Comic Book Writing

The Art Institute does have specific comic book classes on the weekends for school-aged children. Their website lists all of their classes. The comic class isn't every session, so you may have to wai a few months, but they do offer it regularly.

Try art and soul in Andersonville. www.artandsoulchicago.com

I know that the Beverly Art Center 2407 W. 111th St. has offered one in the past. I am not sure if the currently have one going on now. You call and check, they may have some additional classes for the summer.

Not sure if its specific to comic books, but I know that the Art Institute has classes.

My cousin is in college now studying animation, but I know when she was younger she took a lot of classes there.

I hope this helps. What an amazing talent!
B.

This isn't in Chicago, but Evanston Art Center has animation type classes. It is located on Sheridan Rd in north Evanston. If you live on the north side of the city it might work for you. Check out the website.

Also, for summer you might look into I.D. Tech camps. This is a national outfit that hosts various technology-based summer programs, both day and overnight. In this area, I know they have sessions at Northwestern and Loyola and other places. My son who is 14 now has been doing that for several years. I know they have animation type stuff as well as a lot of film-making and digital photography, web design, animation, and lots of gaming design programs. This is BIG FUN!

Good Luck!

Check Old Town School of Folk Music- I think they actually had a comic book class for kids at some point. If not, find other parents that would sign their kids up, and they might just make a class for you guys. Here's their website:
http://www.oldtownschool.org/

I know that 826Chicago used to have some nifty weekend workshops for young folks. Their calendar is pretty sparse right now, though. Drop them an email to see what's happening. www.826chi.org

Good luck in your search - as a graphic novel and comic enthusiast, I'd hate to see your son's potential go to waste:^)

I know that Lillstreet Art Center had a class in the summer for kids, though I'm not sure if it was about drawing or writing. It's a great institution though. Check out their website to see: www.lillstreet.com. Good luck!

If you're on the west side of the city, I just picked up a brochure from the Oak Park art League, and they have a class for all ages (but listed in the Children's Classes) called "One of a Kind Cartooning" on Saturday mornings. www.opal-art.com