Nickel Plate Arts has partnered with the Ignite Studio in the Fishers library to present Comic Book in a Day, a 12-hour marathon of comic book art creation from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5. Two dozen area artists will compete against the clock to come up with six full pages of brand-new comic content.
In addition to the comic book creation, veteran “Featured Artists” will hold demonstrations and meet with fans throughout the day. Both the Ignite Studio and Nickel Plate Arts teams will conduct activities for kids, artists, and comic book fans during the course of the day.
Ailithir McGill, Executive Director for Nickel Plate Arts, is excited about collaborating with Ignite. “The Ignite Studio is the perfect partner for this unique program. Ignite is a space where community members are encouraged to explore the vast spectrum of creativity to test their own skills and satisfy their own curiosity, which is a philosophy that perfectly aligns with our Comic Book in a Day Challenge. What is more, because the Ignite Studio is an arts-friendly space situated in a library, the unification of visual art and literature – which is what defines a good comic book – is perfectly at home! Plus, the library staff’s incredible talent for engaging and inspiring the public has helped us expand the reach of this program so that everyone can feel welcome and take part!”
Featured artists with accomplished comic careers hope to attract superhero superfans.
“We are so lucky to have artist Mike DeCarlo living practically in our own back yard – his decades of experience in the comic book world have yielded incredible art, and some great stories!” McGill said. “Sterling Clark’s experience developing both his own comics and comics for Marvel also make him a great resource for budding comic-lovers, and Yuri Duncan’s experience with nontraditional forms of comics gives him the ability to engage even those of us who are not confident about drawing even simple stick figures! Our returning champions, the artist/writer team of Kenna Al-Sayed and Drew Curtis are sure to be full of energy, humor and inspiring artwork.”
Nickel Plate Arts is still seeking a few more interested comic artists to fill out its roster of super sketchers, but stresses that Comic Book in a Day is for kids, families and fans of all ages. According to McGill, “The morning will be a great time to bring the youngest comic book fans to the event, as they will get to participate in the library’s stellar version of Superhero University, a chance for them to flex their super skills – costumes are, of course encouraged!”
During the afternoon, guests can meet all of the artists and enjoy the work they are creating. Additionally, guests can also shop for art from the Featured Artists and take workshops with them.
“Anyone who has an interest in cosplay or wants help with their Halloween costume should also drop in between 1 and 4 p.m. to work with Ignite’s Maker-In-Residence Brittany Kugler,” said McGill. “Then, for the evening, things will start to get exciting as artists close in on the final moments of the Challenge, and you’ll be able to create your own comic art with us as you wait for the challenge to end. By far the most fun part of the day will start at 8 p.m., when each artist presents their story and the judges finally announce who wins!”
There will be a winner at the end of the night. Winners of various categories will receive cash prizes, comic book memorabilia and art supplies. The overall winner will receive the Comic Book in a Day championship belt. Consider joining Nickel Plate Arts at the Hamilton East Public Library – Fishers Ignite Studio on Saturday.
About Nickel Plate Arts
Nickel Plate Arts is an umbrella nonprofit organization that creates and coordinates arts and cultural experiences across communities to improve the quality of life for residents, strengthen local economies and enrich experiences for visitors. Nickel Plate Arts is a project of Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. The Nickel Plate Arts Trail extends 30 miles through Fishers, Noblesville, Cicero, Arcadia, Atlanta and Tipton. Visit Nickel Plate Arts at 107 S. 8th St., Noblesville, online at nickelplatearts.org or call (317) 452-3690.