Gomez's lecture series
October 27 - October 28
Chas Addams was as interesting a character as any that appeared in his cartoons. AddamsFest will provide attendees with the chance to get to know the man behind the drawings, what inspired him, how he lived as a boy growing up in Westfield and dig deeper into the hidden messages behind his work. Events include:
Want to Learn more about Westfield's Charles Addams?
The Life of Charles Addams
by Addams Enthusiast Ron MacCloskey
Saturday, October 27
11:30AM
Westfield Memorial Library 550 East Broad Street
A lifetime fan of Addams, Ron MacCloskey has spent his life bringing the world of Charles Addams to light, including getting the Westfield childhood home of Addams declared a historic landmark and founding the Westfield Foundation’s Charles Addams Scholarship, which supports students majoring in art. During the lecture, MacCloskey will discuss the life of Charles Addams, including how an assortment of New Yorker cartoon characters evolved into the Addams Family empire.
Tickets are free, although advance reservations are highly recommended on the Westfield Memorial Library website.
The Lighter Side of Darkness:
A conversation about the Addams aesthetic
Saturday, October 27
2:00PM
Westfield Memorial Library 550 East Broad Street
Charles Addams excelled at helping us to laugh at our fears. Join our Moderator, artist Pat Brentano Bramnick, for a panel discussion about Addams and how we all use humor to shine a light into the dark corners of our minds.
Panelists include Esquire Magazine Cartoon & Humor Editor Bob Mankoff, University of Pennsylvania School of Design Senior Lecturer David Comberg, and Artist & Psychologist Gail Winbury.
Tickets are free, although advance reservations are highly recommended on the Westfield Memorial Library website.
The Chas Addams Workshop
by New Yorker Cartoonist Felipe Galindo
Sunday, October 28
11:00AM
Westfield Memorial Library 550 East Broad Street
This family-oriented workshop will talk about Chas Addams from a cartoonist’s point of view. New Yorker cartoonist Felipe Galindo (aka Feggo) will share stories and anecdotes about Westfield’s famous artist, how Addams influenced other cartoonists worldwide, and why his peculiar sense of humor made his characters a household name. Feggo will also lead a hands-on cartoon activity showing the audience how to draw their own cartoons. Open for children ages 9 and up.
Tickets are free, although advance reservations are highly recommended on the Westfield Memorial Library website.
The Charles Addams Walking Tour
Hosted by the Westfield Historical Society
Saturday, October 27
4:00PM
Tour begins at the Presbyterian Church of Westfield Cemetery, 140 Mountain Avenue
Join local architect Greg Blasi on a walking tour past Charles Addams’ home, his favorite haunts, and the house said to have inspired his Addams Family creations.
Tickets are $5 for Westfield Historical Society members and $10 for non-members. Advance reservations are highly recommended on the Westfield Historical Society website.