An experienced cartoonist was Monadnock Sunmmer Lyceum’s second speaker of the season.

On Sunday, July 2, community members gathered at the Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church (PUUC) to hear cartoonist James Sturm discuss the importance of comics and their relationship to civic engagement, public health and democracy.

For the last three decades, Sturm has spent the majority of his time focusing on teaching and demonstrating the art of cartooning. Best known for his role in co-founding the Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction, Vt., Sturm is an award-winning cartoonist of three books: “The Golem’s Mighty Swing,” “Market Day” and “Off Season.”

In addition to his literature career, Sturm was the Mary I. Bunting Institute Fellow at Harvard Radcliffe Institute from 2020 to 2021 and a MacDowell Fellow in 2008 and 2015.

During his speech, Sturm said cartooning was once considered an activity for juvenile delinquents, but over the years, the art has blossomed into a unique and concise way to present information on pressing issues.

“Today, educators are embracing comics and students are drawn to the stories they tell,” said Sturm.

As an instructor at the Center for Cartoon Studies, Sturm talked about the creative process he and his students endured with veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sturm said he and his students would make frequent visits to the veterans’ homes and were tasked with drawing cartoons related to how the veterans were feeling that day.

Countless visits later, Sturm said his experiences with veterans inspired him to write some of his latest literature, including “Health and Wealth: A Graphic Guide to the US Healthcare System.”

“We aimed for an inviting and nostalgic vibe that was part 1970s ‘Schoolhouse Rock’ animation videos and part Richard Scarry,” said Sturm.

After the discussion, Lyceum Committee Chair Bob Haring-Smith said Sturm brought a new perspective on art to this year’s summer lyceum.

“I enjoyed the talk and was impressed at looking at ‘Health and Wealth’ and how effective it was conveying a lot of information in a entertaining fashion,” stated Haring-Smith.

On Sunday, July 9, at 11 a.m., the lyceum will be welcoming Peterborough Players Artistic Director Tom Frey to the stage. Frey will be talking about the pleasures and difficulties associated with change and the important role of theater in the modern world.

Doors to the PUUC will be open at 10:30 a.m.