Below you can find our announced 2019 programming schedule!
For these panels listed in chronological order, please see our 2019 Programming (Chronological) page.
For a list of panelists and their panels in alphabetical order, please see our 2019 Panelist Schedule page.
You can find our 2019 mobile-friendly schedule at this link!
You can download the 2019 Program Book here: 2019 WhimsyCon Program
You can find maps of the convention space at our 2019 Convention Maps page, and a chronological view of our program in grid form at our 2019 Program Grids page.
Programming Schedule (Alphabetical)
(Last updated 2019-03-17)
3D Printing in Costuming
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Atrium
Charles Orndorff, Tauni Orndorff
This demonstration and discussion shows how you can design and 3D print costume pieces. We will talk about materials, software and devices.
3D Printing with Erin Card
Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Mesa Verde C – Maker
Erin Card
Costuming Guest of Honor Erin Card discusses 3D printing. Techniques, process, and planning, with a bit of show and tell.
Aleister Crowley, beast of the Victorian occult
Friday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Vivian Caethe
An in depth look at the life and times of the Victorian occult’s most infamous character.
Art Jam
Saturday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Atrium
Mistress Mab, Rubiee Tallyn Hayes, Victoria Regina
Sit down and draw for an hour! Toss around ideas with other artists and flex those art muscles. All skill levels are welcome.
Art of Body Motion
Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Atrium
Cori
Somatic Awareness Principles. Easy exercises to bring awareness to how one’s body moves and learning to listen to how to allow for change.
Author Guest of Honor Reading
Saturday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Roberto Calas
Our Author and Artist Guest of Honor reads from his new fantasy novel, “The Madness of Valatriste”.
Author Mega Autograph Reception
Saturday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Main Events
Betsy Dornbusch, Ian Brazee-Cannon, Karina Scott, Mike Cervantes, Roberto Calas, Scott Crosson, Thea Hutcheson
Attending authors, including our Guest of Honor Roberto Calas, will be available to sell their books, provide autographs, and visit with fans.
Author Readings – Bell, Burns
Saturday, 6:00 PM-6:50 PM, Wind River B – Costuming
A.M. Burns, Dana Bell
Readings by authors Dana Bell and A.M. Burns.
Author Readings – Berger, Forrest, Robertson
Saturday, 10:00 PM-10:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
J.L. Forrest, Lou J Berger, Vennessa Robertson
Readings by authors Lou J Berger, J.L. Forrest, and Vennessa Robertson.
Author Readings – Brodski, Cervantes, Friesen
Friday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Wind Star B – Various
Eneasz Brodski, Mike Cervantes, Richard E. Friesen
Readings by authors Eneasz Brodski, Mike Cervantes, and Richard Friesen.
Author Readings – Harrison, Heermann, Willis
Saturday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Connie Willis, J.D. Harrison, Travis Heermann
Readings by authors Justinn Harrison, Travis Heermann, and Connie Willis.
Author Readings – Lell, Kay, Dornbusch
Friday, 6:00 PM-6:20 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Betsy Dornbusch, Carolyn Kay, Paul Lell
Readings by authors Paul Lell, Carolyn Kay, and Betsy Dornbusch.
Author Readings – Litore, Adams
Sunday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Wind Star A – Literary
Stant Litore, Susan Clare Adams
Readings by authors Stant Litore and Susan Clare Adams.
Author Readings – Wears, Acevedo, Hutcheson
Sunday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Wind Star B – Various
Mario Acevedo, Owen Wears, Thea Hutcheson
Readings by authors Owen Wears, Mario Acevedo, and Thea Hutcheson.
Basic Leather Care
Saturday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Atrium
Knight
In thus panel we will teach you the basics of how to maintain your leather. Join Knight on an adventure into basic leather care.
Bawdy Songs of the Victorian Era
Saturday, 10:00 PM-10:50 PM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Olivia Wylie, Pink Pitcher
An interactive experience on the history of Victorian-era bawdy songs and dirty music. Short descriptions of Victorian slang, the history of music halls, and the rise of printed music as a method of dissemination. Lyric sheets will be handed out; learn the stories behind the most infamous of ditties.
Bead Loom workshop
Saturday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Mesa Verde C – Maker
Kathleen Sloan
Do you have a bead loom lying around that you haven’t touched for years? Come learn how to use it again, with some variations. Please bring a loom if you have one, a lmited number will be available.
Blanket Forts (adult session)
Friday, 9:00 PM-10:50 PM, Wind Star B – Various
Blankets, coloring books, crayons, and stuffed animals. Wind down the night, make a fort and relax. Adults and calm teens only please.
Blanket Forts (adult session)
Saturday, 10:00 PM-11:50 PM, Wind River A – Art
Blankets, coloring books, crayons, and stuffed animals. Wind down the night, make a fort and relax. Adults and calm teens only please.
Blanket Forts (all ages)
Saturday, 6:00 PM-6:50 PM, Bristlecone – Children
Remember how much fun it was to make forts in the livingroom with couch cushions? Let’s do it again! This time we’ll be using blankets and tables to take us on our imagination journey to the ocean or stars – wherever we want to go!
Blind Lemming Chiffon Concert
Saturday, 6:00 PM-6:50 PM, Wind Star B – Various
Blind Lemming Chiffon
Concert with local filk musician Blind Lemming Chiffon.
Book Cover Mambo
Friday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Roberto Calas, Stant Litore
Artists and Authors share their best and worst book covers and talk about what makes them work– and what doesn’t.
Bootblacking
Friday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Atrium
Knight
Got creaky cuirasses or broken bracers? Join Leather Bootblack William throughout the weekend in the atrium as he demonstrates the proper way to care for your leather accoutrements.
Buff Out the Dents! – Robot Makeup
Saturday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Wind River B – Costuming
Beck Wasik
A demonstration of what products and tools to use for your very own robot look! Inspired by the band, Steam Powered Giraffe, we will show how we designed our looks and do a quick application for view.
Building and Cultivating Your Creative Community
Saturday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Mesa Verde C – Maker
J.D. Harrison, Lara Beckwith, Lee Francis 4, Melissa Koons, Travis Heermann
How do you find people with shared creative energies to build community that inspires and helps you grow as an artist, author, musician, crafter, etc? Learn how others have found and built safe, creative communities with a spirit of helping one another thrive.
Character Focused Storytelling
Saturday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Ashley M Vasquez, Ian Thomas Healy , Jessica Lauren Gabarron, Melissa Koons
Theme, action, plot, or character driven; what do these mean, and what does character focused storytelling look like?
Characters Are Who, Not What
Saturday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Connie Willis, Paul Lell, Roberto Calas
When writing characters not like ourselves, authors can make the mistake of thinking stereotypes represent the diversity they are striving for. Learn what stereotypes and tropes exist, and how they can be challenged to write better and more diverse characters!
