The power of political cartooning

TORRINGTON — Acclaimed Litchfield County illustrators Marc Simont and Barry Blitt have been tapped by the Litchfield County Writers Project to talk about political cartooning on Monday, April 4, at 6:30 p.m., at UConn’s Torrington branch.Simont, whose work has appeared in this newspaper, is an artist, political cartoonist and illustrator of more than 100 children’s books. His first children’s book was published in 1939.Blitt’s illustrations have appeared on the cover of The New Yorker and in the pages of the Chicago Tribune, the New York Times and Entertainment Weekly. He is the illustrator of “Once Upon a Time, The End (Asleep in 60 Seconds),” by Geoffrey Kloske, as well as several other picture books.Both artists will discuss their work and its impact as a medium in political and environmental events. There will be a book sale and book signings after the discussion. Examples of the illustrators’ work are being exhibited at the campus’ Whitson Gallery from April through September.The Litchfield County Writers Project provides programs that celebrate the creative work of Litchfield County and support the academic aims of the University of Connecticut. The Torrington UConn Co-op carries all the books for LCWP events, available to students and the general public. Donations can be made online at foundation.uconn.edu.All of the Litchfield County Writers Project events are free and open to the public. No reservations are needed. Classes and discussions will be in the Francis W. Hogan Lecture Hall at the UConn Torrington campus, 855 University Drive, Torrington, CT, 06790. For further information or to be added to the e-mail list, visit lcwp.uconn.edu or call 860-626-6852.