LURCH's lecture series
October 18, 19, 20, 26 & 27
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 the art of his witty cartoons. Events include:

apart from the art: charles Addams' life away from the drawing board
by linda h. davis, author, charles addams: a cartoonist's life
Friday, October 18
7:00PM
Westfield Memorial Library 550 East Broad Street
Today, Charles Addams is known as a world-renowned cartoonist, and creator of The Addams Family. But back in the day, Addams himself was the toast of the town. Always on top of the A List, he rubbed elbows with New York's high society (with women such as Joan Fontaine, Greta Garbo and Jacqueline Kennedy on his arm). Join biographer Linda H. Davis for a peek into a life that was even more fascinating than the kooky comic characters for which Addams is best known.
Tickets are free, although advance reservations are highly recommended and available on the Westfield Memorial Library website.
CARTOONING WORKSHOP WITH NEW YORKER CARTOONIST FELIPE GALLINDO
Saturday, October 19
Choose from Two Workshop times:
11:00 -12:30 AM
2:00 - 3:30 PM
Max 25 guests per workshop
For Ages 9 to 99
Westfield Memorial Library 550 East Broad Street
Get a master class in cartooning while honing your artistic skills with New Yorker Cartoonist Felipe Galindo. Learn about the different types of humorous art – cartoons, gags, comics, illustrations, animations, political, and more. And then create your own cartoons following step-by-step instructions. Participants are welcome to bring samples of their drawings for feedback.
Tickets are free, although advance reservations are highly recommended and available on the Westfield Memorial Library website for the 11am and 2pm sessions.
THE LIFE OF CHARLES ADDAMS
by LOCAL ADDAMS ENTHUSIAST RON MACCLOSKEY
Saturday, October 26
11:00AM
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 and available on the Westfield Memorial Library website.
The Charles Addams Walking Tour
Hosted by the Westfield Historical Society
Sunday, October 20
Sunday, October 27
3:00 - 5:00PM, rain or shine
Meet at the corner of Lawrence and Dudley Avenues
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 and payment are required on the Westfield Historical Society website.