Children’s Costume Parade
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Bristlecone – Children
Erin Card
All the under 18’s are welcome to join for a parade through the convention, showing off their fun and whimsical costumes. Meet Costuming Guest of Honor Erin Card near the bottom of the stairs in the lobby to assemble.
Closing Ceremonies
Sunday, 4:00 PM-4:25 PM, Main Events
Erin Card, Julie Nakao, Roberto Calas
Come recap the weekend, relive the highlights, hear a few closing words from our guests, and say goodbye until next time.
Color In
Friday, 8:00 PM-11:50 PM, Atrium
Janet Rose
Join fellow con-goers for a coloring session in the atrium. Bring things to color and items to color with or use the provided materials! Enjoy some quiet coloring time after a long busy day.
Commission Work: Designing Others’ Visions
Saturday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Wind River A – Art
Rubiee Tallyn Hayes, Victoria Regina
What elements make it so hard to design for someone else’s vision? Some artists have given up on commission work all together; how can we make this work for everyone?
Concept Art in Action
Saturday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Wind River A – Art
Chaz Kemp, Peri Charlifu
The goal of concept art is to convey a visual representation of a design, idea, and/or mood. In this panel, the room will draw an item that could be in film, video games, or other media.
Concert by Kathleen Sloan
Saturday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Wind Star B – Various
Kathleen Sloan
Filk was around long before geek music. Kathleen has been filking for 40 years and will share classics and her own music.
Convention Horror Stories
Sunday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Wind Star B – Various
Janet Rose, Thea Hutcheson
Come and hear stories of some of the convention guests’ strange, sublime and horrible experiences.
Corsets Q&A: Tightlacing, Waist Training, and Myths
Saturday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Wind River B – Costuming
Erin Card, Lara Beckwith, Vonie’ Stillson aka Lady Vo
Lets answer some questions regarding corsets, materials, fit, construction, and what to look for when buying, as well as addressing common corset myths.
Cosplay Excursions and Adventures
Saturday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Wind River B – Costuming
Melanie Unruh, Sheila McClune, Vonie’ Stillson aka Lady Vo
Excursions and Adventures for the Sartorial Exhibitionist. Cosplay isn’t just for conventions; dress up and go out and about in your community. Ideas for venues and activities, getting together with like-minded folks, and advice for avoiding issues.
Cosplaying the Shadow
Saturday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Vonie’ Stillson aka Lady Vo
The shadow is the part of ourselves we keep hidden away from the world. Most people assume this means the dark aspects of life, but it can also include a secret identity.
Costume Contest
Saturday, 6:00 PM-7:50 PM, Main Events
Dame Ursula Whiffenpott, Erin Card, Janet Rose, Kevin Frost
Join Costuming GOH Erin Card as entrants show off their fabulous and creative costumes and are judged by our panel of special guests.
Costume Contest Green Room
Saturday, 4:00 PM-5:50 PM, Thunderpass – Interactive, Sewing
Dame Ursula Whiffenpott, Erin Card
This room is set aside for the Costume Contest participants to prepare before the Costume Contest. No peeking!
Costume Swap
Saturday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Thunderpass – Interactive, Sewing
Hannah Bartley, Nissa LaFete
Have a bunch of costume items you no longer want cluttering up your home? Exchange them to the costume swap. Leave what you want, take what you want. Items left at the end will be added to the “freebies” table.
Costuming 101
Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Wind River B – Costuming
Amy Griswold, KatOfDiamonds, Mistress Mab
How do you get into costuming and cosplay? What you need to know to decide which cosplay to make, how to research for the project, how to find or make wigs, props, clothing, armor, etc, and finally, how to take care of yourself and others while in costume. Great for beginners and those in a rut that need a little push back into the hobby!
Costuming for Accessiblilty
Saturday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Wind River B – Costuming
Clockwork Rose Cosplay, Pink Pitcher
A discussion on how various people’s needs are different so costume needs are different.
Costuming for Every BODY
Saturday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Wind River B – Costuming
Amy Griswold, KatOfDiamonds, Lara Beckwith
A detailed look into proper proportioning of your costume to fit any and all body types. If you are lost at how to take your costume from eh to “Wow that looks amazing!” the hidden secret is proper proportion!
Crafting and Chatting
Saturday, 8:00 PM-9:50 PM, Thunderpass – Interactive, Sewing
Mel Plett from Stretch of the Imagination, Robin Baylor
Open costume repair time. Come by for some social time with other fiber arts crafters. Bring your craft project in progress; we know you have at least one.
Create a Steampunk Cuff!
Saturday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Thunderpass – Interactive, Sewing
Pink Pitcher
Discuss textile advancements in the early modern period while creating a cuff to suit your own style! Must be capable of threading a needle (will instruct), all materials provided.
Creating Multi-Cultural Steampunk Characters
Saturday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Aaron Spriggs, Carolyn Kay, Kevin Frost, Stace Johnson
Let’s brainstorm a steampunk character that steps outside the normal upper-class British box. Audience participation is welcomed.
Creatives and Collaboration
Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Mesa Verde C – Maker
A.M. Burns, Bryan Oliver
Find out how to keep creating when you have multiple people on a project. From big egos to differing ideas, lets round table how you work as pieces of one machine.
Creativity Roundtable
Saturday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Wind River A – Art
Peri Charlifu, Chaz Kemp, Losing Lara, Mike (mikeyzart) Kloepfer, Pink Pitcher
What drives creative people, inspires us, keeps us going when the muse has gone out for pizza and left us sitting at our desks…alone…in the dark. Artists, writers, actors, musicians or just becoming one, come join us.
Critique Groups: Care and Feeding Without Getting Your Hand Bitten
Friday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Mesa Verde C – Maker
Gail Henry, Kimberly Keane, Travis Heermann, Veronica R. Calisto
Most established authors will recommend “the right” critique group for aspiring writers. What are some of the things to look for and pitfalls to avoid? Be wary and be wise by knowing how to get yourself into the right company.
Crossplay & Genderbending: The Art of Cross-Gender Costuming
Friday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Wind River B – Costuming
Clockwork Rose Cosplay, HopeFully Cosplay, Tauni Orndorff
How do you approach cosplay when the character you love is a different gender or sex? Come join our discussion on reasons and techniques for manipulating your body, or the character’s look to fit yours.
Cut to Size
Saturday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Thunderpass – Interactive, Sewing
Amy Griswold, Sheila McClune
Flattering costuming comes in all sizes; how to design and build beautiful clothing that fits larger people.
Dialog Workshop
Friday, 10:00 PM-10:50 PM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Roberto Calas
Dialog is one of the most powerful tools a writer has — and one of the hardest to master. Bring a sample of dialog from your own work and have it dismantled and ridiculed by Roberto Calas. Gently.
