Patch's 'Sunday Toons' Featured in Riverside Art Show

For cartoonist Charley Krebs, drawing his thoughts has always been a form of shorthand journalism.

"A good image will draw you in," Krebs said of his work. "It makes an editorial comment and can start a good discussion."

Krebs has been drawing the news since 1979, first at his college newspaper and most recently here at Patch. Readers can see his Sunday Cartoon weekly on their local Patch site where Krebs offers his unique vision of the world and his opinion on events that matter to readers.

While much may have changed in the cartooning business since he got his start, Krebs said he loves the ability to work with a digital news site.

"Everything is instantaneous," he said. "I can come up with an idea, draw it and have it up on the site the same day."

The artwork of Charley Krebs is being featured all month long at the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road in Riverside.

"It's been in the works for awhile," Krebs said of the exhibition. "I thought it would be a great chance to show off the editorial work I've been doing for Patch."

Krebs has selected 20 of his favorite cartoons from his work with AOL/Patch to display around the library, as well as samples of his work with Chicago Jazz Magazine and Suburban Life newspapers.

"I went through and picked the ones I liked working on and that I thought had the biggest reach," Krebs said.

While his work with Patch is still timely, Krebs said the examples of his work with the Suburban Life reflect public issues that are 15 years old in some cases. Most of this earlier work, he said, features issues that were going on in Riverside. 

"It is interesting to be able to look back and see what people were talking about. Some things don't change," he said, laughing.

The Riverside Public Library will host an artist's reception at 2 p.m. April 15 in the library's public meeting room. Local guitarist Paul Halvey will perform while patrons meet the man behind the art.

Check out a collection of Charley Krebs' work on Patch here, and remember to head to Patch every Sunday for a new cartoon.