The below is the final version, last updated 2018-07-03 17:00.
Art of Body Motion
Friday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Atrium
Cori
Somatic awareness principals. Easy exercises to bring awareness to how one’s body moves. Learn to listen to your body and allow for change.
Art on Command
Sunday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Peri Charlifu, Brenna, Jim Humble, Michael McAfee, Mitzi Bartlett
Attending artists would love to hear from our potential customers and tell us what they would like us to do. Creating art is hard, and if you’re in the market to sell it, a heads up on what our customers want would be a gift! So come out and support your artists with some suggestions!
Art Show Tour
Friday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Chasm Creek
John Hertz
Take a one-hour guided tour through the art show as Docent John Hertz teaches you about the amazing art we have on display!
Art Show Tour
Saturday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Chasm Creek
Jeff Sturgeon
Take a one-hour guided tour through the art show as Guest of Honor Jeff Sturgeon discusses the amazing art we have on display!
Artist Chat – Friday
Friday, 9:00 PM-10:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Lee Moody, Peri Charlifu
A round table discussion where attending artists can talk to each other and also answer questions from our fans! Come out and have an informal visit with your favorite artists and see what makes us tick. Be there and don’t be square!
Artist Chat – Saturday
Saturday, 9:00 PM-10:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Lee Moody, Peri Charlifu
It’s so nice we did it twice! Once is never enough! If you missed the first, come out and chat us up! Or come back for seconds!
Artist Guest of Honor Presentation
Sunday, 9:00 AM-10:50 AM, Dragon Keep
Jeff Sturgeon
Come for an intimate presentation with our Artist Guest of Honor Jeff Sturgeon.
Artists & Moral Responsibility
Saturday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Melanie Bryant, Chaz Kemp, Jim Humble, Lannie Pihajlic, Melanie Unruh
Artist are among the most powerful people in our society. An artist can influence popular opinion, make something deplorable more palatable or shine a light on the ills of our society. So as artists, do we have a moral obligation to use our voices for our culture, or is it every artists for themselves?
Chainmaille 101
Friday, 8:00 PM-9:50 PM, Helm’s Deep
Billy Van Ark, A.M. Burns
This hands-on class will walk you through the basics of making chainmaille. Learn how to make a simple piece of maille that you’ll take home with you! Tools and materials provided. The panel will start with a brief presentation, but you can arrive anytime during the session.
Chainmaille 102
Saturday, 8:00 PM-9:50 PM, Helm’s Deep
Billy Van Ark
Chainmaille harder. If you have experience or attended Chainmaille 101, this is the class for you! Topics will include speed weaving and inlays.
Come draw with Chaz!
Friday, 6:00 PM-6:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Chaz Kemp
This conceptual art panel is open for all, regardless of artistic skill; we will focus on concept more than technique. Using a theme, like “The key to your heart”, it will be up to you on how to execute the idea. You are welcome to bring your own drawing pads, and pencils and paper will be available.
Commissioning an Artist
Friday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Dragon Keep
Blair Bartlett, Jeff Sturgeon, Michael McAfee, Mitzi Bartlett, Rubiee Tallyn Hayes
How to approach an artist and how to follow up on work after a commission is started. The best ways to approach an artist for commission work, how to maintain a professional relationship, how money should be handled, and how both parties can be protected.
Concept Art and Book Covers
Friday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Chaz Kemp, Carolyn Kay
Married couple Chaz Kemp and Carolyn Kemp are an artist and author duo who have some unique insight on how to do concept art for publication. If you’re an artist wanting to do book work, or an author who wants to hire an artist for self publishing, this is for you!
Convention vs Muggle Art Shows
Saturday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Jim Humble, Melanie Bryant, Melanie Unruh, Michael McAfee, Peri Charlifu
Let’s talk about the physical, financial, psychological and social differences between an art show at a convention and a “real world” arts and craft show. Also a good overview of some of the other marketing panels at the con.
Copyrights and Intellectual Property
Thursday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Dragon Keep
Blair Bartlett, Chaz Kemp, Jeff Sturgeon, Michael McAfee, Peri Charlifu
One of the big question for many artists is what is fair use. Can I use other peoples intellectual property? Can other use mine? The lines are becoming more and more blurred, and we will talk about what we think is fair, legal and ethical.
Craft Shouldn’t Be a Dirty Word!
Thursday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, The Shire
Rubiee Tallyn Hayes, Brenna, Melanie Unruh
There is nothing wrong with crafts! We will talk about separating hobby crafts from fine crafting, as well as making the leap from amateur to professional. Come and defend your passion! This is a no judgement zone panel.
Creativity Roundtable
Friday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Serenity
A.M. Burns, J.L. Forrest, Jeff Sturgeon, Olivia Wylie
What drives creative people, inspires us, keeps us going when the muse has gone out for pizza and left us sitting at our desks…alone…in the dark. Artists, writers, actors, musicians or just becoming one, come join us.
