Cartoonist to sign books at Colorful Creations on Nov. 6

Date: 11/1/2010

Nov. 1, 2010

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

EAST LONGMEADOW -- A bead store is not the first place you would think to look for a cartoonist doing a book signing is it? But that's exactly where illustrator Ray Friesen will be on Nov. 6.

Friesen, the author of cartoon books, such as "Cheese Related Mishap" and "Cupcakes of Doom" and a weekly online comic strip, entitled "Pirate Penguin and Ninja Chicken," will be signing copies of his books, as well as hosting cartooning workshops at Colorful Creations Bead Company.

The signing and workshop will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the store's location at 37 Harness Ave.

"Like I always say about Ray, he's the captain of a galaxy far, far away," Pat Pawlowicz, owner of Colorful Creations, said. "He's so creative and he's such an interesting man to talk to."

Friesen, 21, is the son of a familiar face at Colorful Creations. His mother, Christy, is an internationally-recognized beader, sculptor and author, who makes yearly visits. Pawlowicz, consequently has known the younger Friesen for years.

He is currently helping Pawlowicz design her own book, which is due to hit shelves after the holidays and agreed to spend some time in the shop while he's in town for a week working on the book.

"Art is all intermingled and this is all another way of introducing different mediums," Pawlowicz said. "Where else are you going to find a cartoonist in this area?"

Friesen's books are all printed by his own publishing company Don't Eat Any Bugs and are distributed on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble, as well as other book retailers.

For more information on Friesen and his books, go to his Web site, http://donteatanybugs.net.