Calling all comic book enthusiasts! Whether you’re a vendor, collector, artist, cosplayer or just a fan, you’re invited to join Pellissippi State Community College at the school’s first comic-centered event on its Magnolia Avenue Campus.
The Mag Comic Expo will be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at 1610 E. Magnolia Ave., Knoxville. Admission is free, and costumes are encouraged.
The Mag Comic Expo is still accepting vendors. There is no table fee, but vendors are required to participate through donating goods, presenting a workshop or sitting on a panel discussion.
Magnolia Avenue Campus faculty and staff wanted to try a different approach to promoting literacy. The Mag Comic Expo is sponsored by a Pellissippi State Libraries grant.
“Comic books bridge boundaries such as race, religion and social economics,” said Naomi Williams, longtime Magnolia Avenue Campus librarian who retired this semester. “They also promote social belonging and creativity, build literacy skills, support reading comprehension and enhance the learning process of non-native English speakers.”
The event will include food, discussion panels, contests and information about the two-year career programs offered by Pellissippi State on each of its five campuses.
“This is a family friendly event with plenty to offer for all ages,” said Associate Professor Grant Mincy, one of the organizers of the Mag Comic Expo. “If you are a fan of comics, graphic novels, movies, art or pop culture in general, we would love to see you enjoy yourselves on our campus.”
To register, visit https://loom.ly/aCASZbs. Deadline for the event’s Vendor’s Market, Exhibitor’s Hall and Artist Alley is Thursday, April 14. Guests, including those who want to participate in the expo’s costume contest, are also asked to register, though there is no deadline to do so.
###