This weekend, some of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s most talented sequential artists will show off their works as part of a celebration of comic fandom.
UMES’ Department of Fine Arts will host its second annual Hawk Con event on Saturday, March 7 at the Student Services Center on the UMES campus. The one-day event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Proceeds from the event will go towards scholarships for students in the sequential arts program.
“Hawk Con is a great way to showcase local artists, craftspeople, UMES students and the programs that we provide at UMES,” said Brad Hudson, the interim chair of and a professor in the Fine Arts Department. “We wanted to promote the quality of our art program, which is one of the best programs in the state, and one that rivals many other private institutions and private art schools.”
The event will feature open-floor vendors, an artist booth area for attendees to purchase products, panel discussions, a cosplay contest sponsored by the Ocean City Comic Con, and a kids’ zone featuring guided workshops, activities, and board games.
As part of this year’s event, comic book artist, voice actress, and vocalist, Afua Richardson will be the featured guest. Richardson is best known for her work on Marvel’s “Black Panther: World of Wakanda,” and the animated film “Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse.”
Hudson, who is also the event creator, said that he is looking forward to seeing the increased interest in the event as the Hawk Con grows.
“This an experience that is great for the students who are displaying for the first time in the department, kids who have never been to a convention, and for the community as a whole,” he said. “To be able to get this exposure right at their own back doorstep is an exciting opportunity.”
The cost for admission is $14 for general admission and $7 for UMES students and children ages 12 and under. A VIP package is available for $40, which includes early admission at 9:30 a.m., a complimentary t-shirt, a lanyard, and badge.
For more information about Hawk Con, go to wwwcp.umes.edu/hawkcon.
