

“The idea was how cartooning was similar to cooking and could teach children how to draw in three easy steps.

“You have basic ingredients and basic shapes, and there are drawing recipes.

“But there was more… a secret ingredient.”

This manifests as a surprise element in every cartoon.

According to the creator, Chef has been very busy this year and has cooked up a lot to share with the Coffs Harbour community.

“Cartoon Chef is growing up and has found a home at the Gallery,” said Dahna.

“The exhibition opening event will feature a never-before-seen video presentation, interactive cartoon kiosks and green screen experience, drawing workshops launch, cartoon illustration exhibition, a book launch… and a visit from a surprise guest.

“Chef is very excited to meet our local creative kids and cook up some drawing recipes.”

The exhibition is on from 9 June to 30 July.

Following this, the Cartoon Chef Drawing Workshops are launching in July at the National Cartoon Gallery.
There are 120 spots available over the next twelve months.

Drawing workshops are held over one month, providing four classes every Sunday 10am – 11am.

A minimum one parent or carer is required to be present at the venue for a full hour and can participate with their child or enjoy a coffee break at the Bunker Café.

Cartoon Chef Drawing Workshops engage and encourage children to draw by developing basic drawing skills through step-by-step instruction and can develop creative thinking in children.

On completion of the workshop, participants will have a beginner level understanding of cartooning skills.

There are different cartoons to learn in each class and the students are encouraged to share and showcase their drawings with the whole class and with Cartoon Chef.

Students can opt to exhibit their drawings in a dedicated interactive display space at the National Cartoon Gallery or take them home.

Bookings are encouraged using the NSW Creative Kids vouchers which expire on June 30 2023.

“Creative kids vouchers cover the complete cost of the drawing workshop program,” said Dahna.

You can book drawing workshops in advance now to utilise vouchers before they expire, visit https://www.123tix.com.au/events/38854/cartoon-chef-drawing-workshops#timechosen.

For more information on the workshops visit www.cartoonchef.com.au.

By Andrea FERRARI