Laker Con, an event at Grand Valley State University that showcases the talents of student artists, highlights the work of professional creatives and celebrates comics literacy, took place returned for its second year from Friday, Sept. 27 to Sunday, Sept. 29. This convention allowed students to attend panel discussions, comic-related activities and contests, and brought attention to artistic mediums that can be overlooked within mainstream culture.
Over 50 vendor tables were set up throughout the Mary Idema Pew Library, and vendors comprised of enrolled Visual and Media Arts (VMA) students, alumni and guests. GVSU student artists set up tables to sell artwork in the Artist Market, which was held in the library’s Grand Atrium. Traditional and digital art pieces, jewelry, stickers and buttons were some of the many items for sale.
“To sell my work among a plethora of breathtakingly talented alumni, guests and current Lakers was such a pleasure,” said Zoey Belk, a GVSU art student. “Even if I had not sold anything, the positive feedback I received from shoppers and fellow artists was all I needed to feel my months of hard work preparing for the event was worth it.”
Artwork by VMA students was also displayed in the convention’s Comics Gallery, which provided artistic inspiration for those in attendance. In addition, there was space reserved in an area called “Zine-Topia” for various magazines created by GVSU students.
“Laker Con is an opportunity for students into comics, anime, art and more to come together and celebrate the things (they) love,” said Kri Hackos, a Laker Con Executive Committee organizer and SIGIL member. “These types of events are popular throughout the country, and having one for students here at GVSU is special to us in VMA.”
Guests included illustrators, photographers, writers, painters and comic book artists. A portion of guests set up their shops in the Artist Market, while others facilitated convention events related to their craft. The artist duo Comfort and Adam hosted a discussion titled “Learning to Write and Illustrate Diversity.” The process of creating diverse representation in the media was discussed, as well as methods to put artistic diversity into practice.
Guest speakers also took part in panels, in which open conversations between aspiring artists and industry veterans took place. Other events during the weekend were hosted by student organizations at GVSU, including the Student Interest Group for Illustrators (SIGIL). Student groups encouraged attendees to flex their creative muscles through different types of drawing activities.
“Durwin Talon (a Laker Con coordinator), Guin Thompson (an assistant professor of Illustration and Foundations at GVSU) and SIGIL really did an amazing job making this a rewarding and thrilling experience,” Belk said.
Laker Con also hosted a Cosplay Contest, which was held on Saturday, Sept. 28. Those dedicated to the creation of intricate costumes were able to show off their favorite characters in the competition. Both beginners and experts alike participated in the competition, which showcased a vast array of costumes and sewing techniques.
“Many current and new students share passion for the types of events, and art shown at LakerCon,” Hackos said. “We wish to continue to grow that passion within students throughout the campus, and celebrate it with a weekend of fun and educational workshops.”
