Look up in the sky! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the third annual Aurora Public Library District (APLD) CAPE Con event, which will fly in Saturday, Aug. 27 at the Santori Library in Aurora! There will be a day of celebrating comics, graphic novels, pop culture, and fandoms for all ages. We will be host to a variety of events and activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.. It’s will be an arts and culture extravaganza!
When you first arrive, the Atrium will have complementary swag bags and free comic books, while supplies last. Visitors can snap photos with Spiderman or Wonder Woman, then have a seat and make an LED lightsaber keychain. Gamers can try their luck at the free arcade game stations provided by Yetee Station Arcade. The a old-school- game player can swing by the Kiwanis Children’s Center and play board games with family and friends. We’re bringing out all our tabletop board games for the event, classics and new releases. Participants may pop in and try all the board games!
The live events will kick off every hour starting at 10 a.m. with the Artist Sketch-Off between illustrators Tom Lichtenheld and Erika Swanson. Tom Lichtenheld is a children’s book author and illustrator with numerous titles on the New York Times Bestsellers list. His newest book, The Umbrella Book, with Beth Ferry will be released in Spring 2023. Erika Swanson is an award-winning illustrator, comic artist, and animator who has a new series streaming on YouTube entitled Bellossoms. These two artists spontaneously will draw on-the-spot suggestions in this high-energy battle of creativity!
If you prefer to express your creativity via an online platform, the next two events of the day should be right up the digital alley. Twitch Streaming Tips & Tricks at 11 a.m. and Game Design with Roblox at noon will be helpful to users just starting out, or those looking for advice on how to do more.
Ethan Witt, known in Roblox as ZolarKeth, is a game designer who has worked on some of Roblox’s most popular games and was the recipient of Roblox’s 2013 Game of the Year and Developer of the Year awards. He said, “It is incredibly motivating to realize that something you made has a real impact on another person, maybe they made some best friends through your game, learned something new, or just can’t wait to check out the new update you launched. I’m excited to share my knowledge about the tips and tools of game developer to help others unleash their creativity into the world!”
Many people turn to the worlds of gaming and comics to find themselves and commonality with others. At 1 p.m. there will be a panel discussion on LGBTQIA+ Representation in Comics, led by Dr. Carol Tilley. Tilley is a comics historian, librarian, educator, and youth advocate who supports the rights of children and teens to read and explore ideas freely. The panelists will discuss how fans, illustrators, and historians are using these art genres as forms of expression and representation. Looking for more physical expression? You can join the Fandom-Themed Improvisation program for a hilarious, comic-themed performance by local actors using participants’ suggestions to steer the action.
The most common form of expression for pop-culture fans is cosplay. Those who engage in cosplay create costumes that emulate their favorite characters from movies, books, or video games. One of the last events of the day will be a Cosplay Meetup and Workshop where we’ll share tips on finding the right patterns and fabrics and how to repurpose items you already own into props and costumes. Ready to show off your cosplay attire? Follow the indoor Library parade route that ends in our Artist Alley, a dedicated space where the day’s artists share their artwork and engage with the customers about their inspirations.
There will be something for everyone at this all-day event! If you are unable to attend in person, most of the live programs will be available virtually via Zoom at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/capecon. For more information, contact your friendly, neighborhood APLD library at 630-264-4117. Until then… Up, up, and away!
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.