Difference Engines: Mechanical Brains, Analog Computers
Saturday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Richard Blake
Before the digital era, the world’s engineers, scholars, and tradespeople built elegant engines of logic to aid them in their calculations. Visit a world where bones and cogs are the cutting edge of computation and have hands-on time with computing artifacts from the 15th-20th centuries.
Discussing Combat in Fiction
Sunday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Eneasz Brodski, Richard E. Friesen, Trai Cartwright
The good, the bad, and the ugly scenes of combat and action including the differences between games, movies, and literature. Also a discussion of the morality and emotional impact both upon the audience and the characters involved.
Diversity in Fandom
Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Lee Francis 4, A.M. Burns, Losing Lara
What does diversity mean practically? How do writers show and not tell when it comes to making sure a variety of people are represented?
Don’t Be a Diva
Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Wind Star A – Literary
Jessica Lauren Gabarron, Carol Van Natta, Gail Henry, Lou J Berger, Susan Clare Adams
One of the best lessons for the indie author business is learning to play well with others. Make friends, collaborate, and succeed together because shady ethics with people and systems can bite hard.
Don’t Flip Your Wig!
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Wind River B – Costuming
HopeFully Cosplay
Don’t just learn the basics – come watch them live! See how to detangle and restore a frazzled wig, set curls and bangs, and even trim your wig!
Draw Off (Art Track)
Saturday, 6:00 PM-6:50 PM, Atrium
Chaz Kemp, Pink Pitcher
Artists are given a prompt from the audience and a time limit to draw their quick masterpiece. Ready, set, go!
Drawing SciFi & Fantasy Characters
Saturday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Mesa Verde C – Maker
Mike (mikeyzart) Kloepfer
This is a participation event for all skill levels! Draw along as Mike shows you how to draw your own Science Fiction and Fantasy characters in a relaxed and fun environment.
Electronics in Costumes & Props
Friday, 8:30 PM-9:20 PM, Main Events
Erin Card
If you’re ready to take your costume or prop to the next level of awesomeness; adding lights, sounds, or moving parts will put you there and beyond. Come see some of the incredible possibilities of costume electronics and the hows and wheres of getting started on your own projects!
Ethics and Art
Saturday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Wind River A – Art
Blair Bartlett, Dylan Edwards, Olivia Wylie
How do ethics affect the artist? Talk about different ideas and situation, including pricing, copyright, stealing ideas, borrowing themes, payment, taxes, and how we treat each other!
Evening Meditation
Saturday, 10:00 PM-10:50 PM, Wind River B – Costuming
Cori, Janet Rose
Need to relax after a long day of dressing up and embracing your inner airship captain? Bank your inner coals and shed your responsibilities with a meditation session. Everyone welcome.
Fabric Resources
Friday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Thunderpass – Interactive, Sewing
Lara Beckwith, Pink Pitcher
Modern textiles that approximate Victorian fabrics, and where to find them.
Faerie Costuming
Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Wind River B – Costuming
Nissa LaFete, Tomas O’Dreams
What do you do when your costume is part of your job! Tips, ideas, tricks and of course a few fun stories from our favorite fae on how they’ve incorporated fantasy elements into their costuming.
Fan Art vs Intellectual Property
Saturday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Wind River A – Art
Dylan Edwards, Mike Cervantes
If it’s not your intellectual property, does it have a place in the art show? Is it even legal? How far is too far when it comes to being inspired by your favorite movie, T.V. program or book?
Fantastic Beasts – Create a Creature
Saturday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Bristlecone – Children
Brenna, Michelle Reeves
Newt Scamander is on the hunt for new magical creatures. Children of all ages are welcome to come make your very own Care of Magical Creatures book and a new magical creature to add to Newts’s collection.
Fantasy Map Creation
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Main Events
Carolyn Kay, Pink Pitcher, Roberto Calas
Authors and Artists will work together to create a fantasy maps from inception and planning to final creation with audience input.
Feet to Fins: An Intro to Mermaid Cosplay
Friday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Wind River B – Costuming
Clockwork Rose Cosplay, HopeFully Cosplay, Mermaid Ara
Take your cosplay underwater! If you’ve ever wanted to be a mermaid or merman, come learn the ins & outs of mermaiding, the challenges water adds to cosplay, & most importantly, how to be SAFE!
Fighting the Day Job
Saturday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Wind Star A – Literary
Brett J Baker, J.D. Harrison, Vennessa Robertson
How do writers and artists do it? The running joke about being starving artists isn’t a joke. Finding time to write/do art and still have a day job, family, and manage working to pay the bills while creating your art.
Fireside Reading with Stant Litore
Saturday, 11:00 PM-11:50 PM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Stant Litore
It’s a metaphorical fireside, but Stant’s readings will warm you and chill you and leave you ready for more.
Fourth Dimension Touring
Friday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Dana Bell, Richard E. Friesen, Thea Hutcheson
Creating the concept of time travel in art, craft, and literature.
From Harbor Freight to Airship Delivery
Friday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Mesa Verde C – Maker
Mistress Mab
The art of curating treasures from cheap tool stores. Various tips and tricks for modifying boring personal protection equipment into the Steampunk Accessories of your dreams.
Future of Privacy
Saturday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Highlands Amphitheater – Various
Eneasz Brodski, Mario Acevedo
With our phones, smart speakers, and computers we willingly buy into a system far more comprehensive than anything in Orwell’s 1984. Big Data records everything. What does this mean for privacy?
Geek Songwriting
Saturday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Wind Star B – Various
Losing Lara, Stace Johnson
Our panelists discuss songwriting as a storytelling form, and play some songs from their repertoire.
Geeky Painting Class – Drop In
Saturday, 10:00 AM-5:50 PM, Wind Star B – Various
Geeky themes for your painting pleasure! Exploding TARDIS, Starry Night, and more. Come by for more information.
Gender Representation in Fandom
Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Wind Star A – Literary
Gail Henry, Trai Cartwright, Vennessa Robertson
People of all genders enjoy fandoms, but books, movies, and video games are generally not representative. What have we learned and what can we improve on?
Gentle Suggestion: A Thoughtful Art Critique
Saturday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Wind River A – Art
Lannie Pihajlic
Come in for a rare opportunity to have your work critiqued in a safe and encouraging environment. No charge, but space is limited. Afterward artists are encouraged to attend the art show and shmooze!
Get Up Off That Floor
Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Thunderpass – Interactive, Sewing
Lara Beckwith
Tired of cutting on the floor? We’ll draw from experience in professional costume shops and small home business studios to show you clever ways to improve your costuming set up. Bring your questions and space challenges.
Grimm After Dark
Saturday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, Main Events
Nissa LaFete, Tomas O’Dreams
Liam Bootzin and Yvonne Larson present the darker side of fairytales. The early works of the Brothers Grimm often illustrate the harshness of life and how not all the endings are happy. Pg-13 Parental Guidance Suggested.
