One month to go!

The Maine Comics Arts Festival is one month from today! May 23, 2010!

Please spread the word. Anyone who would like to distribute posters should contact us and we will get them to you. Thanks!

Educator workshop with John Shableski at MeCAF

“The graphic novel is to publishing today very much as rock and roll was when it first entered the music industry mainstream: a strange format already familiar to the popular culture but not yet understood by the established distribution channels."

~ John Shableski, Diamond Book Distributors

WHAT: The World of Graphic Novels

Presenter: John Shableski, Diamond Book Distributors

This free presentation is for librarians and educators who are interested in the world of graphic novels and are looking for definitions, explanations, and advice on where to begin or expand your collection or how to effectively use graphic novels in the classroom. John conducts this workshop nationally with librarians and educators and is known for his interactive, conversational style. This is his first time presenting in Maine. You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity!

WHEN: Saturday, May 22, 2010 – 11:00am

WHERE: Maine Comics Arts Festival

Portland Public Library

5 Monument Square, Portland

www.mainecomicsfestival.com

THE PRESENTER: John Shableski is sales manager at Diamond Book Distributors, the world's largest distributor of English-language comic books, and one of the biggest distributors of graphic novels in the U.S. through its Diamond Book Distributors division. John has been a panelist at BookExpo America, a moderator for graphic novel panels at the New York Comic Con, a guest speaker at library events, regional book shows and a symposium coordinator. He's currently collaborating on several graphic novel symposiums across the country. His focus is on the independent bookstore market, public and school libraries.

FMI: Casablanca Comics – TEL: 780-1676 – EMAIL: comics@casablancacomics.com

New exhibitor e-mail

A new e-mail has just been sent to all exhibitors with important information about the festival. If you are exhibiting at the show and have not received an e-mail from us please let us know and we will send you another copy.

Portland Public Library Grand Re-opening

The Portland Public Library celebrates their grand re-opening on Thursday. This is where we will be holding the panels and workshops on Saturday, May 22. Check out this video for a quick preview. The new library is amazing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IISjoMHdC8o

Festival Poster by Jeff Lemire and Brian Wood!

Here is the first look at this year's festival poster. The artwork is by Jeff Lemire, with art direction and design by Brian Wood! We will have these available for distribution next week.

Full festival mode...

Today has been a flurry of e-mails, phone calls, and updates. The next few weeks are when things really start to come together.

For those of you attending MoCCA or the Boston Comic Con, please spread the word about MeCAF. We have a great show here and it should be fun for everyone.

Look for more updates this week.

Reminder....if you are planning on using the host hotel the deadline for registrations is coming up soon.

Thanks!