Denver Wrapup

Last Friday's sky in Denver was, again, gray and cloudy — though the temperatures offered no chance of snow. We'd just flown in and, like last year, had our sandwiches under the airport's tents before heading out to the Denver Art Museum. At the last minute Chuck, one of our fellow 7000 BC-ers and his wife decided to make the drive; our flight arrangements were long set, so we met them while we were driving south to Albuquerque so we could fly north to Denver and they were driving north out of Albuquerque to load them up with books for the Denver ComicFest.

I'd failed to look into any other things to do in Denver (reasonably sure there are) other than the museum, but given that we only had a few hours and we were familiar with the drive and parking, seemed a good way to pass the afternoon. Some time in the permanent exhibits, which we didn't see last time, and in the Face to Face show. Then found some real treats from the Embrace show of site-specific work; technically closed, but not yet deinstalled.

A little room that was basically a grid of bungee cords, stretched floor to ceiling, spaced a couple inches apart on a grid. Pushing in at first, then getting stuck — a little creepy. But then, once used to it, way too much fun.

  



And then a video installation, just lines and words flowing on the walls, but made specifically for the angled room. Quite peaceful, really.

  



Nice way to wrap up the museum visit. Some coffee, some snacks, outside to see the sculpture and a little stroll around the neighborhood, and off to the con hotel. As we pulled up around 5:00, Chuck and Dominque had just arrived and were beginning the table setup. Weren't expecting much traffic, but it's a chance to work out the display and meet and catch up with the other creators. We were almost in the same spot as last year, but perpendicular at the end of the hallway, so we got a nice, prominent display for the banner and plenty of space for all the stuff from the group.



There was some activity, plenty of socializing. We were next to Tim Lane, at his first con with his book Abandoned Cars, and perpendicular to Noah Van Sciver and John Porcellino, the organizer of the Cowtown Comix Fest we went to last summer. No post-con gathering for us that night.

The next morning, ducked across the weird Tech Center for breakfast at The Original Pancake House. Fortified, on to the day. A slow start, but I'd say it was pretty steady traffic all day despite the rain. At times, felt lighter than last year, but the sales said otherwise. Some return customers from last year, plenty of newcomers to the show. With the three of us to oversee the table, some time to duck away for Tim's presentation on his transmedia experiments and Matt Sturges' on writing.

As well as getting some sketches. It's not uncommon for artists at cons to offer free, quick drawings and/or charge for more elaborate ones. I'd never taken anyone up — but there were two artists I couldn't pass on. Amy Hadley had, literally, days before been named the artist of the relaunched Batwoman series (one of last year's best); I had it in my head to be the first to ever ask her for a Batwoman drawing. And I was, kind of taking her by surprise, but she was game. And Fiona Staples is another favorite artist around here, so I couldn't resist getting a drawing of one of the North 40 characters from her to see how she gets that line quality.

 

A successful day had us in a good mood; we visited with a few local creators before heading out to Brothers BBQ with Chuck and Dominique. And then back to the hotel where we hung out with Tim, Stan, show organizer Jason and his wife Anginet. Way, way too late. But worth it.

Sunday, with Chuck and Dominique back to the Pancake House. And a leisurely setup to the table where, in a bit of an experiment, flipped the layout. A really slow start that picked up by the afternoon, including restocking I Want More Comics, great supporters of our work; we had to pack up before the conclusion to head out. Tough to overstate how nice all the people involved with ComicFest are, the organizers and exhibitors, and what a great time we always have with them — and how lucky we are to be guests at the show.

Overly cautious in our travel time to DIA and in returning the car, so plenty early at the airport for dinner. Uneventful flight back and drive north. Picked up Cheyenne from the dogsitter where, despite her husband being away and having three Greyhounds to watch in addition to her two, managed to not get carried off by them all. Home and out for a bit of a walk — and rounded the corner to find Chuck and Dominique in the driveway.

Our con photos are at the 7000 BC Flickr stream — I remembered to take a picture or two from the other side of the table, but really failed in getting anything else that set the scene. Luckily, Anginet has posted her photos; from the home page, go to "Proofs" and then "Comicfest 2010."



John's also posted some photos, including a few of ours.

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We actually had snow Thursday night and yesterday; didn't amount to much, but still a bit insulting. It looks nice out now, but cool and windy; Monica's off at the Spring Garden Fair, I've been spending way too much time on this post but I'll probably be fiddling with Scrivener, per Matt's recommendation. Note that we spent the morning starting to move hosting companies for 7000 BC, Raised By Squirrels, and D.'s Compostable Matter; hopefully, you won't see any disruptions.