One of sophomore Emma Howie's finished cartoons. Photo by Claire DeFrancisci.
The sounds of a pencil working feverishly against paper fill your ears. Looking up, sophomore Emma Howie can be seen looking intently at her small sketchbook.Howie is a talented cartoonist who hopes to one day be a professional. Reading how-to books and practice has helped her become the artist that she is today.“Most of it comes from things I see in real life, like where shadows fall in different light. When I was little I used to draw my hand over and over again just to see how it looked every time I moved it,” said Howie.
To keep her skills fresh, Howie also takes Drawing I-II classes. She will continue to take drawing and painting classes throughout high school to keep improving.
“I like to draw cartoon people, but I’m going to take a paint class so I can get better at painting as well,” said Howie.
Not only does Howie draw her cartoons for pleasure, but she also makes a profit. She draws things for specific people like cartoon versions of themselves, pets, or even fan art from T.V. shows.
“People ask me to draw colored cartoons for them, but the pens that I use are so expensive that I charge them $5 depending on the size and difficulty of the drawing,” said Howie.
Howie said drawing is not just a phase, but it is something she would like to for the rest of her life.
“I really would like to be a cartoonist for Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, or Disney. Especially Disney, but that would be a hard job to get. I also would like to draw comics for Marvel or DC because those artists inspire me.”
FC is full of unique talents like Howie’s cartooning. Her talents show that anyone can pursue their dreams with a little practice.
For 43 years, hundreds of eager people flock to down town New Albany to partake in the fun fall festival at Harvest Homecoming. The 2010-2011 Harvest Homecoming Committee [HHC] president Kerry Nicolas plans the upcoming events taking place the first weekend in October.
Bagpiper: What is new this year?
Kerry Nicolas: “Our new event is the Riding Lawnmower Races for ages 18 and over, which is at the 4-H Fair arena on Sept. 25. You can get details about the race or any other events on the Harvest Homecoming Committee website. We also have a new souvenir this year. It is a Harvest Homecoming keychain. It will be for sale at the HHC Souvenir booth.”
BP:What are some of the traditions surrounding Harvest Homecoming?
KN:”The Pumpkin Decorating event is our oldest event and a longtime tradition. The Parade, the Balloon Race and booths days are definite traditions that many people look forward to. There are many other traditions also: such as the kids events, our entertainment, etc.”
BP:Why is Harvest Homecoming so popular?
KN:”Harvest Homecoming is so popular because it’s like a large community reunion with great food, craft booths, events and entertainment where people can run into someone they haven’t seen in years.”
BP:What is one thing someone should know about Harvest Homecoming if they have never been before?
KN:”They need to know that Harvest Homecoming has something for everyone, no matter what age. We have many different food booths, craft booths, events and entertainment for everyone’s taste.”
BP:What’s your favorite activity to do at Harvest Homecoming?
KN:”My favorite activity at HHC is eating lots of different foods and enjoying the entertainment . I’ll go get a sandwich, etc. and go sit where there is entertainment to eat my food. That’s if I have the time.”
BP:What’s one thing everyone should make sure to do at this year’s festival?
KN:”Everyone should make sure they take advantage of what our different booths have to offer as well as our great entertainment and events. There isn’t just one thing, there are many things they should do to enjoy the festival.”
BP:What goes into planning Harvest Homecoming?
KN:”We plan all year for the festival, starting right after the festival ends for the next year. The vice president meet ten times a year and the Board of Directors meet five times a year. It takes a lot of work and many hours, by hundreds of volunteers, to run the Harvest Homecoming Festival.”
What is your favorite thing about Harvest Homecoming? What is your favorite food?
Carmen Schreiber, Grade 11 I love selling chocolate covered bananas in a banana suit, and my favorite food to get is chicken and dumplings. Courtney Wells, Grade 9, My favorite ride is called twister and my favorite food is the cornAlex Lawsterer, Grade 11,My favorite thing about Harvest Homecoming is definitely the food stands and I always get a pork chop sandwich.Mathew Oser, Grade 10, I just walk around and talk to my friends. My favorite ride is the gravitron.
Mathew Oser, Grade 10, I just walk around and talk to my friends. My favorite ride is the gravitron.
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