Local Cartoonist Teaches His Craft to Kids

With blank sheets of paper in front of them and number 2 pencils in hand, a group of about 20 first and second graders sit at tables at the Eastchester Public Library and listen attentively.

The group is receiving instruction from local cartoonist and teacher Mike Teator, who guides them on how to create Billy Bee—a cute, baby bee with big bubbly eyes who flies through the sky.

"I got into teaching art with kids because I remember things being shared with me by a sculptor when I was a little boy," explained Teator. "It just opened up the world to me. I try to give them same thing back to these kids. I love it when you give them a concept or idea, the light bulb goes off in their mind. Suddenly, they've got something else to add to their drawing to make it better."

And that was evident on Monday afternoon.

One young student raised her hand and said, "I added eyelashes to my bee because I made it a girl bee."

A long time avid fan of cartoons including Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, and Elmer Fudd, Teator began drawing at the age of five.

"I traveled with my sketch pad all the time and sketched everything, not only cartoons, but furniture in my home and in the homes of my relatives. Having a pencil, an eraser, and my ring binder were a necessity," said Teator.

But as an adult, Teator took a big leap of faith with his craft.

"After working a number of years, I wanted to do something, have my own business. I loved art. At the time, I really had the opportunity so I experimented to see if I could do this and it worked out to be a successful decision," he explained.

In addition to art showings and town fairs, Teator also teaches in various schools.

"It's where I keep most of my activity," he said, "Years ago, I did a lot of shows but I am gravitating more toward teaching. I do a circuit of schools. Right now, I'm at Scarsdale and Bronxville. I will be coming back to Eastchester schools next year."

And without realizing it, residents may have already seen his artwork. Teator's creations can be seen in various spots in the area, including Lake Isle.

"All of the murals in the catering center [are] all pieces that I've painted. Each year, when the kiddie pools are drained, I go there and paint the bottom of the pool. This year's paintings are of Yoshi from Super Mario Bros and Phineas and Ferb," he said.

From answering student's questions to providing warm words of encouragement to his young students, Teator's passion for his work is evident.

"I love teaching drawing to people because it's really the groundwork of good art," he explained. "You need to know how to sketch or draw before you go on to do something not only successful but follows good principles of art."