Artist travels the country encouraging children to pursue the arts

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Will Stuck has always been an artist. For Stuck, it was music or drawing; he wanted to be a cartoon artist. His career path led him to become a librarian. However, in 2011, his world changed when he suffered a heart attack.

“I kind of had one of those stereotypical, ‘Am I doing what I’m supposed to be doing with my life?’ kind of moments,” Stuck said.

After his recovery, his passion for making an impact on children’s lives changed. Stuck said a friend told him he should think bigger than the library he worked at. Stuck said that advice deeply affected him; he took that advice and started teaching children art and science skills.

“If kids are showing up at this, they probably already have a little bit of a passion for drawing or cartoons, so if I can give them any kind of tips to kind of foster and encourage that love of drawing, I’m all about it,” Stuck said.

Children who attended the program at the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Library learned how to create their own cartoon characters. Stuck showed the young artists how to draw people and gave advice on how to spur creativity. Attendees practiced while Stuck teaches them.

“I definitely think that after everything he’s taught me that I do want to continue with art,” said Chloe Youngs, one of the event’s attendees.

Stuck said people will doubt their artistic abilities and question if they’re doing it correctly. He tells them all the same thing.

“If art makes you happy, then you’re doing it right. And it doesn’t matter what art we’re talking about: storytelling, playing music, singing, acting, dancing— if you’re happy, you’re doing it the right way,” Stuck said.

Stuck said since he started traveling across the country, he feels like he’s touched more lives than ever before.

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