Hall and Stage Costuming
Saturday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Wind River B – Costuming
A.M. Burns, Amy Griswold, HopeFully Cosplay, KatOfDiamonds
Star of the Stage or Fabulous in the Hallways, each type of costuming has unique challenges and areas where they shine. Come learn more about how to look fabulous in your chosen venue.
Hats to Spats
Friday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, Wind River B – Costuming
Melanie Unruh, Victoria Regina
Dress accessories make the Genteel Steampunk. Ideas and resources for adding an air of authenticity to your Neo-Victorian attire.
Heroes and Monsters: What Separates the Two?
Friday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Mario Acevedo, Andrew Hallam, J.L. Forrest, Melissa Koons, Susan Clare Adams
In modern and ancient times, there are figures who straddle the lines, being both monstrous and heroic. What separates the two; is monstrousness something characters are born to or do they have a choice; and are heroes those who are born to it or do they transcend their own monstrousness to become great.
History of Tarot
Saturday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Wind Star A – Literary
Andarta, Vivian Caethe
Tarot started as a card game and transformed into an occult tool during the Victorian era. Join us as we journey through the history of Tarot and its impact on the Victorian era and beyond.
How Much is that Dragon in the Window
Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Wind River A – Art
Melanie Unruh, Peri Charlifu
How do you come up with a price for your work? Pricing strategies, marketing tools and tricks, as well as secrets from artists you love.
How Not to Get Published
Saturday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Ashley M Vasquez, J.L. Forrest, Kimberly Keane, Veronica R. Calisto
What are some of the pitfalls involved in the pursuit of a writing career; what are some of the gotchas and consequences? Authors talk about their experiences and, in some cases, how they’ve gotten in their own way.
How to Mail Art to Conventions
Sunday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Wind River A – Art
Mike (mikeyzart) Kloepfer, Peri Charlifu
Ever wonder how to send work to conventions? Is it worth doing? Can you make money at it? How to ship art to cons, including what cons to try, how to do the paperwork, organizing, and planning, planning, planning!
How To Support Small Artists
Sunday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Mesa Verde C – Maker
Kevin Frost, Losing Lara, Stace Johnson
When it comes to the many types of creative work, there are millions of small artists out there who need your help! This can be a little overwhelming, but in this panel we will discuss the easy (even free) ways you can help the artist in your life!
Instrument Petting Zoo
Saturday, 4:00 PM-5:50 PM, Mesa Verde C – Maker
Kathleen Sloan, Robin Baylor
In a casual setting, you will be able to touch and play a variety of instruments including percussion, multiple types of guitars, harp, theremin, flute, zither hurdy-gurdy, electronic saxophone and more. Come and make some music with us. Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult.
Intro to Filk
Saturday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Mesa Verde C – Maker
Kathleen Sloan, Robin Baylor
What is filk music? If you’ve never heard of the music of science fiction and fantasy fandom, and want to learn about it, this is the panel for you. The panelists will discuss how it started, what is considered filk and how you can participate.
Introduction to Hat Making
Sunday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Thunderpass – Interactive, Sewing
Victoria Regina
Have you always been interested in how hats are really made but don’t know where to start? Milliner & instructor, Victoria Regina, will reveal the traditional & nontraditional tools & techniques of the craft. See how to go from a hobbyist to hatter.
Invent Imaginary Religions for an Imaginary World
Saturday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Roberto Calas, Stant Litore
On your imaginary world, what do people worship and why, and how does this drive your characters and your story? Come invent some religions!
Iron Costumer
Sunday, 2:00 PM-3:50 PM, Main Events
Erin Card, KatOfDiamonds, Scott Crosson
It’s Iron Chef, costume-style! Contestants will have 40 minutes to create something exciting for the judges. What will be the secret ingredient? Hajime!
Is Digital Art Cheating?
Friday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, Wind River A – Art
Chaz Kemp, Lannie Pihajlic
The trend in art seems to be moving to the digital medium. Is push-button art cheating, or is there more to it ? Can a monkey do digital art, or does it still take skill, knowledge, and creativity?
Learn to Love Your Writing
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Mesa Verde C – Maker
Lee Francis 4, Eneasz Brodski, Paul Lell, Trai Cartwright, Travis Heermann
Everyone is their own worst critic. Stop worrying and love your writing: a motivational panel. How to stop hesitating because you feel you work isn’t “good enough” and put words on the paper.
Life Drawing – Model Drawing
Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Wind River A – Art
Mike (mikeyzart) Kloepfer, Mistress Mab
Live model drawing doesn’t have to be boring! Come hone your skills in a session of timed poses with music and costuming. Drop ins welcome!
Losing Lara Performance
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, 12th Floor Airship
Losing Lara
Come get lost in listening to wizard rock (Harry Potter), Firefly, and other nerdy themed music performed by Losing Lara!
Make a Fairy Garden
Sunday, 11:00 AM-12:50 PM, Bristlecone – Children
Mel Plett from Stretch of the Imagination, Michelle Reeves
The fairies need your help spreading more plants around our neighborhoods. Come and create your own Fairy Garden you can take home.
Making Heroines Even Better
Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Wind Star B – Various
Ashley M Vasquez, Betsy Dornbusch, Vennessa Robertson
Steampunk allows us to play in a fictional world where we can leave real-world issues at the door. In what ways does this help us create better heroines?
Marketing 101: For artists at conventions
Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Wind River A – Art
Peri Charlifu
This is a basic level marketing class geared toward beginning and intermediate artists wishing to break into the convention art market.
Marketing for Writers
Saturday, 6:00 PM-6:50 PM, Mesa Verde C – Maker
Brett J Baker
Don’t publishers handle all that marketing mumbo jumbo? In this booming era of indie authors, hybrids, and small presses, what does it take to get your name out there? How does a writer market him or herself?
Moments Only an Artist Can Relate To
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Wind River A – Art
Chaz Kemp, Lannie Pihajlic, Mike (mikeyzart) Kloepfer
We have all had moments that only an artist can really relate to, let’s air some dirty laundry for an audience and talk about the worst, the best and the weirdest things that have happened to us as artists.
Morning Meditation
Sunday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Main Events
Cori, Karina Scott
Enjoy some time to quiet the thoughts from the night before and enjoy some gentle meditation, contemplation, and reflection. Clear those mental cogs and gear up for a great day!
Musical performance by Stace Johnson
Friday, 5:30 PM-6:20 PM, Main Events
Stace Johnson
An hour of music performed by local musician Stace Johnson.
Mustache and Beard Competition
Saturday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, 12th Floor Airship
Julie Nakao, Scott Crosson
Bring on your best beard and mustache style (or simulation if you don’t want to compete with your current facial hair). Open to all genders and growing abilities! Winners awarded in Best Grown and Best Created categories!
