Sacramento's Ultimate Creative Women Showcase

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Creative Women Mini-Con returns for its 5th year -- and this could be our best year yet. We've assembled thirteen of the region's most talented creative women. And we're throwing a sale in celebration (details below).

 Date: Saturday, October 21, 2017
Time: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Empire's Comics Vault

Click here to add the event to your FB calendar.


Everything You Need to Know About Creative Women Mini-Con 2017

In this post, we'll share:

  • A complete list of this year's creative women -- an interview link and social media links
  • Sale details
  • What to expect at the mini-con
Sale Details
  • 50% off Back Issues
  • 25% off Toys
  • 15% off Trades
  • Members: check your email for October's benefit so that you can level up your sale discounts!

What to expect at Creative Women Mini-Con

  • Admission is free.
  • When you support an artist by making a purchase at their table, they keep all their earning. Pay the artist directly, not the store at the counter.
  • Art purchased from the Art Gallery wall should be purchased from the store counter, not the artist's table.
  • The event starts at 11 am and goes until 4 pm.
  • Need food? Visit one of the restaurants in the shopping center and bring it back to the shop if you'd like. Feel free to sit at the couches to take abreak.

2017 Creative Women Mini-Con Exhibitors

Take a moment to enjoy the interviews we did with each exhibitor. Also, below you'll find a little about each creative woman, a link to their most recent interview, and links to some of their online profiles.



Angela Davis: Angela sold her first commissioned painting at fifteen. She's done commissioned pieces for the Deftones' Chi Cheng. She's also collaborated on a coloring book for the city of Sacramento.
Interview | Facebook | Instagram: @LostZelda | Etsy

Bianca Kim: Bianca creates embroidered fabric pinback buttons with short sayings that can be worn on backpacks, purses and jacket collars. She shows at the Stockmarket craft fair in Stockton, CA. She started 2017 by showing her work in Empire's Comic Vault's art gallery in January and then offered a beginner course for embroidery in her booth at the Stockmarket craft fair in Stockton.
Interview | Etsy | Twitter: @FreshBiscuitsBK | Facebook | Instagram: @FreshBiscuits

Felicia Ann: Felicia is an illustrator and digital painter from Oakland, CA. Of Chinese-Malaysian descent, she blends her rich Southeast-Asian heritage with her enthusiasm for modern science and astronomy. Her art is expressed in the female form, with ethereal portraits that connote her personal exploration of femininity.
Interview | FeliciaAnn.com | Facebook |Instagram: @Felishita

Hannah Moore: Hannah has always been crafty and enjoyed small objects. She keeps things cute for Ghost Thunder. The animal kingdom, cartoons, comics, and video games are constant inspirations.
Interview | GhostThunder.com | Twitter: @Clonie | Facebook | Instagram: @CuriousZoology | Twitter: @_GhostThunder

Heather Merrifield: Heather's focus is to capture moments that might otherwise not be captured, be it in action shots, everyday moments, or the strange and unusual. She will show at an upcoming exhibit at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento.
Interview | Facebook | Instagram: @HeatherLeeArtPhotography

 Jen Monson: Jen is constantly delighted by new ideas. She uses trial and error to explore new approaches to her art. Her ultimate goal is to help others feel a sense of peace and joy. A smile on someone's face is the ultimate final touch.
Interview | Twitter: @JenMonson | Facebook | Instagram: @jenuoneart | Etsy

Kassandra Gamez: Kassandra is a comics creating artist. She's worked at some cool companies, but maybe not in the art department, for example, dA and Disney Interactive. Kassandra is a huge fan of comics, zines, and Corgis. This will be her first time exhibiting at CWMC. 
Tumblr | Twitter: @Kozispoon | Instagram: @kozispoon | DeviantArt

 Kelly Van Gaasbeck: Kelly's focus is storytelling and whimsical thoughts. She works mostly with ink, metallic and monoprints. She spent 2 years in Japan, teaching and learning and wandering across the country, where she came to love telling stories in small spaces.
Interview | Facebook | Instagram: @Fireflirt

Kristine Balog: Kristine is an Art Historian, oil painter, and author who has dedicated her life to the Italian Baroque painter Caravaggio. She is both an academic and creative, teaching Art History as a profession and channeling her passion into creating comic books and authoring novels. She has authored numerous academic articles and has been teaching at the collegiate level for five years.
Interview | KristineBalog.com | Twitter: @KristineArt | Facebook | Instagram: @KristineArt |

Maia & Kaimani: Maia and Kaimani are 9 and 8 years old, respectively. Both Maia and Kaimani are enthusiastic artists who enjoy making comics, drawing, painting, jewelry making and pretty much flexing their imaginations in any creative capacity. Growing up with empowering and inspiring storytelling such as the films of Hayao Miyazaki and shows like Steven Universe, they are also equally influenced by their comics-making dad, their jewelry-making mom, and Sacramento's thriving comics and art scenes.
Interview

