Bellingham School of Comics

….but, as some of you have already heard, it’s become apparent that for a variety of reasons it’s not going to happen. We are, however, going to have a party and everyone who was remotely interested in the con is invited. It will be pot luck, have an area for the bofferers to do their thing and possibly an author reading. As more information becomes available I’ll post it here.

As far as the future of the con, well that depends. The current convention committee figures they’ve taken this as far as they can. What this thing needs is new blood. If you feel the Bellingham area should have it’s own convention for science fiction/fantasy/comics/gaming/general geek culture, run by fans for fans and you’d like to help make that happen, come to the party and let us know. Otherwise, come to the party and just have fun:)

Anyone who’s interested in the future of fan conventions in Bellingham and can’t make it to the party can also email me (this is Phillip’s wife Cynthia again, btw.) A new con could keep the name Valhallacon, go back to VikingCon, or have an entirely new name. What it would be called and what form it would take would be up to the people planning it. It would inherit some seed money and other resources. It’s my feeling that it should be inclusive and reflect different aspects of Bellingham and of geek culture, with family friendly offerings and more mature programming in the evenings. And art should definitely play a big part of it.

While we’d love to have people join us for ValhallaCon, you don’t have to have a membership to be in the art show. You can just come hang up your stuff or make arrangements with another member to hang them. So far we have 3 members of the BS who have committed to getting panels and 1 maybe.

Hi Everyone, this is Cynthia Livingston, Phillip’s wife. I’m here to talk about ValhallaCon-the local science fiction/fantasy/gaming/general geek culture convention. Last September at the first ValhallaCon Jonathan was the Local Artist Guest. We’re calling our next offering ValhallaCon 1.5: Sci-Fi Summer Camp and it’s taking place at Camp Horizon in Blaine, August 6-8.  Along with panels and demonstrations we’re having gaming, movies, anime, medieval fighting, writing workshops, campfire cook-outs and more. At $25.00 for the entire weekend (including meals) it’s a screamin’ deal. Compare it to any other con with memberships $40.00 and up.  And the Bellingham area should have it’s own con. People shouldn’t have to always travel to Seattle and Vancouver (those who can afford to.)  

This year we’re adding an art show. Since this is a general fannish con don’t think it has to be sci-fi art. Comics fit the bill nicely. It’s $10.00 per 4×4 panel to hang originals and framed and/or matted prints, with the con taking a 10% commission on sales.  There’ll also be a ‘print shop’ table for other prints, cards, bookmarks, what have you. There’s no charge to have your stuff in the print shop; the commission is 15%.  

We can also make arrangements for table displays for jewelry, crafts, sculpture, etc.

The con is also looking for programming. It would be great to get some artists for panels and demos. We’re also working to include a variety of local groups.When Phillip and I lived in Phoenix we’d attend meetings of the Association of SF/F Artists at cons.  Maybe the BS could have a meeting/drawing session?

Please feel free to contact me at alternaterealityarts@hotmail.com or call 360-510-5128.

Who still shows up on Saturdays? It looked like the last anyone said about it was a post from Fenmere in December. Has it changed for anyone?

The reason I ask is because Saturday in the late morning or noon is the only time I can force you to endure my excessive body odor, and without the promise of your horrified faces as motivation, I find I just don’t seem to make time for my comics.

I was under the mistaken impression that the meetings were still supposed to be noon (oops). When I was still going regularly, though, there was only one person there. That’s fine, because I’m sure he was properly horrified by the unholy reek of my unwashed form, but it’s really more effective for me if I can make three or four of you gag and claw at your throats, instead of just one.

Let me (and everyone else) know in the comments what times you Saturday people show up, so I know if there’s any way we can arrange an overlap.

Due to the boiler not functioning at The Black Drop, they are closed for the next few days. Just thought I’d let you all know.