Neo-Victorian Etymology
Sunday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Olivia Wylie
An examination of how word meanings and colloquialisms developed in the Victorian era and how they have evolved through social use.
New Authors Anonymous
Friday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Ashley M Vasquez, Jessica Lauren Gabarron, Karina Scott, Kimberly Keane
Talk about what it’s like as a newbie in this crazy publishing world.
Non-Traditional Materials for Creating Art
Sunday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Wind River A – Art
Chaz Kemp, Mistress Mab
Using PVC to make a dragon? Harvesting grape leaves to work as an armature for a sculpture? Using soot from the BBQ to make ink? Many of us use non-traditional materials to make art, come and share the secrets with us all!
Nutcracker and Late Victorian Dance
Saturday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Main Events
Take a Victorian/Edwardian romp through dance mixers & round dances directed by Holly Collins-Tomazin from Adventures in Dance. The adventure will begin with a dance demonstration of the Nutcracker & the four Victorian Dances. Then kick it into high gear with a Grand March followed by a Waltz! Hold onto your knickers as fun “called” dances are interspersed between Waltzes, Polkas and Tangos.
Ohming: Breathing Exercises
Saturday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Atrium
Cori
Ohms: Meditation for more than just electricians. 10 minute breathing techniques for relaxation and costume competition prep.
Open Costume Chat
Saturday, 11:00 AM-12:50 PM, Thunderpass – Interactive, Sewing
Hannah Bartley, KatOfDiamonds
Spend some time in our “costume shop”, chatting about your projects, making progress, and sharing knowledge.
Open Costume Repair
Sunday, 11:00 AM-2:50 PM, Thunderpass – Interactive, Sewing
Lara Beckwith, Hannah Bartley, KatOfDiamonds
Need to make some repairs? Come by during this open time to use the sewing machines and get advice from our sitting experts.
Open Drop-In Time
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Thunderpass – Interactive, Sewing
Hannah Bartley, Lara Beckwith
The shop is open! Sewing machines, fabric, and advice are all available. Drop in for repairs, chat, or general “stitch and bitch”.
Open Filking
Saturday, 9:00 PM-10:50 PM, Wind Star B – Various
Kathleen Sloan
Folk music, often with a sci fi or fantasy theme, played casually in a round-robin style. Bring an instrument if you have one, your voice as well, and a good sense of humor doesn’t hurt.
Opening Ceremonies
Friday, 6:30 PM-6:55 PM, Main Events
Erin Card, Julie Nakao, Roberto Calas
Chair Julie Nakao welcomes everyone and introduces this year’s Guests of Honor!
Organizing the Studio
Sunday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Wind River A – Art
Melanie Unruh
A clean studio is a productive studio. This sounds logical but few artists can keep a clean, organized workspace. Explore some effective, low cost alternatives, how to multi-task your work area and storage options. Get organized and make your work area work for you!
Overcoming Creative Fears
Saturday, 6:00 PM-6:50 PM, Wind River A – Art
Olivia Wylie, Kimberly Keane, Rubiee Tallyn Hayes
There is a time when you have to introduce your work to the world; learn to overcome a common, harrowing experience for every creative person out there.
Pie Eating Contest – Victorian Style
Saturday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, 12th Floor Airship
Pink Pitcher
A deep discussion of “proper” table manners in the victorian era, followed by the most genteel pie eating contest you’ve ever seen. Audience participation required.
Pitfalls of the Strong Female Character
Friday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Gail Henry, Jessica Lauren Gabarron, Kimberly Keane
There is more to feminine strength than the assassin and the Chosen One built to kill all of the vampires. Explore tropes and stereotypes of the way strength and females intertwine in our stories and media.
Plotting vs Pantsing
Saturday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Lou J Berger, Connie Willis, Kimberly Keane, Roberto Calas
Do you plot your book’s every move or do you flow with the river of words as they come flooding out?
Proto-Steampunk Literature
Saturday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Aaron Spriggs, Richard Blake
The work of Moorcock, Powers, Jeeter, and Blaylock, and how they formed the genre.
Pursuing Your Creative Dreams
Friday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Wind River A – Art
Peri Charlifu, Brenna, Karina Scott, Melanie Unruh
How to completely go for your dreams despite all of the good advice that you’ll be given to stop you. Beyond the pit falls and dealing with discouragement, a focus on how to put your dreams into action and how to stay happy when all seems bleak.
Putting the Punk in Steampunk
Saturday, 6:00 PM-6:50 PM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Lyndsie Clark, Scott Crosson
Manifest the punk sociology into the material culture, art and artifacts of our countercultural community.
Q&A with Erin Card
Saturday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Main Events
Erin Card
Costuming Guest of Honor Erin Card tells you about her journey and answers questions posed by the audience.
Q&A with Roberto Calas
Sunday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Main Events
Roberto Calas
Author and Artist Guest of Honor Roberto Calas talks about being both an artist and an author and answers questions posed by the audience.
Quick and Simple: Props & Accessories
Saturday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Wind River B – Costuming
Ana MacDonell, Lyndsie Clark, Vonie’ Stillson aka Lady Vo
No need to spend a lot of time and money to make a prop, gadget, or other accessory for your costume. Let’s discuss some fun ideas that have worked for us. Learn from the panelists and bring your successes (and failures) too.
Rapping Ghosts and Secret Societies – Occultism in the Victorian Era
Saturday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Andarta
The Victorian era saw a blossoming of occultism even as the Industrial Revolution grew to full steam. A look at the history of many occult practices in the Victorian era and how they influenced modern Pagan beliefs.
Reap what you Sew
Saturday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Wind River B – Costuming
Cori, Erin Card
Or Better Cosplay Design through Self-Care. Simple warm-up exercises for the most common costume-construction activities.
Religion in Fiction Outside the Western World
Saturday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Stant Litore
What if the galaxy was explored by Islamic researchers? What if the next epic fantasy you read is set in Aztec Mexico? Speculative fiction is our chance to explore the cosmos through very different eyes than our own — and not just extraterrestrial or elven ones!
Resin Casting
Saturday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Atrium
Charles Orndorff, Tauni Orndorff
This discussion and demonstration will show how to use a silicone mold to cast resin and provide techniques for adding color, and decoration to the finished product.
RPG World-Building
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Bill , Brett J Baker, Calvin Studzinski
Covering everything from how to craft your own gameworld and where your player characters fit into it, to the dos and don’ts of world-building to common tropes that appear across genres.
Ruins and Relics: The Bones of Your Imaginary World
Saturday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Roberto Calas, Stant Litore
What ruins and relics of the past exist in your fictional world? What do your characters carry with them on their journeys? How does the past invade and shape the present? Come find out!
Sculpting Demo – Peri Charlifu
Saturday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Wind River A – Art
Peri Charlifu
Watch as artist Peri Charlifu demonstrates his sculpting techniques.
