April 28, 2025

At the heart of CARD’s vibrant art and fantasy programs is Julian Lacombe, a passionate and imaginative instructor whose journey into teaching has been anything but ordinary. Since joining CARD in 2022, Julian has been inspiring students of all ages to explore their creativity through art and storytelling.

Julian’s background is rooted in education and art. Initially considering careers in special education and history, he ultimately found his calling in art instruction. With a credential in art teaching and experience at a charter school in Stockton, Julian realized that the structured school system wasn’t the best fit for his dynamic teaching style. Instead, he thrived in recreational art environments, including his time at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco.

“I really like recreational art,” Julian shares. “It’s much more fun when kids are there because they want to be, not because they have to be.”

His early classes at CARD began with cartooning and expanded into a diverse lineup, including fantasy illustration, 3D art, and craft workshops. His summer camps, which started in 2023, have quickly become a favorite, blending creative projects with engaging storytelling.

A lifelong fantasy enthusiast, Julian has seamlessly integrated his love for world-building and role-playing games into his teaching. His Fantasy World Building summer camp introduced students to creative writing, map-making, and storytelling, culminating in a simplified tabletop role-playing experience.

“The kids had a great time with it,” Julian recalls. “That’s when I realized how much fun it would be to run a full campaign for teens.”

His interactive Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) and fantasy-themed classes take role-playing to another level, incorporating hands-on activities like crafting potions that translate into in-game items. Due to the overwhelming interest from adults, he’s now expanding into interactive role-playing experiences tailored for older participants, hosted at his own Penny Ranch Art Studio.

Julian’s artistic ventures extend beyond CARD. Under his independent brand, Moonshadow Makers Workshop, he creates and sells fantasy-inspired collage and clay artwork. While he has been active in local art markets, he now focuses on select opportunities that align with his creative vision.

In the realm of D&D, Julian’s imaginative characters reflect his storytelling prowess. One of his current favorites? A halfling in an urban fantasy setting who dreams of fame, first attempting an acting career before pivoting to become a superhero. Armed with a magic iPad, he live-streams battles in hopes of becoming an adventuring influencer—a humorous and unique twist on the traditional fantasy archetype.

“There’s so much creativity in these games,” Julian explains. “People often think of wizards and warriors, but there are endless possibilities.”

Whether he’s teaching cartooning, fantasy illustration, or leading a tabletop role-playing adventure, Julian’s goal remains the same: to make learning fun, engaging, and accessible. His classes at CARD continue to grow in popularity, attracting both young artists and seasoned adventurers looking to explore new creative outlets.

Interested in bringing more creativity and adventure into your life? Check out Julian’s upcoming classes and summer camps at CARD and embark on a journey of imagination, artistry, and storytelling!

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About Chico Area Recreation & Park District

Established in 1948, the Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) is a California Special District dedicated to enriching the community through diverse recreational opportunities. CARD brings friends and families together to create joyful experiences and lasting memories. It oversees 17 community and neighborhood parks, four community centers, a swimming pool, the Chico Creek Nature Center, and more. CARD’s Play Guide showcases a wide variety of sports, classes, camps, and special events designed for all ages. Discover more about CARD at chicorec.gov.