See suburban artists at work when Wizard World returns to Rosemont
Celebrity guests, clever costumes and T-shirt towers have become the signature trappings of entertainment conventions like Wizard World Chicago, which returns Thursday, Aug. 22, to Rosemont's Donald E. Stephens Convention Center for four days.
But the heart of any fan convention is Artist Alley, where you can chat with creators and buy their work.
One of the suburban artists coming to Wizard World this year is Streamwood's Scott Welninski, whose Big Boy Studios launched in 2013. His comic creations span the ages from medieval demon story “Ramel” to a “space horror” tale called “Renascentia.”
“I really don't have a favorite kind of genre. For me, it is more about the character and his or her development,” Welninski said by email, “and the reason why I say that is because almost all the stories have been told.”
One of those characters is Velvet Sinn, the titular star of a book he debuted at 2013's Wizard World. Velvet is the superhero alter-ego of real-life adult film actress Dillion Harper.
Welninski also uses a 3-D printer to create pop-culture-inspired Buddha statues - and you can see that happen on the convention floor. “I try to get to the convention early so I can set up the printer,” he said. “I try to print something that will take the length of the day.”
The statues he'll have for sale this year include classic monsters such as Dracula, Wolfman and the Creature from the Black Lagoon, as well as a more recent (and much more adorable) critter, Pikachu.
Of course, the convention's artistic offerings don't end at comics and curios. Art prints, drawings and calendars are popular offerings, too, and Kae McSpadden will be featuring all three at her table. The multitalented Geneva artist also creates costumes and sculptures, and recently got into voice acting.
“I have always had a passion for art, but I was not sure which kind,” McSpadden said by email. “While taking art classes in school, we were taught that we had to be adaptable and versatile, and be able to change styles, depending on the project and medium.”
Like Welninski, McSpadden will put her artistic process on display during the convention. “While the show is going on ... I work on either a commission or a special project,” she said. “When people walk by and see my work, I would explain the process of making my artwork and answer their questions they have about my works.”
Her works include original art and fan art, “like Disney or certain anime shows,” she said. Her calendars display a mix of both.
Welninski and McSpadden are just a fraction of the suburban artists scheduled to appear at Wizard World. Attendees can support creators from Algonquin, Bensenville, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Villa Park and beyond.
Famous faces
And yes, there will be plenty of celebrity guests. Headliner Jason Momoa (“Aquaman”) had to cancel his appearance, but Wizard World found a more-than-suitable replacement in bona fide screen legend Jeff Goldblum, who will be available for paid autograph and photo sessions on Saturday.
Other notable names scheduled to appear include Zachary Levi (“Shazam!”) on Thursday and Friday, Melissa Joan Hart (“Sabrina the Teenage Witch”) on Saturday and Sunday, Cary Elwes (“The Princess Bride” and “Stranger Things”) from Friday to Sunday, '80s icon Steve Guttenberg on Friday, and Mark Sheppard (“Supernatural”) from Friday to Sunday.
For a full list of guests, a schedule of panel programming and ticket information, visit wizardworld.com/comiccon/chicago.
Wizard World Chicago
<b>What:</b> Annual pop-culture convention with celebrity guests, artists, vendors, entertainment, panel discussions and more
<b>When:</b> 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22; noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25
<b>Where:</b> Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont
<b>Tickets:</b> Four-day admission $94.99, Thursday admission $34.99, Friday or Sunday admission $44.99, Saturday admission $54.99. See pricing for VIP packages, autograph and photo sessions and more at wizardworld.com.