IN MEMORIAM Comics with Friends and Strangers 2013-2021
Comics with Friends and Strangers (CWFS) was a comics sketch group held monthly on Kaurna Land (Adelaide) between June 2013 and December 2021. It aimed to offer emerging, established and prospective comic creators an opportunity to come together and draw comics, share tips and chat with likeminded folk. During the 8 1/2 years of its existenc
e, the group had two homes: first Tooth and Nail Studios (RIP) and then the Box Factory Community Centre. CWFS was conceived and co-organised by Georgina Chadderton and Owen Heitmann (assisted by occasional guest hosts), inspired by a visit to a drawing night at Melbourne’s Squishface Studio. Beginning with just a few faces each month, the group steadily attracted more attendees, regularly gathering more than 30 people as a drop-in event (until COVID-19 restrictions necessitated bookings and limited numbers). Each month’s meeting featured an optional activity, typically focusing on a specific aspect of comics-making. Guest hosts who offered their own expertise (or covered for Owen and Gina when they were absent) included Dr Mike 2000, Greg Holfeld, Mitch Hearn and Alex Smith. Across nearly 100 meetings, we met more wonderful regulars, occasional attendees and once-off visitors than we can name, but if you were part of CWFS in any form, then we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. CWFS will live on in our memories!
