September 23, 2025

White River Junction, VT. September 23, 2025 – No joke! This year marks the 20th anniversary of The Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS), a nationally recognized institution dedicated to the education and advancement of cartooning and graphic storytelling located in White River Junction, Vermont.

Founded in 2005 by Michelle Ollie and James Sturm, CCS has built an international reputation for training some of the most original and influential voices in comics today. Its alumni have gone on to publish award-winning work, teach, and lead in creative fields across the globe.

“We live in challenging times and I’m grateful to be surrounded by so many creative and inspiring people,” says CCS cofounder Michelle Ollie, “Whatever the future brings, CCS will remain steadfast in its commitment to education, humanities, and the arts.”

Beyond the page, CCS has played a vital role in revitalizing its rural Vermont town, transforming a former post office and department store into hubs for art, education, and public engagement. The school’s commitment to community—both local and global—has made it a model for how the arts can build bridges and deepen civic life.

“Cartoonists are my people and I’m proud of the community that the school has helped nurture,” says CCS cofounder James Sturm, “I think it’s a minor miracle CCS exists and continues to thrive.”

As CCS looks ahead, its independent structure, small scale, and nimble approach allow it to respond to the evolving needs of students, communities, and the cultural landscape. Through its Applied Cartooning Lab, CCS continues to educate, advocate, and connect—demonstrating the enduring power of the humanities in a rapidly changing world.

Over this academic year, CCS will commemorate its 20th Anniversary with special events, talks, publications, and workshops:

Founding Documents and Drawings: Marking 20 Years of CCS, 2005-2025

First Friday, October 3rd, 4–8pm | CCS Gallery, 94 South Main Street, White River Junction

The Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS) celebrates its 20th anniversary with Founding Documents and Drawings: Marking 20 Years of CCS, 2005-2025, an exhibition of original art and prints that introduced the school to the world. From its first brochures to a one-of-a-kind diploma, the show features work by cartoonists Seth, Ivan Brunetti, Alison Bechdel, Alec Longstreth, and Laura Park, with a new brochure by Seth to mark the anniversary.

Join co-founders James Sturm and Michelle Ollie for the exhibition opening on Friday, October 3rd, from 4–8pm at the CCS Gallery in the Colodny Building, 94 South Main Street. Gallery hours: Fridays in October, 12–4pm, or by appointment at info@cartoonstudies.org

The opening coincides with the third annual TWIST: TWIn STate Comics & Zine Fair, held across the street at Junction Arts & Media (JAM), 5 S. Main Street. Many CCS students, faculty, and alumni will be exhibiting and selling their work at this event. The Norwich Bookstore will also be selling a selection of alumni and faculty graphic novels.

Alison Bechdel and Tillie Walden ‘16 in Conversation at The Center for Cartoon Studies

Friday, November 21st, 3–4pm | CCS Post Office Building, 46 South Main Street, White River Junction

Two of Vermont’s most acclaimed cartoonists, Alison Bechdel and Tillie Walden ‘16, will share the stage for a rare public conversation about art, place, and the ways Vermont has shaped their work. Both artists have served as Vermont Cartoonist Laureate, and both have made international contributions to the art of comics—Bechdel through her groundbreaking memoirs Fun Home and Are You My Mother?, and Walden through her Eisner Award–winning memoir, Spinning, and space romance, On a Sunbeam.

The event takes place at The Center for Cartoon Studies’ Post Office Building, 46 S. Main Street, White River Junction, on Friday, November 21st, from 3–4pm. Seating is limited; advance registration is required. The conversation will also be livestreamed. Details forthcoming on cartoonstudies.org and CCS social media (@cartoonstudies)

20th Anniversary Commemorative Publication: Cartooning Season

When The Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS) opened its doors in 2005, its very first publication was a single trifold brochure illustrated by celebrated cartoonist Seth. In the years since, Seth has become one of the most admired figures in the medium, with honors that include designing postage stamps for the Canadian government and being named a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture.

This November, CCS releases Cartooning Season, a commemorative 20th-anniversary publication. Seth and co-founder James Sturm, who created the school’s original brochure together, reunited after twenty years to celebrate both the school and Vermont’s long winters that inspire drawing.

Original artwork from Cartooning Season, along with art from Seth’s original 2005 brochure, will be featured in the exhibition Founding Documents and Drawings: Marking 20 Years of CCS, on view this October at the CCS Gallery (94 South Main Street, White River Junction).

In January 2026: A new online workshop, COMICS 101, led by celebrated cartoonist and educator IVAN BRUNETTI

In January 2026, we will launch a new online workshop, COMICS 101 led by celebrated cartoonist and educator IVAN BRUNETTI. COMICS 101 features six weeks of learning the basics of creating comics, led by celebrated cartoonist and educator IVAN BRUNETTI. More details will be available later this fall for registration. 

To learn more about these events and more, follow us on social media @cartoonstudies and visit cartoonstudies.org. Further announcements about The Center for Cartoon Studies’ 20th Anniversary will follow in 2026.

To receive a digital copy of Cartooning Season in advance of its November print publication, join CCS’s eNews mailing list. 

For press inquiries, interviews with CCS co-founders, faculty, or distinguished alumni, please contact media@cartoonstudies.org. 802.295.3319

About The Center for Cartoon Studies

The Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS) is America’s premier cartooning school and studio, located in the historic village of White River Junction, Vermont. CCS offers a two-year Master of Fine Arts degree, one- and two-year certificates in cartooning, and annual summer workshops. Faculty and visiting artists include many of today’s most celebrated cartoonists. Through its Applied Cartooning Lab, CCS partners with local and national organizations to explore how comics can foster civic engagement and social change. cartoonstudies.org

Images from Founding Documents and Drawings: Marking 20 Years of CCS, 2005-2025 exhibition:

Download images displayed above from the Founding Documents and Drawings: Marking 20 Years of CCS, 2005-2025:

• Sketch from inaugural brochure by Seth, cover design
• Drawing from Study Comics in Vermont poster, detail
• Drawing from Study Comics in Vermont poster, detail
• Study Comics in Vermont poster by Jason Little
• Drawing from CCS inaugural brochure by Seth, character panel
• Drawing from CCS inaugural brochure by Seth, character detail
• Drawing from CCS inaugural brochure by Seth, character detail
• Publication design instructions for inaugural brochure
• Commemorative brochure art by Seth, cover
• Commemorative brochure art by Seth, interior page