Establishing a Workflow
Sunday, 11:00 AM-12:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Peri Charlifu
Establishing a workflow is vital to an artist who wants to maintain production and keep their studio alive! Let’s talk about how to establish a cogent workflow that will work for you and keep you productive. You should never just sit and wonder what you should be doing! I will show you simple, effective and proven ways to make your time work for you. This is a popular class and fills up fast, so come early. PDF’s of the lecture will be available via E mail at the class.
Ethics and Art
Friday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Peri Charlifu, Blair Bartlett, Chaz Kemp, Mitzi Bartlett
How do ethics affect the artist? Let’s talk about different ideas and situations, including pricing, copyright, stealing ideas, borrowing themes, payment, taxes, and how we treat our customers and each other!
Exploding TARDIS Painting
Friday, 2:00 PM-4:50 PM, Atrium
Brenna
Create your own ‘Doctor Who’ inspired painting. Whether a beginner or a master, you are sure to have a good time! Our experienced instructor will guide and encourage you through a series of simple steps. Everyone keeps their masterpiece! Recommend for ages 10 and up, children should be accompanied by an adult. Special convention rate; $25/person. Seating is limited.
Fan Art vs Intellectual Property
Friday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Dragon Keep
Chaz Kemp, Mitzi Bartlett, Peri Charlifu
While much of fan art is original and very well done, we are concerned with the use of the intellectual property of a second party. Where is the line where homage ends and plagiarism begins?
Finding Your Voice & Developing Your Brand
Saturday, 9:00 AM-10:50 AM, Dragon Keep
Peri Charlifu
Artists find success with a cogent and recognizable voice and a brand that makes marketing your work easier. We will talk about how to best utilize your current work style and how to incorporate it in an overall sales approach. This class is very popular and fills up fast. PDF’s of the lecture will be available via email at the class.
Gentle Suggestion: Critique
Saturday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Dragon Keep
Jim Humble
It is impossible to make art in a vacuum and often times you are too close to your work to see any issues it might have. A great artist can put aside ego and listen to the insight of their peers. We encourage you to bring one or two pieces for gentle and useful critique by assembled artists.
Grimm After Dark
Saturday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, Main Events
Yvonne Larson, Liam Bootzin
Storytellers Liam Bootzin and Yvonne Larson present several stories collected by the Grimm Brothers. These stories are told the way they were originally told in the 1800’s and are pg-13
Have You Paid Your Dues
Thursday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Peri Charlifu, Chaz Kemp, Jeff Sturgeon, Mitzi Bartlett
Not all science fiction artists are book cover artists; there is a wide, wonderful world open to the general artist that has nothing to do with publication art. You can “pay your dues” in different currencies; come and learn what else is available to you!
Is Digital Art Cheating?
Saturday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Chaz Kemp, Jim Humble, Lannie Pihajlic, Michael McAfee, Mitzi Bartlett
The trend in art seems to be moving to the digital medium. Is push-button art cheating, or is there more to it ? Can a anyone do digital art, or does it take skill, knowledge, and creativity?
Joys and Pitfalls of Commissions
Friday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Chaz Kemp, Michael McAfee, Peri Charlifu, Rubiee Tallyn Hayes
Come learn from seasoned artists who provide tips and information to make commission transactions smoother and less painful. Learn how to place an order so both the artist and the buyer end up happy.
Mailing Art to Conventions
Thursday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Dragon Keep
Peri Charlifu, Michael McAfee, Mitzi Bartlett, Rubiee Tallyn Hayes
For many artist, the next step is venturing out into the art show circuit. In this class we will talk about how to find, approach, and successfully participate in mail-out shows. There are tricks to be sure!
Making the Unreal a Reality
Thursday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Blair Bartlett, Michael McAfee
We can’t go to the zoo and see a griffin or a dragon. We can’t wander through the forest and find a Xenomorph. It’s the artists job to make the unreal look real. We will talk about how an artist takes something that has no existence and makes you believe that it could be alive!
Marketing 101
Friday, 2:00 PM-3:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Peri Charlifu
This marketing class is perfect for the artist who wants to start to sell their work on a bigger scale. Discussion about different types of shows, how to find and prepare for them, marketing strategies, and pricing for point of sale and auction shows. This class fills up fast so get here early! PDFs of the lecture will be available via E mail to those interested.
Most Horrific Moments
Sunday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Jim Humble, Jeff Sturgeon, Melanie Unruh, Michael McAfee, Peri Charlifu
Being an artist is not all sunshine and art openings. We all have had the misfortune of sitting at a table selling our work and heard unfortunate comments. But these can be funny too. So, if you want a good chuckle at our expense, drop by and hear some horror stories.
No Sew Color!