Self/Indie Publishing (Print and eBook)
Saturday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Highlands Amphitheater – Various
Richard E. Friesen, Carol Van Natta, Jessica Lauren Gabarron, Owen Wears, Thomas A Fowler
So many options! How do authors self publish and/or work with independent presses? How to make it happen, in physical form and electronically.
Serger 101
Saturday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Thunderpass – Interactive, Sewing
Dame Ursula Whiffenpott, Lara Beckwith
Some love them, some hate them, but serger machines are a unique breed. Come learn the basics of how to use and where they excel.
Sex and Violence in YA Literature
Saturday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Lou J Berger, Colleen Oakes, Dylan Edwards
With books/movies like Hunger Games, Divergent and Twilight, what is too much for sex and violence in books that are supposed to be for young adults. How much if any was too much for Harry Potter, LoTR, and The Hobbit?
Sexy in Science Fiction
Sunday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Ian Brazee-Cannon, Kimberly Keane, Trai Cartwright
Love and sex are essential elements in any story. How these scenes in popular Science Fiction & Fantasy can help you create more robust stories with fully fleshed-out characters.
Shiny Garden and SG Events
Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Highlands Amphitheater – Various
Janet Rose, Julie Nakao, Sandra Wheeler
Come find out more about Shiny Garden and their events, including WhimsyCon (steampunk and costuming), HexaCon (tabletop gaming), and the Myths and Legends Convention.
Silicone Molding
Friday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Atrium
Charles Orndorff, Tauni Orndorff
This discussion and demonstration will address a one part easy silicone mold. Providing tips and techniques for making successful mold.
Sky Pirates and Their Brethren
Sunday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Jodi M Franklin, Lyndsie Clark, Prof. Artimus G Smithmage
The romance of rogues and free spirits in the Steampunk genre.
Slide Rules and Sewing Machines
Saturday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, 12th Floor Airship
Courtney Willis
Tools from the past serve as inspiration for the steampunk genre. Come get some hands-on time with these wonderful items from the 1800’s.
So Charming, Not Creepy
Saturday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Connie Willis, Melissa Koons, Thomas A Fowler
Make your convention experience better by learning how to approach people without being a creep. A discussion on etiquette, consent, common sense and enjoying fandom with respect. Audience is encouraged to share examples of good and bad interactions.
Social Consciousness and Steampunk
Friday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Mike Cervantes, Scott Crosson, Thea Hutcheson
Discussion on how the community incorporates themes of equality, social responsibility, and inclusion.
Splendid Teapot Racing
Saturday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, 12th Floor Airship
Amy Griswold
Create your radio-controlled teapot to race against the clock through the obstacle course! Imported from 2014 Steampunk NZ Festival and hosted by DVSS. See http://www.whimsycon.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/2018_Splendid_Teapot_Racing_v2.1.pdf for the official rules!
Steam Feud
Saturday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Highlands Amphitheater – Various
Ana MacDonell
A Steampunk twist on the old Family Feud game. Gather your Steam crew, and get your brain in gear, because the game is afoot.
Steam Fiction vs Steam Fact
Saturday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Aaron Spriggs
Discussion of how sci-fi influences real world tech, how real world tech is incorporated into fiction, and how to keep your science and tech plausible, or at least believable.
STEAM Kids Experiments
Friday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Bristlecone – Children
Mel Plett from Stretch of the Imagination, Michelle Reeves
Children of all ages are welcome to come see and make experiments that involve the STEAM principles – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.
STEAM Kids Experiments
Saturday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Bristlecone – Children
Michelle Reeves
Children of all ages are welcome to come see and make experiments that involve the STEAM principles – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.
STEAM Kids Experiments
Sunday, 2:00 PM-3:50 PM, Bristlecone – Children
Michelle Reeves
Children of all ages are welcome to come see and make experiments that involve the STEAM principles – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.
Steampunk 101
Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Aaron Spriggs, Bryan Oliver, Prof. Artimus G Smithmage, Richard Blake
Steampunk crosses the worlds of literature, costuming, crafting, movies, and more. But what is Steampunk? Where did it start? Why is it called that? A look at the history of the genre and the rising popularity over the past decade.
Steampunk and Historical Warfare I: Land
Friday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Calvin Studzinski
Steampunk is rooted in historical reality. From the muzzle-loading musket to the automatic rifle, learn about the evolution of tactics and technology in land warfare from 1800 through 1918.
Steampunk and Historical Warfare II: Sea
Saturday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Calvin Studzinski
Steampunk is rooted in historical reality. From the sailing ship of the line to the mighty dreadnought, learn about the evolution of tactics and technology in naval warfare from 1800 through 1918.
Steampunk and Historical Warfare III: Air
Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Calvin Studzinski
Steampunk is rooted in historical reality. From artillery spotting balloons to anti-submarine zeppelins, learn about the evolution of tactics and technology in Aerial warfare from 1794 through 1963.
Steampunk and Post Apocalypse
Saturday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Aaron Spriggs
Steampunk is a versatile topic that some writers place in a post-apocalypse scenario. How are steampunk and post-apocalypse genres similar and how are they different?
Steampunk Dance: What is it? What shoul it be?
Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, 12th Floor Airship
Sheila McClune
Steampunk balls are springing up everywhere, but what constitutes steampunk dancing? Should it be limited to historical forms (waltzes, country dances, etc.), or is there room to invent new dances?
Steampunk Poetry Slam
Saturday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Stace Johnson, Vonie’ Stillson aka Lady Vo
Create poetry on demand to prompts given by the moderators and audience.
Sticking the Landing: How to End Your
Saturday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Travis Heermann, A.M. Burns, Connie Willis, Vennessa Robertson, Veronica R. Calisto
Why do some endings leave a lasting impact and others just fizzle?
Stop Waiting for the Muse
Saturday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Thea Hutcheson, Colleen Oakes, Dana Bell, Mario Acevedo, Trai Cartwright
You don’t need inspiration to start writing. Invite the muse, don’t wait for them to magically appear. How to get words on the page and love them.
Storytelling with Tomas O’Dreams
Saturday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Main Events
Nissa LaFete, Tomas O’Dreams
Tomas O’Dreams and Nissa Of LaFete and their faerie friends brought stories from near and far to the Faerie Court. Now let them treat you! Be sure to catch this leprechaun and his faerie companions for myths, magic, and merriment for all ages!
Storytelling with Tomas O’Dreams
Friday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Wind Star B – Various
Nissa LaFete, Tomas O’Dreams
Tomas O’Dreams and Nissa Of LaFete and their faerie friends brought stories from near and far to the Faerie Court. Now let them treat you! Be sure to catch this leprechaun and his faerie companions for myths, magic, and merriment for all ages!
Stretches for “Gearheads”
Saturday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Atrium
Cori
Enhancing your Mechanics through Biomechanics. Stretches for medium and heavy costumes.
