The Center for Cartoon Studies is a school located in White River Junction, Vermont, which offers a two-year program focused on sequential art. It was founded by cartoonist James Sturm and Michelle Ollie in 2004, with its first classes offered in the Fall of 2005. The inaugural class is of 20 students and the school's eventual capacity is planned to be around 40 students.

The school intends to educate students to be proficient in all aspects of graphic design and production, including self-publication and promotion. This is a notable step away from the specialized production model of mainstream comics companies such as Marvel Comics and DC Comics, wherein writing, pencilwork, inking, coloring, and lettering are most often handled by separate individuals. This inclination is perhaps in part due to many of the faculty's (as well as significant donor Peter Laird's) experience with alternative comics. It does not yet offer courses in animation.

In addition to Sturm, permanent and visiting faculty include industry notables such as Alison Bechdel, Steve Bissette, Ed Brubaker, Ivan Brunetti, James Kochalka, Scott McCloud, Seth, Art Spiegelman, Craig Thompson, and Chris Ware.

External links

• official site
• local news coverage
• journal/essay by Sturm about founding the school
• interview with CCS student Josie Whitmore at the Kochalkaholic! weblog

Universities and colleges in Vermont | Art schools in the United States | Vermont culture | 2004 establishments | White River Junction, Vermont