Stumptown Comics Fest was a comic book convention, held annually in Portland, Oregon from 2004 to 2013. In the model of the Alternative Press Expo and the Small Press Expo, Stumptown was a forum for artists, writers and publishers of comic art in its various forms to expose the public to comics not typically accessible through normal commercial channels.
History The Stumptown Comics Fest originated in early 2004 with a small group of Portland-area cartoonists (led by Indigo Kelleigh)Hallett, Alison. "10-Year Itch: Checking in with the Stumptown Comics Fest," Portland Mercury (Apr. 24, 2013). who yearned for a convention that focused on the art of comics instead of the business of comics. In a space of four months they were able to put on the first comics fest on June 6, 2004, at the Old Church, a non-profit organization whose goal was to preserve an old church. The first show featured 22 exhibitor tables, and attracted 150 attendees.
In 2005 the show moved to Portland State University's Smith Memorial Ballroom, and grew to 80 exhibitor tables and 450 attendees.
In 2006 the event moved to the Oregon Convention Center and expanded to two days.
In 2007, the event began hosting the Stumptown Comics Fest Trophy Awards and Comic Art Battle. The awards honored outstanding small creators and comics, while the Comic Art Battle, conceived of and created by Ezra Claytan Daniels, was described as "a cross between Pictionary and wrestling."
In 2012 the show changed hands, with Kelleigh passing on the reins to Shawna Gore; in addition, the new organizers achieved nonprofit status.
After the 10th annual show in 2013, Stumptown went "on hiatus" and entered an operating agreement with Rose City Comic Con.Hallett, Alison. "Nerd Prom* Is Cancelled: Stumptown Comics Fest to Merge** with Rose City Comic Con," Portland Mercury (DEC 17, 2013).
Dates and locations Dates Venue Guests/Notes June 6, 2004 Old Church October 1, 2005 Portland State University Smith Memorial Ballroom October 27–28, 2006 Oregon Convention Center Paul Chadwick, Michael GagneDuin, Steve. "Michel Gagne," The Oregonian (October 29, 2006). September 29–30, 2007 Lloyd Center Doubletree Hotel attending professionals: Graham Annable,Duin, Steve. "Further Grickle," The Oregonian (November 06, 2007). Steve Lieber,Duin, Steve. "Carla Speed McNeil: Talisman," The Oregonian (October 13, 2007). Joshua Kemble.Duin, Steve. "Joshua Kemble at Stumptown," The Oregonian (September 30, 2007). Brandon BoldRussell, Mike. "Q&A: 'Nobody Scores!' cartoonist Brandon Bolt," The Oregonian (May 19, 2008). April 26–27, 2008 Lloyd Center Doubletree Hotel Guest of honor: Craig Thompson; other guests: Nicholas GurewitchDuin, Steve. "A Brilliant Opening Act," The Oregonian (April 26, 2008). Larry Marder,Duin, Steve. "The Beanworld, Resurrected," The Oregonian (April 27, 2008). and Brian Michael Bendis; attending professionals: Steve LieberTurnquist, Kristi. "Stumptown Comics Fest Report: Bendis, 'Whiteout', Dark Horse, Etc.," The Oregonian (April 28, 2008). April 18–19, 2009 Doubletree Convention Hall Featured guest: Jeff SmithDuin, Steve. "Stumptown Keeps Moving Up," The Oregonian (January 11, 2009). April 24–25, 2010 Lloyd Center Doubletree Hotel Special guests: Paul Pope, Graham Annable, Kate Beaton, Craig Thompson,Turnquist, Kristi. "Stumptown Comics Fest brings creators and fans to Portland," The Oregonian (April 22, 2010). James Sturm April 16–17, 2011 Oregon Convention Center Portland Mayor Sam Adams appeared at the show "in the guise of SamDroid to pose for photographs and raise money for local homeless youth organization p:ear."Turnquist, Kristi. "'Words & Pictures' on KBOO visits Sam Adams to prepare for Stumptown Comics Fest," The Oregonian (April 13, 2011). April 28–29, 2012 Oregon Convention Center Official guests: Stan Sakai, Mike Allred, Kurt Busiek, Chris Samnee, Peter Bagge, Matt Bors, Brian Michael BendisTurnquist, Kristi. "The Hot List: 'Radiolab Live: In the Dark,' 'Live Wire!,' 'Fashion Forward Show,' 'Some Days are Better than Others,' Stumptown Comics Fest," The Oregonian (April 26, 2012). April 27–29, 2013 Oregon Convention Center Featured guests: Dash Shaw, Bill Willingham, Hope Larson, Becky Cloonan, James Kochalka, Brian Hurtt, Boulet; attending professionals: Paul Guinan, Anina Bennett, Erika Moen, Greg Rucka, Matt BorsTurnquist, Kristi. "Stumptown Comics Fest celebrates 10th anniversary this weekend at Oregon Convention Center," The Oregonian (April 26, 2013).
See also
Culture of Portland, Oregon
References
External links