Guest Artists

The incredble lineup of Guests Artists can be spotted throughout the convention!

Hannah Batsel will be helping you create a prints in the Zinetopia section of Laker Con in the Artist Market (Section C).

Comfort and Adam and Serena Guerra will be tabling in Artists Market (Section E).

Gene Ha, Brian Stelfreeze/Stine Walsh, George Pratt, Christopher Moeller, John Van Fleet and Mike Kennedy can be found in the Signing Area to sign autographs, share their work, or review artist portfolios.

Comics and Democracy

Comics and Democracy is programming designed to show how creativity and free speech can come together in a democracy.

Outside of LAB 001, you can draw or write onto a communal illustrated mural with the theme of "comics and democracy."

Coloring pages and stickers will also be available on this wall to express yourself!

Atomic Object Technology Showcase

Visit the Tech Showcase, a premier exhibition space within the Innovation and Research Ecosystem in the Information Technology Division.

Watch trophies for the Cosplay Contest being made, and explore the extended reality and maker spaces in LIB 012 and 040.

Drawn Together: Comics, Diversity, and Stereotypes | 11 AM - Activity Room, LAB 001

Drawn Together: Comics, Diversity, and Stereotypes

2018 [52min]

With a lively backdrop of superheroes, comic books, and animated comics, DRAWN TOGETHER brings together three talented artists—a Sikh, a woman, and an African American—who are challenging the racist stereotyping currently endemic in America through their work.

The documentary provides the rare opportunity to explore the subjects of race, gender, and religion stereotyping through the universally popular medium of comic books and cartoons. DRAWN TOGETHER boldly encourages viewers to unlearn stereotyping, look beyond the obvious, and confront media prejudices—all through an uncommon and inherently engaging everyday source.

Mary Ruge | 12 NOON - Activity Room, Lab 001

Zines in Academia

If you are a student looking for ways to get creative with your research, or an educator trying to find new ways to connect students to learning, consider zines!  Join Mary in discussing the ways academia has increased their utilization of zines, in both the liberal arts and STEM classes, and how the medium can impacts learning and teaching. You don’t have to be an artist, either. Just bring your ideas, your academic passions, and an open mind to see how you can infuse some creativity into your scholarship, while making all of your hard work more accessible to peers and novices alike!

Animated Shorts | 1 PM - Activity Room, Lab 001

Academy Awards Nominated Animation

A selection of short films nominated for the Academy Awards.

GV Anime Club | 2:00 PM - Activity Room, Lab 001

Talk

Description

Instagram @klarityshine / @gv.animeclub 

Design Club | 3:00 PM - Activity Room, LAB 001

Dress to Impress

It is an online game where you put together outfits to a specific theme.

Animation Guild | 4:00 PM - Activity Room, Lab 001

Animation Trivia

Test your knowledge on all things cartoons, animation and anime.

What We Can Be: A Cosplay Story | 11:00 AM - Activity Room, Lab 001

Documentary: What We Can Be: A Cosplay Story | 2022

Within the Kansas City cosplay community, a microcosm of society exhibits personal struggles and triumphs. Behind the masks, underneath the cowls, and beneath the makeup these cosplayers seek to reconnect with family and friends, reckon with mental health concerns, express LGBTQ+ pride, and find the courage to overcome both external adversity and inner demons.

60 mins

The Adventure Never Ends | 12:00 NOON - Activity Room, Lab 001

Documentary: The Adventure Never Ends (a Tabletop Saga) | 2023

A 2023 documentary short film about the history of tabletop role-playing games (RPGs). The film explores how RPGs have become a pop culture phenomenon and have shaped millions of lives through storytelling. It also takes a look at the community of fans and creators, and how youth programs use RPGs to promote socialization, empathy, and team building.

39 mins

SIGIL | 1:00 PM - Activity Room, Lab 001

The Exquisite Corpse
(All Ages)

A drawing method first used by surrealist artists, join SIGIL in creating collaborative, bizarre and fun drawings.

Roy Gibbs | 2:00 PM - Activity Room, Lab 001

Creating Superheroes
(All Ages)

Create a superhero using shapes and details with Roy Gibbs. See how light and shadow can create unique characters.

Sponsored by Art Education, Visual and Media Arts Department, GVSU

Comic Book Club | 3:00 PM - Activity Room, Lab 001

Comics Trivia

Comics Trivia is a Cahoots-style game that tests participants comics knowledge.

Stage | 1:30 PM - Multipurpose Room

Tech Olympics

Join STAGE for an exciting hour at their Tech Olympics! In this dynamic relay game participants will race against the clock to complete a series of challenges, including putting on costumes, activating stage lights, and navigating various tech setups. Whether you're a seasoned performer or new to theatre, this is a perfect opportunity to showcase your skills, collaborate with others, and enjoy some friendly competition. Don’t miss out on the fun! (Prize may be included)