All workshops times are based on Pacific Standard Time
Friday, September 18th
1:00 - 2:30 PM
Lloyd Aquino and Robert Piluso, “Poetry Comic Workshop”
Location: Multicultural Center BLDG 410-2030
Workshop Description: Join us for a multicultural experience in collaboration with the English and Literature
department. Attend this fun, interactive workshop to learn how to combine the written
word and the visual image. Learn how to create poetry comics to express yourself in
any way you can possible imagine!
Bio:
Lloyd Aquino is the current coordinator of Culturama at Mt. SAC. He teaches composition and creative
writing poetry. Three books of his poetry have been published over the years: Madeline
After the Fall, Concrete’s Song, and Once It’s Over.
Robert Piluso, M.A., M.F.A., is a Professor of English at Mt. San Antonio College where he teaches
composition, literature, mythology, cinema, and fiction writing. He earned his advanced
degrees from C.S.U. Fullerton in English and University of Southern California in
Writing for Screen and Television. Piluso's independent comic series Redemptor, Señor
Zorro, and most recently Gangster Bat have all debuted on the best-selling list of
Graphic Novel Adaptations on Amazon. Prior publications include over a decade of entertainment
journalism and film criticism at Script Magazine, a chapter in The Essential Sopranos
Reader (University of Kentucky Press), The Chaffey Review, and Dash. He lives with
his wife Dani Gomez and daughter Madelyn in Southern California.
Monday, September 30th
1:00 - 2:20 PM
Stephanie Barbé Hammer, “How (Not) to Write a Mystery Novel”
Location: Online through Zoom- https://mtsac-edu.zoom.us/j/6777468613
Workshop Description: Do you want to tell a story, or perhaps already have a draft, but feel stumped by
plot, raising the stakes, and keeping the energy going? How about using the procedures
of a mystery to energize your tale? We’ll make some lists, do a little generative
writing, and think of ways to energize your story through the use of genre writing.
Bio: Stephanie Barbé Hammer is a 7-time Pushcart Prize nominee in fiction, nonfiction,
and poetry and the author of 7 published books: 2 novels, 1 novelette, 1 novella,
and 3 collections of poetry. Wait, she lied! She also wrote a handbook on how to write
Magical Realism.
Thursday, October 3rd
2:00 - 3:30 PM
Francesca Terzano, “Cosplay and Finding Your Identity Workshop 1”
Location: Multicultural Center BLDG 410-2030
Workshop Description: Join us for a multicultural experience in collaboration with the English, Literature,
and Creative Writing Department. This workshop will cover the history and concept
of cosplay. Find out more about the contest happening at Culturama, too!
Bio: Coming Soon!
Tuesday, October 8th
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Tanner Naas, “Promise, Progress, and Payoffs in Fiction Writing”
Location: Multicultural Center BLDG 410-2030
Workshop Description: Learn how iconic franchises like Star Wars and Harry Potter organize their narrative
arcs to raise anticipation and create a powerful crescendo to a story’s climax.
Bio: Tanner Naas is a community college professor of English with a great appreciation
for fantasy and young adult novels. He loves reading and has spent significant time
researching the advice and practices of different authors in the genre. From the outline
writing approach of Brandon Sanderson to the seat-of-your-pants writing used by Stephen
King, Tanner has acquired a well-rounded understanding of the different approaches
and techniques used in creative writing and is looking forward to sharing them with
attendees during Culturama.
Tuesday, October 15th
2:00 - 3:00 PM
Melissa Macias, "Felting Workshop"
Location: Multicultural Center BLDG 410-2030
Workshop Description: Learn basic needle felting techniques to make a unique headpiece for your cosplay
designs or just for fun!
Bio: Melissa Macias is a practicing artist and professor at Mt. San Antonio College,
where she currently serves as the Mt. SAC Art Club advisor. She received her BA and
MFA from California State University, Long Beach. Her personal work explores ideas
of memory and mythmaking through mixed media and installation.
Thursday, October 17th
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Francesca Terzano, “Cosplay and Finding Your Identity Workshop 2”
Location: Multicultural Center BLDG 410-2030
Workshop Description: Join us for a multicultural experience in collaboration with the English, Literature,
and Creative Writing Department. This workshop will cover the history and concept
of cosplay. Find out more about the contest happening at Culturama, too!
