NEWS RELEASE
Family Comic Book Convention
at Explorium of Lexington October 28
Contact: Deanna McDaniel, Marketing Director
(859) 258-3253 x19
mcdaniel@explorium.com
Explorium of Lexington is hosting the Bluegrass’ first Family Comic Book Convention,
Explor-A-Con, Oct. 28th from 10 am to 6 pm. a family-friendly version of the huge comic book conventions in Chicago and San Diego, the convention features an amateur comic book art show for artists under the age of 21. It will open up a whole avenue of creativity for young artists. Central Kentucky’s young people can sculpt an action figure, paint a super hero portrait, draw a 9-panel comic page or use their favorite graphic software to create a cover design – anything that they can imagine drawing inspiration from manga, graphic novels or comic books.
Essential convention programming takes an interesting twist at Explor-A-Con. In addition to the art show, there will be workshops in creature illustration, an “artists’ alley” with artists offering original artwork for sale, a demonstration on designing a web comic and a panel discussion with local comic industry professionals. “Every aspect of the programming ties in with literacy, art, technology and encouraging people of all ages to explore their own creativity,” said Deanna McDaniel, Marketing Director of Explorium. “Comic books are valid literary tools. Besides that, they’re fun.”
Explorium is hosting this convention not only to promote young artists, but also to encourage the learning that comes with exploring new territory. “Comics are not just illustrations. Graphic Novels work with words to tell the story. Great for reluctant readers,” said Jan Isenhour, Executive Director, Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning. The first 100 people will receive exclusive grab bags full of prizes including PETA comics and Explorium freebies.
“Many of today’s comics rely heavily on allusion, satire, irony, and parody to make a point. Students discover they might actually need to know such terms for reasons other than analyzing a Dickinson poem. Making this connection has strengthened their understanding of terms,” Sharon F. Webster, English literacy coach at Narragansett High School in Narragansett, Rhode Island.
And of course, there’s the fun! Children in costume will receive a dollar discount off regular admission. In addition to the typical programs Explor-A-Con will also feature a live action battle between Super Heroes and Villains performed by the Known World Players. The workshop that follows will be of particular interest to people who aren’t quite ready for Halloween - a costume specialist will demonstrate how to make your own costumes based on comic book characters. Clay Held of Kid Twisted Comics will lead a workshop on creating your own web comic.
“Go experience it. Comic stores and comics have evolved. Comics and graphic novels incorporate all genres for all different kinds of people," said Elissa Lynch of Diamond Comics. Fans of classic literature will even have the chance to meet the author and artist from the Frankenstein comic book offered by Dead Dog Comics, R.D. Hall and Mark Kidwell.
For a full schedule check out www.explorium.com or www.myspace.com/explorium
