It seems like everywhere you turn these days there’s a new comic, literary, or gaming convention. Many of these are fan-driven events, seeking to bring together a community of genre lovers from places near and far. AvonCon, however, puts a capital C in the word community.
Organized by the public library of the town of Avon, Connecticut, AvonCon holds its second yearly event on Saturday, April 16th. The brainchild of Reference and Adult Services Manager Tina Panik and Teen Librarian Marisa Hicking, the one-day convention is free and open to all ages. There is something for everyone, from the youngest child to the seasoned con-lover, with events ranging from illustration workshops to cosplay competitions.
What makes AvonCon so special? To answer that, we first have to take a good look at the library itself. The Avon Public Library hosts a wide variety of community events. These include preschool Mother Goose sessions, book clubs and a writing group. And of course, the hugely popular teen room which the town’s middle school and high school students can frequent after class for homework, board-and-video gaming, computer use, and even karaoke. The library’s community room is used by everyone, from the Girl Scouts to Little League Baseball coaches. It truly is a cornerstone for the town.
An event like AvonCon is a wonderful opportunity to cement the library’s involvement with the local community. But don’t just take it from me: I’ve invited the Con’s two main organizers to share their thoughts on conventions, comics and, of course, AvonCon itself.
Juliana: Tina and Marisa, thank you so much for joining me. Tell me, where did the idea for AvonCon come from? Why adopt the convention format?
Two years ago, 3 of our staff attended NYCC (New York Comic Con). On the train ride home we realized we could create a mini-convention at our library. Mirroring the convention format allows us to offer multiple programs simultaneously. Our event is free, which makes it unique amongst comic conventions.
Juliana: What were the results from last year’s first ever AvonCon? What feedback did you receive from attendees?
In addition to our regulars, AvonCon has attracted a completely new audience for the library. Our biggest request from last year to this year was to offer food for a longer period. This year we will have a local food truck, Toasted, on site all day. For those with a sweet tooth, we will have Dolce Vita Gelato on site as well.
Juliana: I know Marisa has a very enthusiastic teen group that frequents the library. Has the local community been involved in helping set up the convention?
Most of the preparation has been done by our awesome team of librarians. Our library Teen Advisory Board (TAB) helped paint and create a Tardis out of a large refrigerator box, as well as assemble the Iron Cosplay boxes. They were sad when they couldn’t create the costumes out of pillowcases on the spot!
Tina has also created F.A.N. (Family of Avon Nerds) a multigenerational group of science fiction, comic, and Pop Culture fans. They suggested creating a schedule by tracks-and we’ve done it. A couple of the teens from F.A.N. were part of the TAB Tardis group.
Juliana: You have a treat for comic lovers this year – your special guest is cartoonist and comics theorist Scott McCloud. Why Scott? What do you hope Scott’s keynote lecture will bring to local graphic novel and cartoon fans?
Our focus this year is deconstructing the graphic novel. When Tina and I were brainstorming what to do and who to get, we knew we wanted an expert in the industry. Scott was our first choice. He literally wrote the book on understanding comics, called UNDERSTANDING COMICS; it was written in a graphic novel format. His visit is made possible by a grant from CT Humanities.
We want Scott McCloud to blend art, story, and technology together in his presentation. Scott McCloud has given this presentation throughout the country and he keeps adding new materials. It is a fast paced and visually engaging presentation. We hope to appeal to longtime fans of his work, those interested in graphic novels, and attract new fans. Scott McCloud has graciously agreed to answer any and all audience questions for as long as they keep asking.
Juliana: What was your favorite part of AvonCon 2015?
Tina: I enjoyed watching people interact away from their phones. Strangers were starting conversations with each other about costumes, Pop Culture, and their favorite superheroes.
Marisa: I enjoyed the Draw Off on the center floor of the Children’s Department, hosted by Matt Ryan of Free Lunch Comics. The energy was fantastic! Mostly children and teens competed, though all ages looked on. It was friendly and competitive. I lost to Tim the Children’s Specialist attempting to draw Pikachu surfboarding. I also enjoyed hosting the Iron Cosplay event: teens got a mystery box full of pillowcases, Duct tape, paint samples and an inspiration superhero costume to recreate. Some were more successful than others, but everyone had fun.
Juliana: I know you already have a list of ideas for next year. Are there any you can share with us?
We are considering adding live music and the inclusion of other fandoms, like Downton Abbey. We’d also like to add a program centered around books.
Juliana: Thank you both for taking time to tell us a little about AvonCon 2016. Good luck with the event! I’m looking forward to it.
AvonCon takes place in Avon, Connecticut on April 16th, 2016. For more information and the full schedule of events, go to www.avonctlibrary.info.
You can find information on Scott McCloud and his work at his website, www.scottmccloud.com.
Juliana Spink Mills 