Comic Craze at the Banff Center of the Arts, features over 400 samples of Canadian independant comics in a reading friendly environment. They have erected numerous pillars with shelves at various heights to display the comics with areas where people are encouraged to sit and read. It was pretty unique for a visual arts gallery space.
This was an amazing weekend for the comic community in Calgary! The Comic and Entertainment Expo was a success in many levels. There were a few glitches to be worked out, but with everything NEW that is to be expected. All the fans and especially most of our GUESTS were very happy to have attended our show.
My thoughts:
Our local artists: Out Of Mind Studios, Panday, Vicious Ambitious, Cats Paws, Rozencrantz...were happy to accommodate sketches and autographs and talk about comics and what they do. An ARTIST ALLEY sign would have helped. A gallery on the back wall, using photo copied images by the Artists in that section could have generated more interest in our work.
Volunteer staff should have offered to give single exhibitors a relief for washroom and food/drink breaks. The banana bread was much appreciated and great advertising for COCO BROOKS.
A portfolio review section staffed by volunteer artists or writers on a rotating basis would have made many aspiring talent happy. Getting feedback on work can encourage more local talent.
The publicity and attendance was phenominal, it was an hour to get in through the doors.
The people in costumes gave it a public and show appeal, giving it a festival atmosphere. This could have been extended to interior decorations with posters and media slides on the walls. Something to fill up all the empty space of black curtains on booth dividers, and table skirting or cloths to hide the dealer’s boxes, would have given the show a more professional look.
Turnstiles should have been placed at the doors to take a better count on attendance. Two or three doors for admission would have helped alleviate the long line-ups. Security personal may have to be considered to watch the extra doors.
I never got to see if there was a FREE table set up, usually publishers would have poster giveaways and loot bags to hand out, a perfect opportunity for advertising and getting show sponsors. A FREE program book could have been arranged with the Calgary Sun or local printers. Advertising space could generate extra funding. The local talent should be more involved in the show books; many of us were asked if we (artists) contributed to the charity book.
Sponsors should be contacted as early as possible for the next show. A volunteer committee may have to be expanded to take on more of the challenges of organizing such a big show.
Expectations are high for the next show, would you volunteer to make it better?
Please feel free to comment here, or for MIC members on this thread.
I will pass this on to the CCEE.
