Join Me at the Verde Valley Comic Expo 2026 for the Shape Drawing Challenge
I’m excited to announce that I’ll be appearing at the Verde Valley Comic Expo 2026, and I’d love to see you there. This fun, family-friendly comic expo takes place on Saturday, March 28th, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Cottonwood Recreation Center in Cottonwood, Arizona. If you’re local to the Verde Valley or planning to attend the expo, this is a great opportunity to spend the day surrounded by comics, art, creativity, and hands-on activities for kids.
The Verde Valley Comic Expo 2026 is a fantastic event for families, young artists, and anyone who enjoys creative storytelling. I’ll be there in person, drawing, talking with attendees, and hosting a special live drawing event for kids that’s designed to be interactive, welcoming, and fun.
The Shape Drawing Challenge Live Drawing Event
One of the highlights of my appearance at the Verde Valley Comic Expo 2026 will be my live drawing event called the Shape Drawing Challenge. This is a hands-on activity where I walk young artists step by step through turning simple shapes into full cartoon characters.
During the Shape Drawing Challenge, kids won’t just watch me draw. They’ll draw along with me. I’ll provide worksheets so everyone can follow the process in real time. We’ll start with basic shapes and slowly transform them into recognizable characters using imagination and creativity. There’s no pressure to draw perfectly. The goal is to explore ideas, make creative choices, and enjoy the process.
This event is designed for kids of a wide range of ages and skill levels. Whether your child draws all the time or is just starting out, they’ll be able to participate and come away with drawings they’re proud of.
What Makes the Shape Drawing Challenge Different
The Shape Drawing Challenge is all about creative thinking. Instead of copying a finished drawing, kids learn how to look at shapes differently and ask questions like, “What could this become?” A circle might turn into a character’s head. A triangle might become a hat, an animal, or something unexpected.
This approach helps kids develop problem-solving skills and confidence. There’s no single “right” answer, which makes the activity especially encouraging for kids who might feel intimidated by drawing.
The Shape Drawing Challenge at the Verde Valley Comic Expo 2026 is based directly on my book of the same name, which expands this concept into a full drawing experience kids can continue at home.
About the Shape Drawing Challenge Book
The Shape Drawing Challenge book takes the same ideas from the live event and turns them into a creative activity kids can revisit again and again. Inside the book, kids are presented with simple shapes and encouraged to turn them into characters, creatures, and objects using their imagination.
Each shape appears multiple times throughout the book, allowing kids to try different ideas without starting from scratch every time. The book also includes examples to help spark ideas, but it always leaves room for original thinking.
Parents often tell me they love this book because it doesn’t feel restrictive. Kids aren’t just following instructions. They’re learning how to think creatively and trust their ideas.
Meet Kevin Coulston at the Expo
For those who may be new to my work, my name is Kevin Coulston. I’m a cartoonist, animator, and writer, and I’m the author and illustrator of over 90 children’s drawing books, with more on the way. All of my books are created to help kids build confidence through drawing and creativity.
In addition to my art books for kids, I’ve also written kid-friendly comic book series like Dylan McVillain: A Super Villain with the Best Intentions and The Adventures of a 4th Grade Space Captain, as well as the children’s picture book series Alexis and the T-Rexes.
Over the past decade and a half, my focus has shifted more and more toward inspiring young artists. That’s where my How to Draw, Trace Then Color, Draw by Grid, and Shape Drawing Challenge books come in. Every drawing in these books is hand-drawn by me, with kids and families in mind.
Art Books for Kids You’ll See at the Expo
At the Verde Valley Comic Expo 2026, I’ll also be showcasing a wide selection of my art books for kids. These books cover a range of drawing styles and approaches, so kids can find what works best for them.
Some kids enjoy step-by-step drawing. Others prefer tracing and coloring. Some like working with grids, and others enjoy open-ended challenges like the Shape Drawing Challenge. My goal with this series has always been to give kids options and help them discover what they enjoy most.
If you attend the expo, you’ll be able to flip through the books, ask questions, and see how each style works.
Why Events Like This Matter
One of the reasons I enjoy events like the Verde Valley Comic Expo 2026 is because they bring creativity into a shared space. Kids get to see that drawing isn’t just something done alone at a desk. It can be social, playful, and encouraging.
The live Shape Drawing Challenge is especially rewarding because kids get immediate feedback and encouragement. They see how one idea can turn into many different drawings, even when everyone starts with the same shape.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re attending the Verde Valley Comic Expo 2026, I hope you’ll stop by and join the Shape Drawing Challenge. Bring your kids, grab a worksheet, and draw along with me. You don’t need any special supplies or experience—just a willingness to try.
The expo runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cottonwood Recreation Center in Cottonwood, Arizona, on Saturday, March 28th, 2026. It’s a great way to spend the day supporting creativity and giving kids a hands-on art experience they’ll remember.
Final Thoughts
The Verde Valley Comic Expo 2026 is shaping up to be a fun, creative event, and I’m excited to be part of it. The Shape Drawing Challenge is one of my favorite ways to connect with young artists and help them see drawing as something approachable and enjoyable.
If you’ve ever wanted to encourage your child’s creativity, this is a great place to start. I hope to see you there.
Kevin Coulston is an accomplished cartoonist, animator, and writer. He is the author and illustrator of over 80 (and still counting) children’s drawing books available here on FirstArtBooks.com. Kevin has also authored numerous kid-friendly comic book series, including “Dylan McVillain: A Super Villain with the Best Intentions” and “The Adventures of a 4th Grade Space Captain,” along with the Children’s Picture Book series “Alexis and the T-Rexes.”