Megan Risk: Megan works primarily in the traditional mediums: graphite, colored pencils, pressed pastel, etc. Recently she's expanded into the digital art world, mixing it with the traditional mediums. While she started working in portraits and landscapes, she has also explored the realms of horror, supernatural, fantasy, and superhero. Megan sold her first commission when she was 23.
Interview | MeganERisk.com | Twitter.com: @MegERisk | Facebook | Instagram: @MeganERisk

Rachel Strum: Local wand-maker Rachel Strum handcrafts fantasy wands. With a background ranging from illustration to stained glass, Rachel’s experience in mixed media has inspired wands unlike any others. Beginning by hand selecting quality supplies, pairing gems individually with wood bases, and then intensively layering mixed media, her wands capture the imagination and inspire a sense of beauty. The delicate balance between beauty and practicality within all her whimsical creations has sprouted from the needs in her life, be it simple toys or giant strawberry pillows. Transforming common materials into playful creations is a labor of love inspired by Rachel’s belief that everyday should come with a touch of magic.
Interview | Etsy | Facebook | Twitter: @CitrusAtelier

Sarah René Kraft: Sarah is a Sacramento-based illustrator, colorist, storyteller, and all around sketchy lady. Experience her work in the illustrated comic world of the Greek mythology-inspired “Blind Follies,” and her upcoming artbook in progress "Lemiscus," among other various arts and projects.
Interview | Instagram: @SketchyKraft | Twitter: @SketchyKraft | Facebook

Sarah Troedson: Sarah is a composer working in silk, gemstones, pearls, crystals, precious metals, glass, and yarn. Handmade lamp-worked glass beads, silk cord, silver charms, bamboo fiber and baby alpaca yarn are the notes in her music. Colors and textures are the melody and harmony. The "music" she composes is fine jewelry, crochet and woven accessories created with a sense of joy.
Interview | RocksMapsandCrafts.com | Twitter: @RocksMapsCrafts | Facebook | Etsy




Creative Women Mini-Con 2014 is Saturday, September 20

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UPDATE: Meet the complete line-up of Creative Women Mini-Con 2014.

This year marks our second year of showcasing the talents of local, creative women in the Sacramento and greater Northern California region. We're excited to lead the way in celebrating these creative women, and we hope you'll join us for this year's event on Saturday, September 20, 2014.

Looking back at Creative Women Mini-Con 2013


In 2013, we held our inaugural Creative Women Mini-Con. We featured twelve local, creative women and their creative works at our event. You took pictures with them. You talked to them about their craft -- from art to make-up to costuming to writing. This year it will happen again with creatives you may not have yet met.


2nd Annual Creative Women Mini-Con


Mark your calendars so that you don't miss this event, and watch our website for announcements of this year's guests.

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2014
Time: 11 am - 4 pm (the store will be open until 8pm)

Related articles

FCBD Teaser Video from Fist Full of Potions

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It was fantastic to have podcast coverage of our Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con. Not only did we have Comics & Coffee but also that fun-tastic gents of Fist Full of Potions.

Here's the FFoP FCBD Mini-Con teaser video. Coming soon we'll have even more video goodness from Fist Full of Potions. We'll share it as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, enjoy.

Podcasters FFoP at Sacramento comic shop

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Our favorite Derby Girls will be down on FCBD 2014!

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Women's and junior's roller derby located in beautiful Sacramento, California.

We're excited to have the Sac City Rollers join us for a second year at our Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con.

This year, FCBD Mini-Con is Saturday, May 3, 2014. Doors open at 9 am.

The Athletic Brilliance of the Sac City Rollers

The Sac City Rollers, Sacramento’s first all-women’s flat track roller derby league, is made up of well over 100 active skaters dedicated to the amazing sport of Roller Derby. On June 1, 2012, the Sac City Rollers graduated from the WFTDA Apprentice Program and are proud to be a full-fledged WFTDA league!

Established in January of 2006, the league has quickly grown to include traveling interleague teams (the Capital Punishers and the Folsom Prison Bruisers), intraleague teams (the Sweaty Betties, the Rude Girls, and our newest team, the Notorious Knockouts), and our Junior Derby League (the Bad Apples) for girls 10 – 17 years old.

 The women of the Sac City Rollers practice three times a week and schedule a competitive bouting season locally and nationally from March to December.

 They wrap up each season by hosting their own "Red Red Holiday Invitational" in which skaters from over a dozen West Coast Roller Derby leagues compete, and proceeds are donated to the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.

Operating as a non-profit, self-governed organization, the Sac City Rollers strive to promote Roller Derby, but also serve our community by providing unparalleled competition and entertainment. In addition to community outreach, Sac City Rollers members volunteer their time and raise money for local and national charities such as Sacramento Children’s Home, the Sacramento Food Bank and the Saint Baldrick’s Foundation.

