Chicago's First Comic Con
with an All-Student Artist Alley
365d
24h
60m
60s
OPTIMIST CON is a FREE community-oriented comic convention boasting the Chicago's only All-student Artist Alley. We're focused on celebrating young artists, promoting literacy, and bringing people together for a day of family fun!
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Our Artist Alley represents the work of over 100 students that participated in Optimist Comics classes during the 25/26 school year. We have Panels from creative professionals, a Video Game Center, hands-on Art Workshops, and Anime Lounge, a Cosplay Competition and more. Come join the fun!
Play. Read. Create.
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SHOWCASING A YEAR OF
COMMUNITY BUILDING & YOUTH WORK
Artist Alley
We published over 100 students last school year!
Come check out the city's only All-Student Artist Alley. Proceeds support future youth programs and to the artists themselves.
Exhibitors
Learn about the best people ever
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3rd Spaces
We partner with local businesses to put comics classes in 8 communities!
It takes a village. Come check out the amazing businesses, NPOs, and community orgs that are transforming our city!
Games & Activities
It's not just comics! Live DJ, Food vendors, a Cosplay Competition and more.
Get creative inspiration at a Panel, chill in the Anime Lounge, hang out in the Game center, or learn a craft at a Workshop!
