CAPE Con returns Aug. 27 to Aurora's Santori Library
Join Aurora Public Library for a day celebrating comics, graphics novels, pop culture, and fandoms for all ages. The third annual CAPE Con will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Santori Library, 101 S. River St. in Aurora.
Grab your swag bag and jump into the fun at this arts and culture extravaganza!
Some program are also offered via Zoom. For links or a schedule, go to www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/capecon.
Artist Sketch-Off
See two artists, Tom Lichtenheld and Erika Swanson, in action as they spontaneously draw your on-the-spot suggestions during the Artist Sketch-Off from 10 to 10:45 a.m.
Lichtenheld is a children's book author and illustrator. He doodled his way through school, then worked as a sign painter, set designer, printer and advertising art director. After a successful career in advertising, he gradually made the switch to creating children's books. His books - several of which are New York Times bestsellers - are acclaimed for their humor, expressive characters, and rich - sometimes hidden - detail. He's known for creating books that appeal to children and adults alike, and his wide portfolio of books offers something for every age. He has collaborated with several authors including numerous books with Beth Ferry, the late Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and Sherri Duskey Rinker. He also has written and illustrated his own creations. "The Umbrella Book," his newest with Beth Ferry, will be released in the spring of 2023.
Erika Swanson is an award-winning illustrator, comic artist, animator, and the creator of "Bellossoms," a series about enchanted flowers blooming in new places. Watch her new animated show, "Bellossoms: Full Bloom," now streaming on YouTube.
This program will be available in person and virtually via Zoom.
Twitch Streaming Tips & Tricks
Whether you're working toward streaming stardom or just interested in Twitch as a hobby, a panel on "Twitch Streaming Tips & Tricks" will help you take those first steps from 11 to 11:45 a.m.
Have you been dreaming about streaming on Twitch but you're not sure where to start? This panel will feature three local Twitch streamers who will share their experience, advice, tips, and tricks.
The Twitch streamers will include: Stacisaur, aka Staci Sherman; librarian Flannery Crump will represent the team of APLD Plays, the library's Twitch channel; and Supernovasgalaxy.
This program will be available in person and virtually via Zoom.
Game design with Roblox
From noon to 12:45 p.m., join Roblox game designer ZolarKeth as he discusses the process behind creating Roblox games and shares his experiences working with the popular game-making platform.
Guest speaker Ethan Witt, better known on Roblox as ZolarKeth, will share his experience with Roblox throughout the platform's history and his insights into game design and programming.
This program will be available in person and virtually via Zoom.
ZolarKeth is a Roblox game designer who has worked on some of Roblox's most popular games. He is the co-creator of Apocalypse Rising, as well as the developer of Urbis and Starscape. He was the recipient of Roblox's 2013 Game of the Year and Developer of the Year awards and worked at Roblox as an intern in summer 2015.
LGBTQIA+ representation in comics
From 1 to 1:45 p.m., a panel discussion on "LGBTQIA+ Representation in Comics" will feature comics historian Dr. Carol Tilley, writer and illustrator Stephanie Mided, and superfan Pat Ryan. Together, they will discuss and explore LGBTQIA+ representation in comics past, present, and future.
Learn how super fans, illustrators, and historians are experiencing and engaging with comics as forms of expression and representation.
Tilley is a comics historian, librarian, educator, and youth advocate. As a researcher, Tilley studies the social and cultural history of comics reading and readers. As a teacher, Tilley helps prepare future and current librarians to work with young people in school and public libraries. As a youth advocate, Tilley supports the rights of children and teens to read and explore the world of ideas freely.
Ryan is the self-proclaimed "World's Greatest Adventurer," but he's also a pretty average husband, father, and comic book fan. He studied broadcasting in college, and has worked nearly every job imaginable, but lately has settled on being a counselor for those with substance use disorders. He loves comics like the old Marv Wolfman "Teen Titans," as well as an array of indie titles like Y: The Last Man, the Goon, and Hellboy. He also loves the Universal Monster movies and all things Godzilla, as well as board games, D & D, or any reason to spend time with his friends and family.
Mided is a professional graphic novel artist and writer from Chicago who worked on last year's "Martian Ghost Centaur" from Oni Press, and has her own original graphic novel series "Club Kick Out" coming out next year from Harper Alley. She identifies as bisexual and likes to work on projects that have a diverse range of characters across the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
This program will be available in person and virtually via Zoom.
Famdon-themed improv
Do you love comics and laughing? Enjoy an hilarious comic-themed improv performance by a troupe of local actors from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Chime in with your suggestions to help steer the action. This program will be available in person and virtually via Zoom.
The improv performers include: David Barron, Fred Fedewa, Matt Johnson, Raju Ben, and Susie McCormick.
Superhero Storytime
The Superhero Storytime will feature stories, songs, dance, and all things superheroes in this special storytime from 9:30 to 10 a.m.
Cosplay meetup and workshop
From 3 to 3:45 p.m., come show off your favorite costume and exchange cosplay tips and tricks with others, including veteran cosplayer and librarian Tess Foral who will provide guidance on getting started making your own cosplay. Topics may include how to choose the right fabric and pattern, and how to repurpose what you already own.
Games and comics
In the Hurrell Storytime Room, play board games from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The library will be bringing out tabletop board games. Pop in try as many as you like! Enjoy playing your favorites and try some new releases.
There also will be free-to-play Arcade Cabinets, courtesy of Yetee Station Arcade; LED Lightsaber keychain craft; free swag bags and comic books (while supplies last).
Through Aug. 27, you also can visit the children's desk at any Aurora Public Library location in your quest to catch Pokemon hiding in the libraries. Find all five Pokemon hidden around the library to win a special prize.