MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Storytelling will be the focus of classes at the Middletown Art Center, or MAC, this weekend.

“Photography: Telling Visual Stories” is offered this Saturday, Oct. 7, from noon to 5 p.m. as part the Resilience Project.

“Telling Visual Stories” will delve into photo essays. The class will focus on capturing a variety of compositions that support a common unfolding narrative.

In each class, photographer Shane Powers introduces and reviews basic photographic and artistic principles and technical aspects of digital camera operations. Participants should bring a camera or may use their cell phone if no other camera is available.

The cost is just $5, thanks to a grant from the California Arts Council with support from Adventist Health and other local agencies.

On Sunday, Oct. 8, from noon to 5 p.m. MAC, in collaboration with the Lake County Big Read, is hosting a graphic novel playshop (workshop) inspired by this year’s Big Read selection “Station Eleven,” by Emily St. John Mandel.

The graphic novel playshop with artist and writer Sage Abella highlights a different storytelling modality that combines drawing and words.

A good story can easily be told with simple figures and a fun, creative attitude. Participants will create heroes and villains, and play with drawing techniques using line, shading and lettering to tell a fun, visual story. All materials and supplies are provided.

This class is free thanks to a grant to the Lake County Library from the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Adults and teens 12 and up, whether new to artmaking or professionals, are invited to attend one or both of these or other Resilience classes.

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 707-809-8118 as soon as possible to reserve a spot as space is limited.