Exhibit offers behind-the-scenes peek at comic strip

The exhibit For Better or For Worse: The Comic Art of Lynn Johnston, which runs July 11-Nov. 1, features artwork created by Johnston at all stages of her life.

It includes everything from childhood artwork to drawings created as a medical artist working at McMaster University to original For Better or For Worse artwork to the paintings and fabric design she's creating these days.

Visitors to the gallery can even see the scratched and pitted drafting table where Johnston created the comic strip for 30 years.

The gallery's first floor is dedicated to Johnston's early work, while the second floor features important For Better or For Worse storylines, including April's birth, Lawrence coming out and Elizabeth's wedding.

The exhibit will travel to other galleries throughout Canada once its Art Gallery of Sudbury run ends.

For Better or For Worse follows the lives of the Pattersons — a family originally based on Johnston's own. The comic strip, which began in 1979, is now in “re-runs" in newspapers around the world.

Johnston said she hopes the exhibit acts as inspiration. “I especially want children to be able to say 'I can do it too,'” she said.

Art Gallery of Sudbury curatorial assistant Deanna Nebenionquit said it was a joy to work with Johnston on the exhibit, as she read the strip as a child.

“I wanted to let the fans of the comic learn some new information about Lynn, but I also have to be cautious of the fact that some people may not be familiar with Lynn Johnston,” she said.

An opening gala for the exhibit takes place at 5 p.m. July 16, where fans have a chance to meet Johnston in person. Tickets are $50.

Regular admission to the gallery costs $7 for adults and $5 for students. Children 12 and under get in for free.

A book has also been published to accompany the exhibit. For Better or For Worse: The Comic Art of Lynn Johnston costs $24.95.

Learn more about the exhibit at thecomicartoflynnjohnston.com.