Pop culture fun to support Fine Arts
From page to screen, Neosho Arts Council is celebrating the creative forces behind pop culture during their annual pop culture convention, ArtCon, February 1, 2025 in Neosho.
This year’s featured guest, Tony Amendola, is widely known for his role as Bra’tac on the long running series “Stargate SG1.” Along with is role as Geppetto on “Once Upon A Time,” Amendola has an extensive list of credits spanning half a century in film, television, and voice acting.
“Tony is one of those actors that everyone will recognize from something,” said Sarah Serio, president of Neosho Arts Council. “Most scifi fans will know him for Stargate but horror movie fans will recognize him for his role as Father Perez in Annabelle. He’s worked on video games including titles such as World of Warcraft and Call of Duty plus animated films like Green Lantern: Emerald Knights.”
Other guests include comic creator Ande Parks whose comic “Ciudad” was adapted into the Netflix film “Extraction” staring Chris Hemsworth. Parks also had a notable run working on the comic book “Green Arrow.”
“We will also have Kevin Mellon joining us,” Serio said. Mellon is known for his work as a director and art director for “Marvel’s Hit-Monkey” as well as work on shows like “Archer,” “The Vampire Diaries,” and “Black Lightning.”
The event will feature a full day of activities for all ages and a variety of interests while celebrating the fine arts that make comics, tv, movies, and games possible.
Those attending ArtCon can join free panels being held throughout the day. “Tony Amendola will be doing a Q&A panel, there will be a comic jam workshop, and our comic creators will be doing portfolio reviews,” Serio explained.
Due to increased participation and interest in panels the group is doubling its panel offerings. “We are expanding our panel schedule this year and there will be twice as many as last year,” Serio noted.
Other activities include the cosplay contest for kids, teens, and adults where cash prizes will be awarded and an esports tournament will be taking place where teens and adults can win cash prizes. Full rules are available on the arts council’s website.
A selection of guest cosplayers will be in attendance including a Star War group, superhero’s, and the Missouri Ghostbusters. “This year we will also have a cosplayer dressed as Mary Poppins and from The Hunger Games, Effie Trinket,” Serio said.
“Attendees can learn to play Dungeons and Dragons and Magic the Gathering if they’ve never played but we will also be running games for experienced players where they can win prizes,” Serio added. “There will also be a wide selection of board games for people to enjoy.” Due to the popularity of the board game area over the past two year’s ArtCon will expanding this area to allow more people to play and for a wider variety of games.
“We love hosting ArtCon because it gives the community a fun day that the whole family can enjoy while also supporting the fine arts in our area,” Serio said. Funds raised will go to support the organizations work to continue creating public art, hosting free community concerts, supporting student artists, and bring creative opportunities to the area.
ArtCon will be February 1, 2025 at the Neosho Jr. High (14646 Kodiak Road) from 10am to 5pm, admission is $5 while kids age 5 and under are free. For a schedule of events, contest rules, guest details or to buy tickets visit neoshoarts.net.