'The Virtual Art Gallery Workshop' Instructor;
Christopher Epling
Owner of Epling Illustrations; 2010 - present day
Christopher Epling is a graduate of both the University of Kentucky (2012), and the University of Pikeville (2003). He is an award winning illustrator, author, and cartoonist. His “Sequential Art Workshop” (ages 13 and up) and “Cartooning Workshop” (ages 12 and under) has been recognized by the Kentucky State Government (2014) as a ‘valuable resource for our schools in combining creative writing and the visual-arts’. Since 2011, Epling has visited over 300 elementary, middle, and high schools across the tri-state area. In 2008, he returned to civilian life after serving four years with the 101st Airborne Division (Operation Iraqi Freedom-15 month deployment). His published comic strips and cartoons are syndicated in various newspapers across Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. In 2012, Epling's first children's book was published and featured at the Kentucky Book Fair in Frankfort, Ky (Erby's Turn to Rake). This title received a 'Silver Medal' as a '2013 Children's Book of the Year Award' from 'Reader's Favorite'. He received the Kentucky Press Association 'Mark of Excellence Award' for Editorial Cartooning back to back years (2012 & 2013) for his work in the 'Kentucky Kernel' and 'North of Center' (Lexington, Ky). Epling was named 'Artist to Watch for 2013' by comicrelated.com. In 2014, Epling’s cartoon titled ‘Unmasking’ was selected as a part of the National Liberty Museum’s ‘Building Bridges’ exhibit, and will remain on display through 2015. His third book, titled ‘SALT; Year-One Anthology’, is due to be released November 2014. Epling is currently working on a graphic novel, set in Eastern Kentucky, titled ‘Carbide Bottom’.
In total, Epling has written and illustrated three books of his own, and nine books by various other authors through multiple publishing companies across the east coast of the United States. He works as his main profession as an author, illustrator, and cartoonist, but also serves as the Art Director for the St. Francis School of Assisi (Pikeville, KY) and the Challenger Learning Center (Hazard, KY).
ABOUT These Student Authors and Illustrators
Ten students were selected out of the 17 counties worth of schools who participated in the first 'Virtual Art Gallery Workshop'. These students will soon have their own website where their works will be available for purchase. STARS Publishing supplies each student with their first case of books. Students keep 100% of the revenue from their sales. With assistance from UPIKE Coleman College of Business, students develop a business plan for their professional development. To see a shining example for the potential of STARS Publishing, please visit www.TedHudson.net. Ted is a Breathitt County High School Junior at the time of his first published book; 'Noah's Ark'.
“Lilly the Cat” – Herald Whitaker Middle School; Destiny Conley and Haley Marshall.
“Supernova”- Magoffin County High School; Madison Ward and Emily York (14 years old and amazing work)
“‘Deception”- Paintsville High School; Sarah Colvin and Abbey Web
“The Animals and the Cake”- An elementary school in Breathitt County (Scott’s Group); Elizabeth Hall
“Al. Saves the World”- Martha Jane Potter Elementary; Alex Kincer and Shyann Holbrooke
“Peony the Ballerina”- Betsy Layne High School; Vannah Vance
“The Ugly Pumpkin”-Millard Middle School; Christopher Conley
“Brutus and Rudi’s Unorthodox Adventure” – Belfry HIgh School; Chrissy Walters
“Jack and Sue Like Fishing Too” – Betsy Layne High School; Sarah Akers
“Confessions of a Jail Bird”- Betsy Layne High School; Taylor Bush and Abby Hamilton
NEW Published Authors and Illustrators EACH School Year!
Congratulations to the Spring 2015 Published Authors and Illustrators!