Stuffed Animal Creation
Saturday, 6:00 PM-6:50 PM, Thunderpass – Interactive, Sewing
Brenna
Come decorate, stuff and finish fun stuffed animals. You take your new friend with you! If you can tie a knot, you can make an animal! $15 materials fee per person or special WhimsyCon rate of 2 participants for $25 (pay together).
Subject Matter; Does it Matter?
Sunday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Wind River A – Art
Lannie Pihajlic
Can you be a great artist without using a definitive subject matter? Is the subject matter the driving force behind art, or is it just one of the many elements that make a great piece?
Tea Dueling
Sunday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, 12th Floor Airship
Melanie Unruh, Dame Ursula Whiffenpott, Mermaid Ara, Sheila McClune
Hoist your biscuits and prepare to duel in the spirited Sudden Death Tea Dueling Tournament. Hosted by the Denver Victorian and Steampunk Society (DVSS).
Tea Tasting
Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, 12th Floor Airship
Sheila McClune
Come learn the difference between oolong, green, orange pekoe, and Lapsang Souchong, as well as the difference between teas and herbal tisanes.
Tea Time of the Soul
Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Wind Star B – Various
Cori
Start your day off with some gentle relaxation and a meditative atmosphere.
The Language Of Flowers: Secrets, Stories and Scandal In Bloom
Saturday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Olivia Wylie
Scandal is growing in your own back garden. An exploration of the books of Flower Language printed 1850-1889, their writers, their origins and their popularity in different parts of the world. Learn the history of the code daring Victorian ladies and gents used to pass messages in posies and bouquets.
The Lives and Times of Victorian Occultists
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Vivian Caethe
The Victorian era was a time of great cultural transformation that changed how Westerners viewed the world and the afterlife. Ghosts became less frightening and secret societies proliferated. We had gained control of the material world and now turned out gaze to the spiritual. Learn how the Victorian era influenced our views of the supernatural as well as the way we view the spiritual.
The Muse and the Devil
Saturday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Wind River A – Art
Mike (mikeyzart) Kloepfer, Blair Bartlett, Peri Charlifu, Rubiee Tallyn Hayes
Where do artists get their inspiration and ideas, why does it seem that some of our best ideas don’t sell? How does inspiration hit and how do you ignite that spark?
The Parsimonious Steampunk
Saturday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Wind River B – Costuming
Hannah Bartley, Lyndsie Clark
Rummaging, thrifting, and modding your way to an authentic Steampunk kit.
The Science of Ectoplasm
Saturday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Andarta
Some Victorian scientists loved the idea of ectoplasm, for it gave a physical manifestation of the realm of spirits. We will discuss the sexual and scientific connotations of ectoplasm.
Thomas the Tank Engine – Train Building
Friday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Bristlecone – Children
Thomas is in need of your help to build new tracks around Sodor. Children of all ages are welcome to come and play with Thomas and his friends.
Thomas the Tank Engine – Train Building
Saturday, 11:00 AM-12:50 PM, Bristlecone – Children
Michelle Reeves
Thomas is in need of your help to build new tracks around Sodor. Children of all ages are welcome to come and play with Thomas and his friends.
Thomas the Tank Engine – Train Building
Sunday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Bristlecone – Children
Michelle Reeves
Thomas is in need of your help to build new tracks around Sodor. Children of all ages are welcome to come and play with Thomas and his friends.
To Self Pub or Not: Is It Really Easy?
Sunday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Karina Scott, Kimberly Keane, Owen Wears
What does it take to transform your beloved manuscript from standard manuscript format to print and eBooks formats and get it out there for purchase?
Tolkien’s Influence on Art and Imagination
Saturday, 6:00 PM-6:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Andrew Hallam, Connie Willis
A discussion of Tolkien’s far-reaching influence on the fantasy genre, from the classic role-playing classes to iconic costumes found at almost any convention.
Too Many Gears and Goggles!
Friday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Ana MacDonell, Jodi M Franklin, Kevin Frost, Prof. Artimus G Smithmage
Let’s expand the Steampunk trope beyond Neo-Victorian fantasy.
Top Hat and Bowler Making Workshop
Friday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Bristlecone – Children
Michelle Reeves
Don’t have your own hat? Come and make your own Steampunk top hat or bowler.
Top Hat and Bowler Making Workshop
Saturday, 9:00 AM-10:50 AM, Bristlecone – Children
Michelle Reeves
Don’t have your own hat? Come and make your own Steampunk top hat or bowler.
Top Hat and Bowler Making Workshop
Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Bristlecone – Children
Michelle Reeves
Don’t have your own hat? Come and make your own Steampunk top hat or bowler.
Trivia for Geeks!
Saturday, 12:00 PM-1:50 PM, Highlands Amphitheater – Various
Peri Charlifu
Join Peri Charlifu and Lee Moody as they put you through the ringer, testing your knowledge of various fandoms in all its various forms. Compete with other self-proclaimed fans for prizes and the chance to show them who the real fan is! As seen at MileHiCon and COSine!
Twitch? What is it and why it’s important
Sunday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Mesa Verde C – Maker
Rubiee Tallyn Hayes
What is twitch.tv? Come find out about the awesome live streaming platform. What is it, and how it can help creatives and content creators. This is a panel for artists, writers, gamers and more!
Under Where? Under There!
Sunday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Wind River B – Costuming
HopeFully Cosplay
That’s right, UNDERWEAR!! Let’s talk about different undergarments and how they can enhance (or UNDERmine) your cosplay!
Vac-u-forming (thermal forming)
Sunday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Atrium
Charles Orndorff, Tauni Orndorff
This will be a demonstration and discussion on vac-u-forming and how you might be able to do this in your own home.
Victorian Textiles
Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Wind River B – Costuming
Pink Pitcher
Looking at the ways that production technologies influenced fashion, and fashion drove inventors to produce new technologies, in the early modern period. Looking at a time line of industrial advancements in cloth and notion production.
VIP Speed Chatting
Friday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Main Events
Erin Card, Julie Nakao, Nissa LaFete, Roberto Calas, Tomas O’Dreams
A FREE gathering of fans where the VIP and special guests visit YOUR tables just to meet YOU. Meet GUESTS OF HONOR, and many more!
Waltzing Through Time
Saturday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Main Events
Come learn how to dance the most popular dance through time, the Waltz. Learn about the ancient origins of the Waltz in the German Laendler and how it became the box step we know and love in 1834. This will be a fun interactive dance class taught by Holly Collins-Tomazin from Adventures in Dance.
We Suffer for Your Art
Saturday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Wind River A – Art
Blair Bartlett, Carolyn Kay, Knight
This one’s for the artists’ significant others. Do you suffer for their art, do you run naked in the glory of their art, or do you just shake your head in wonder? Come and talk about the challenges and rewards of being in a relationship with an artist!