Thursday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Carole I. Parker
How to add color to your costume or garment without having to sew using adhesives, silicon caulk, fabric paints, and dyes. Products and techniques will cover how to get the look of quilting without having to quilt, edge treatments, and how to deal with fabric that unravels easily.
Overcoming Creative Fears
Friday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Dragon Keep
Mario Acevedo, Cymru Roberts, Laurey (L.F.) Patten, Olivia Wylie
There is a time when you have to introduce your work to the world; learn to overcome a common, harrowing experience for every creative person.
Polymer clay demo
Wednesday, 1:00 PM-2:50 PM, Bristlecone
Mitzi Bartlett
Regional artist, Mitzi Bartlett, will be giving a live demonstration on the use of Polymer clay. Come and see how an artist crafts the work that you will be buying in the art show!
Popsicle Stick Catapults
Friday, 11:00 AM-12:50 PM, Bristlecone
Come build a catapult and participate in an all out Pom Pom war!
Pursuing Your Creative Dreams
Friday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Room of Requirement
A.M. Burns, J.L. Forrest, Jason Henry Evans, Richard E. Friesen
How to go for your dreams despite all of the good advice you’ll be given to stop you. Beyond the pit falls and dealing with discouragement, a focus on how to put your dreams into action and how to stay happy when all seems bleak.
Record Keeping Notebook Workshop
Thursday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Peri Charlifu
If you’re going to be a successful artist, you must be able to keep good records! Not only financial and tax records, but also studio notes, work flow and scheduling paperwork, and notes on production. A detailed discussion on what you need and why. Participants will have the opportunity to purchase the materials to Put together a note book with sample work sheets in class. A limited amount of sets will be available.
Sculpting Demo
Sunday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Jim Humble
Local Master Sculptor Jim Humble will be sculpting a piece for us. This is a rare opportunity to watch a master at his art!
Self Care is Sexy!
Friday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Lannie Pihajlic, Chaz Kemp, Melanie Bryant, Rubiee Tallyn Hayes
If you want to be a productive and happy artist, you have to take care of yourself! If you’re not healthy, happy, well rested, well fed and hydrated, your work is going to suffer. We will talk about some of the things you can do to make self care a part of your daily routine!
Shibori Techniques
Thursday, 8:00 PM-9:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Carole I. Parker
Shibori is an umbrella of historical dyeing techniques that involve stitching, binding, clamping (Itajime), and pole wrapping (Arashi). Participants will walk out of this workshop knowing at least two techniques.
Stuffed Critter Make-and-Take
Thursday, 11:00 AM-12:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Brenna
Come decorate, stuff and finish fun stuffed animals, and take your new friend with you! Ages 6+, children should be accompanied by parent. Scissors and needles will be used at participants’ own risk, instructor supervision provided. New session at each half hour during scheduled time; drop in! $15 materials fee per person or special Westercon rate of 2 participants for $25 (pay together).
Surprise Programming
Wednesday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Bristlecone
Original item cancelled due to illness. Come see what surprise we have for you instead!
Teach an Old Artist New Tricks
Thursday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Peri Charlifu, Brenna, Melanie Unruh, Michael McAfee, Mitzi Bartlett
What’s new in technique or material; what strange thing do you use to make art? We all have our favorite medium, tools and tricks; lets get together and share some ideas!
The Art of the Long Game
Wednesday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Bristlecone
Peri Charlifu, Carole I. Parker, Chaz Kemp, Mitzi Bartlett
Or, Keeping your momentum and not giving up. Sure it’s easy to be super motivated when your business is brand new, but keeping momentum is hard, especially with set backs and unexpected problems that face every artist. Our panel of professionals will talk about the tricks and strategies that keep you focused and productive!
The Future of Art
Friday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Melanie Bryant, Jim Humble, Melanie Unruh
Now more than ever, its easy to make “Art”. With point and click applications, and the ability to download any image in the world, how is art going to evolve in the future? And what about the artist? Are we even relevant anymore?
The Muse, the Artist, and Everything!
Saturday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Dragon Keep
Blair Bartlett, Chaz Kemp, Jim Humble, Melanie Bryant, Rubiee Tallyn Hayes
What motivates us? How do we become inspired? Is there really such a thing as “The Muse”? Let’s talk about what makes us do art and how we come up with the ideas that fuel our passion.
Tomas O’Dreams and Company
Saturday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Main Events
Nissa LaFete, Tomas O’Dreams
Tomas the storytelling leprechaun is back with his faerie friends for more playful mischief. Children of all ages are welcome to this mix of stories and play.
Why Best Ideas Don’t Sell
Wednesday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Bristlecone
Chaz Kemp, Jeff Sturgeon, Michael McAfee, Peri Charlifu, Rubiee Tallyn Hayes
There is nothing more frustrating than having the perfect idea, and no one gets it. We will discuss why when we think an idea is golden, sometimes it’s not, and how we are surprised by the strangest things!