The Sac City Roller's Mission Statement

"We acknowledge the support that we receive from our surrounding communities and strive to reciprocate that support by being involved in local charities through donations and volunteer work. SCR is an enthusiastic supporter of Roller Derby leagues locally, nationally and internationally."
Follow the Sac City Rollers on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest!
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Ultimate Sale on Free Comic Book Day

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You've been waiting for the details and now they're here! We're having a gigantic sale on comic books and more.

Learn more about FCBD Mini-Con 2014. Download the full checklist of free titles or the checklist for kids.

Best Sale in Town*

25% off graphic novels, toys and statues (even off already reduced prices!)


Back issues on Sale

  • $1-5 = .50c
  • $5.01-10 =$1
  • 10.01-15 = $2
  • 15.01+ =75% off

So whether you're coming down for free comics, cosplay, or this amazing sale, you're sure to find something to please you.

UPDATE 04.30.2014: Um, haha, we assumed everyone knows the date for Free Comic Book Day (FCBD)! Our bad. FCBD is the first Saturday of May, each and every year. This year it falls on May 3, 2014. See you there.

*We didn't actually research the claim, haha, so if you hear of better, be sure to let us know.

The Return of Jared Konopitski

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Maybe you don't know it, but you've seen Jared Konopitski's art before. He's been a featured artist in the shop at least twice so far. He'll return  to Empire's on Saturday, May 3, 2014, for our annual Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con.

Meet Jared and experience his amazing art. You'll want to take one home with you, and you'll be glad to know his art is extremely accessible.

What's This About Free Comic Book MONTH?

Also for the second time, we're celebrating Free Comic Book Month -- 5 Saturdays full of free comics and related items. To participate, pick up a Free Comic Book Month Passport at the shop on Free Comic Book Day.
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Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con 2014 is Saturday May 3rd

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UPDATE 04/30/2014: Doors open at 9 am. We're expecting a huge turnout. Even heard some are going to get in line an hour or more early. Just sayin'.

 UPDATE 04/28/2014: There's an amazing comic book sale for Free Comic Book Day that you won't want to miss. Read all about it.

It is that time of year again. FCBD is only a month away and we have even more planned this year than any other year.

Our Best Comic Book Mini-Con Yet!

As always we will have a Mini-Con with some of Sacramento's best and most creative people. The Sac City Rollers will be here! The 501st Legion! Live Video & podcasts you can be part of! 15,000+ comics to give away for FREE! We will also have Supreme Pro Wrestling in the parking lot, with a full size ring, performing from 9am-11am.

This is going to be the best FCBD so far.  Stay tuned for the full details!


GUEST LIST

Hainanu Saulque - Artist and writer of Union St. Choir

Jared Konopitski - Painter and comic creator

Kyrun Silva - Writer and artist of the new indy title Shaman's Destiny

Michael Dorman - Thrillbent artist and artist for Moonstone's "Black Bat and Domino Lady - The Seer Stone"

Mach Yeager - Artist and writer for Digger Jones Adventurer and artist for John Solo: Secret Agent

Jason Dube - Writer, artist and publisher with Scattered Comics. He has worked on such titles as Scattered, Panda Days, Caffeine Poisoned, and Shadow Hunters.

Chris Cinder - Painter, designer and sculptor with themes that run from Star Wars to Cthulhu and toys with a superhero theme.

Felic Perez Jr. - Inker for the Dark Horse's Never Ending and Penciler for Trixie Dynamite.

Krysten Reis - Writer and artist for the new comic Curious Journey and cover artist for Trixie Dynamite

Sac City Roller - Our official Roller Derby team will be down here with info on their bouts and of of course on their skates.

501st - Everyone's favorite Star Wars group will be down with Storm Troopers and other SWU characters.

Supreme Pro Wrestling - A wrestling ring will be setup in the parking lot where Sir Samurai, Joe DeSoul, Dexter St Jock, D Torch and Bobby Hart will be wrestling from 9-11am.

Fist Full of Potions (podcast) - Local Gaming and geek podcast will be here recording live and talking to guests and fans alike.

Comics and Coffee - Jay Wheeler and ArtOf Fredrick-Allison Jr will be down doing live videos of the event and talking to guests and fans alike.

Richard Curtze - Local artist who has worked with ECV Press and loves to do sketch covers.

Hero Initiative - Helping Comic Creators in Need.

West Coast Avengers - Cosplay helping to raise money for the Shriners Hospital.

Timothy Green -Artist for Marvel, DC, Dark Horse and more.

Eric Nguyen - Has worked for DC and Marvel and currently works on Dark Horse's X.

John Cottrell - An independent comic creator who has done work for Dark Horse.

Shane Murphy - Artist and writer for Birdland.