What to Do With That First Manuscript
Friday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, Mesa Verde C – Maker
Ian Thomas Healy , Dana Bell, Veronica R. Calisto
Once written, what should I do with my book? Where do I start, what decisions need to be made, and what are some common pitfalls to newbies?
Which Once Was and Never Shall Be
Saturday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Calvin Studzinski
The Great War was the seminal tragedy of the 20th Century and the basis of much steampunk tech. It’s also one of history’s closest-fought wars. Let’s explore how it could have gone much differently
WhimsyCon Book Club – Frankenstein vs Dracula
Saturday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, 12th Floor Airship
Vivian Caethe
A salon to discuss Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein vs. Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Read ahead to fully engage in a comparison of these two Victorian classics.
WhimsyCon Book Club – Mainspring
Sunday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, 12th Floor Airship
Vivian Caethe
A salon to discuss Jay Lake’s Mainspring, a story of a clockwork Earth. Read ahead so you’ll know the spoilers.
WhimsyCon Book Club – Parasol Protectorate Series
Friday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, 12th Floor Airship
Vivian Caethe
A salon to discuss Gail Carriger’s steampunk paranormal romance series, full of soul or not… Read ahead as far as you like.
WhimsyCon Dance Party
Saturday, 10:00 PM-11:50 PM, Main Events
What’s your whimsy? Ballroom or Regency, Funky Chicken or goth; come put in your requests and blow off some “steam”.
Who stole the cookies?
Saturday, 3:00 PM-4:50 PM, Bristlecone – Children
Michelle Reeves
Put on your thinking caps and come join Sherlock Holmes solve the mystery of who stole the afternoon snacks. Snacks will be available once the culprit is caught.
Wish You Were There: Worldbuilding
Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Andrew Hallam, Dylan Edwards, Owen Wears, Veronica R. Calisto
There are two kinds of worldbuilding: the kind that describes the story’s world, and the kind that makes you wish you were there. Authors discuss the difference, and offer tips and techniques to help you bring your own fictional worlds to life.
Women in the Victorian Occult
Sunday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Vivian Caethe
Prior to the Victorian era, men who practiced magic were alchemists, while women who practiced magic were witches. With the rise of the Victorians, women found a new place in the Spiritualist movement, transforming the danger of witchcraft into the mystery of Spiritualism. Discover how women’s voices shaped the occult movement in the Victorian era and their lasting impact on our understanding today.
Women Warriors
Saturday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Thea Hutcheson, J.D. Harrison, Paul Lell, Vennessa Robertson
Creating bold fighting women who lead, inspire, and have mastered weapons.
Wonderland Unbirthday Tea Party
Sunday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Bristlecone – Children
Michelle Reeves, Vonie’ Stillson aka Lady Vo
If it’s your Unbirthday than come join the Wonderland characters for a special tea party. Children of all ages are invited to come.
Working with Sintra
Sunday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Atrium
Charles Orndorff, Tauni Orndorff
This will be a discussion and demonstration on how to use PVC Foam Board (aka sintra) to create costume pieces or armor.
Write Characters Your Readers Won’t Forget – Part I
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Highlands Amphitheater – Various
Stant Litore
Unburying your character’s history.
Write Characters Your Readers Won’t Forget – Part II
Saturday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Highlands Amphitheater – Various
Stant Litore
Writing unforgettable dialogue.
Write Characters Your Readers Won’t Forget – Part III
Sunday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Highlands Amphitheater – Various
Stant Litore
The character arc tool.
Writing and Making Multicultural and Crosscultural Characters
Sunday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Wind Star A – Literary
J.L. Forrest, A.M. Burns, Mario Acevedo, Mike Cervantes
Multiculturalism and Crossculturalism for Steampunk Writers and Makers – taking on the ticklish issues of cultural exposure and sharing, and cultural appropriation and exploitation.
Writing Animals in Fiction
Sunday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Wind Star B – Various
Betsy Dornbusch, J.D. Harrison, Paul Lell
How far can a horse really travel? Does a rider really guide a horse with her knees? Do dogs and cats think like us, or do they even like us? How do we portray animal movement and behavior realistically in fiction?
Writing Combat in Science Fiction & Fantasy
Sunday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Richard E. Friesen, Andrew Hallam, Melissa Koons
What works (and doesn’t) in books and media. A friendly discussion about violence, bloodshed, what makes a fight scene realistic, and examples of combat done right.
Writing from Life’s Lessons
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Ashley M Vasquez, Betsy Dornbusch, Colleen Oakes, Gail Henry, Susan Clare Adams
How have your life experiences impacted your craft?
Writing Historically – Victorian
Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Mario Acevedo, Olivia Wylie
We weren’t there, but we want to make our readers feel like they are. How do we manage that to accurately and adequately set the stage? Learn how much research is necessary, how much is too much, and where to go to get the best sources.
Writing Jobs That Aren’t Writing Fiction
Saturday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Sandra Wheeler, Thomas A Fowler
Learn about growing fields of writing outside of writing fiction that will grow your skills as a writer and pay above minimum wage.
Writing Pagans
Sunday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Pink Pitcher, Andarta, Vivian Caethe
The Witch is back in pop culture, but for believers it’s more than just an aesthetic! A practicing Modern Pagan will help you to write this marginalized group accurately and with sensitivity.
Writing Steampunk
Friday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Mesa Verde A – Steampunk
Aaron Spriggs, Carolyn Kay, Lee Francis 4, Lou J Berger
The Steampunk genre doesn’t have well defined edges or boundaries. How do you write a Steampunk aka sci-fi, fantasy, punk, futuristic, Victorian story?
Writing the story is the easiest part!
Saturday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Wind Star A – Literary
Mario Acevedo, Ian Thomas Healy , Lyndsie Clark, Paul Lell
Panelists discuss tales and compare the indie and traditional publishing worlds.
Writing the Supernatural
Saturday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Mesa Verde C – Maker
Ian Brazee-Cannon, Dana Bell, Susan Clare Adams, Veronica R. Calisto
How can we make tropes like ghosts, vampires, and werewolves appeal to audiences who have had their fill? What constitutes writing about the supernatural and what can authors do to pep up the characters and brighten up the tropes?
Writing with Flourish
Sunday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Main Events
Roberto Calas
Anyone can write a story. It’s the writers who tell that story with flourish that will win their readers. How do we avoid flat writing and add flourish and originality to our stories?
Your Steampunk Story
Saturday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Mesa Verde C – Maker
Bryan Oliver, Jodi M Franklin
Create your Steampunk persona from scratch, starting with archetypes that communicate volumes about your character.
Your Writing Sucks… But in a Good Way
Saturday, 6:00 PM-6:50 PM, Mesa Verde B – Victorian
Roberto Calas
Honest critiques are hard to find. Have one page of your current work critiqued with brutal honesty. Do you want a true appraisal of where your skills are? Not for the faint of heart.