Swan Con: Sumter's Comic Arts Festival Opens Friday
Sumter, SC (03/25/2024) — The University of South Carolina Sumter, in conjunction with the Sumter County Cultural Commission, will be hosting Swan Con, Sumter's Comic Arts Festival, on March 29 and 30.
This annual two-day free event celebrates comic art by bringing together creators and fans. There is an exciting line-up of guests this year including: Asiah Fulmore (Amethyst, Family Time) and Stephanie Williams (Nubia, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur). A variety of vendors have signed on to feature their sci-fi, comic and collectible wares, as well as a cosplay contest for fans to show their creativity and win awards.
The goal of this event is to bring comic artists to Sumter, SC, to exhibit their work and lecture on their craft. Friday will feature a presentation from Dr. Andrew Kunka in which he will talk about his research in comics studies. This will be followed by a roundtable discussion about making comics with guests Asiah Fulmore and Stephanie Williams. Friday night will close out with a Drink-n-Draw event at Sumter Original Brewery. On Saturday, a vendor fair will have opportunities to purchase and have works signed by the visiting artists. Saturday will end with a cosplay contest. All Swan Con activities are free and open to the public.
The schedule of events is as follows:
Friday, March 29, 2024
USC Sumter, Arts & Letters Building, Schwartz (Room 127)
200 Miller Road, Sumter
12 PM - Faculty Seminar Series
Dr. Andrew Kunka will discuss his research in comics.
1 PM - Roundtable Discussion
Discussion about making comics with guests Asiah Fulmore and Stephanie Williams.
5 - 8 pm - Drink-n-Draw, Sumter Original Brewery, 2 S. Main St., Sumter, SC
Join our guest artists to chat about comics, grab a pint, and watch them sketch some impromptu designs. Feeling creative? Grab a coaster and join in the fun!
Saturday, March 30, 2024
USC Sumter, Nettles Building, Gymnasium
Near the corner of University Dr. and Theatre Dr.
10 AM - 4 PM - Doors Open, vendors available all day.
3:30 PM - Cosplay Contest, open to all ages. First, second and third place awards will be given.
For updates, follow the event on Facebook @SumterSwanCon or contact Dr. Andrew Kunka, USC Sumter at 803-938-3718, ajkunka@uscsumter.edu or Nicole Bailey, Sumter County Cultural Commission, sumterswancon@gmail.com.
Media Attachments
The Swan Con Cosplay Contest is open to all ages. First, second and third place awards will be given.
Swan Con will host a vendor show on Saturday. There will be comic artists, collectibles, and so much more!
On Friday, there will be a round table discussion with Asiah Fulmore (Amethyst and Family Time), Stephanie Williams (Nubia, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur), and Dr. Andrew Kunka (Comic Scholar and USC Sumter Professor).