Michael Calero -Local artist will have plenty of great prints for sale.

Melissa McCommon- Artist and Writer for Carnation, Caffine Poisoned and Epic Chaos with a wwwkly web comic as well.

Great Big Giant SALE on August 10 Plus Second Saturday Event

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This Saturday, August 10, you'll enjoy the following SALE PRICES! Don't miss out!

  • 25% off completely restocked BACK ISSUES! Thousands of new back issues will be available.
  • 15% off TRADES, COLLECTED EDITIONS, GRAPHIC NOVELS, and HARDBACKS plus TOYS and POSTERS
  • 15% off regular and already reduced priced STATUES
  • *NEW*: Bring the kids in for the sale and they'll receive pricing from Rolly's Comic Book Reading Club for Children! In this new program, new and back issues on the children's shelf are always available at 20% off cover price. Get more details and sign up your children at the shop!
  • Comic Book Savings Program Members, earlier this month we sent you a special coupon as your August 2013 Member Benefit! Check your email for it, or mention it to Ben at the TikiBar upon check out to take advantage of it.


Second Saturday Extension: Creative Women Mini-Con 2013


It's our first ever Creative Women Mini-Con celebrating a number of creatives that you need to meet. The mini-con runs from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.


The mini-con features sculptors, makeup artists, comic book publishers, creators, writers, artists, and more! Plus, as a special treat, you'll get to meet Sacramento's internet famous cosplayers, Power Girl and Huntress.

Check out their art, get on their mailing lists, and get to know these up and coming Sacramento artists who continue to make an impact in their local scenes.

Cap Off The Night with Sac City Rollers


Then to wrap up the night, join us to watch a roller derby bout as the Sac City Rollers deliver some serious skating action! Get more details at SacCityRollers.com.

Sarah René Straub at Creative Women Mini-Con 2013

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Sarah René Straub is an independent comic artist, freelance illustrator, concept designer and colorist.

Empire's Comics Vault Welcomes Sarah Straub to the Creative Women Mini-Con 2013


A passionate artist from an early age, Sarah would transform every scrap of paper into her own personal canvas -- so much so, in fact, that her parents had to hide important papers from her!

These days, in addition to avidly playing retro video games, Sarah does pixel art and character designs for local video game companies. 

She also dedicates time to her own mythology-inspired comics. Her work includes the myth-fairytale comic WIP "Blind Follies" and the webcomic "Geeks in Love." When not drawing, you can find her on the convention circuit.






Sarah blogs at StraubComics.com, tweets at @SarahStraub, and can be found on Facebook at Art by Sarah R Straub.

Meet Sarah at Empire's Comics Vault's first-ever Creative Women Mini-Con:
Date: Saturday, August 10, 2013
Time: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.



Creative Women Mini-Con is August 10, 2013 at Empire's

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Aphrodite, Goddess of Beauty and Desire
©2012-2013 *SarahRStraub
We're excited to announce that we're holding our first Creative Women Mini-Con celebrating the creative talents of local women in the greater Sacramento community.

There's something about mini-cons we just can't get enough of! Watch for more mini-cons from us headed your way.


Here are the critical details for this event, so that you can put it on your calendar:

Date: Saturday, August 10, 2013
Time: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Empire's Comics Vault

Creative Women Mini-Con 2013




If you enjoyed this year's Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con, then you're sure to enjoy our Creative Women Mini-Con, featuring Krysten Reis, Minnie Saucedo, Melissa Pagluica, Sarah Straub, Melissa McCommon, Heather Jaeger, and Kelsey Suan.

You'll get to meet them, see their art, and even add their creations to your personal collection. Not only that, but they'll be taking over the Empire's Comics Vault Art Wall (curated by Art Machinations).

Plus, over the next two weeks, watch for more information about each of these women and additional guests.

 Note: We're closing at 6 p.m. on October 10 for a roller derby bout, featuring Sacramento's amazing female athletic superstars -- the Sac City Rollers! Join us. You'll love roller derby (if you don't already).

15,000 Free Comic Books Look Like This

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Just in case you were wondering. They'll be ready for you by Saturday. Are you ready?

We have a great line up of special guests for the mini-con, an exclusive FCBD title from a local comic book creator, an FCBD titles checklist for kids and adults, and monster good Free Comic Book Day sale. Best of all, the FCBD titles are 100%, no strings attached F R E E. Doors open at 9 AM and we're open until 8 PM. See you there!


2013 Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con Guests Announced

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Second Annual Mini-Con at Empire's Comics Vault's Free Comic Book Day Celebration

We're proud to announce the line up of special guests -- all Sacramento locals -- who will be at our Mini-Con:

Join us to meet these amazing locals and to score your free comic books. Remember, you can take one copy of each book that you plan on reading, but only 1 of each, please. There's also going to be an amazing sale. Stay tuned for more details soon.