'Rubes' Cartoonist is Often at the Head of a Class

By: Dave Astor Cartoonist Leigh Rubin is affiliated with Creators Syndicate and the Children's Creative Project.

The syndicate distributes Rubin's "Rubes" comic, while the California-based CCP sends artists into elementary schools.

Rubin had already done cartooning workshops in schools for years before signing with the CCP in September 2004.

"Working with the kids is a blast," Rubin told E&P. "They're so enthusiastic and spontaneous. It's wonderful to see so many budding artists."

He added that students not only learn about art through cartooning, but also "learn about the humor in history, science, and math."

In his school workshops, Rubin answers questions, offers drawing tips, shows and draws cartoons, and has students create their own cartoons.