A Disney cartoonist will lead a virtual audience through the basics of cartooning as part of West Chester University’s 38th Annual Presidential Scholarship Community Gala – the 2021: G.A.L.A.

Artist Keelan Parham will guide up to 40 participants through a lesson in shapes and animal drawings on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 2 PM. $100 provides household log-in access to the event. Purchase here. For more information, contact the Events Office at events@wcufoundation.org.

“We learned from the first event in our live, virtual gala series – an evening with Hamilton cast members – that this format offers unforeseen advantages,” said Christopher Mominey, Chief Executive Officer of the West Chester University Foundation. “The Hamilton cast members told impromptu stories and spoke of life lessons, while the cap in attendance made for a personal and intimate experience. We look forward to the same from Mr. Parham’s cartooning session.”

Parham has been a professional cartoonist for more than 20 years. His work has been published in comic books, books, magazines, and advertisements. He and his wife co-own Artistic Talent Group, which specializes in Live Visual Artists for events, and Caricature Connection, which owns and operates caricature concessions at Walt Disney World and other venues.

Parham is past President of the International Society of Caricature Artists and a proud member of the prestigious National Cartoonists’ Society.

Each year, the gala draws more than 300 members of the community to an event that is dedicated to the continued academic success of WCU students. Since its inception in 1983, the benefit has raised more than $1.2 million for WCU students through a renewable, four-year Presidential Scholarship, which is designed to provide financial assistance to students who have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence.

Remaining events in the live, virtual gala series include:

• Wayne Hoffman in Distant Deceptions: An Interactive Virtual Mind-Reading & Illusion Show on Thursday, April 1 at 7 PM
• Drag Queen Bingo on Friday, April 9 at 7 PM
• An Evening with Henry Winkler on Saturday, April 27 at 8 PM
• Meet & Greet with Henry Winkler on Saturday, April 27 at 9 PM