Recap: CulpeperCon 2026

Curls Studio experienced CulpeperCon this past Saturday with a display at their Artist Alley in the morning. Joe Carabeo debuted his new 2026 filmmaking reel during his presentation. I gave my "Fine Toon Your Life" comics workshop including an engaging Q&A segment in the afternoon. Several people walked away from the presentation with a freshly drawn comic and a start to their career in cartooning!

CulpeperCon 2026 is this Saturday

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 Curls Studio will be at Culpeper County Library for the 4th CulpeperCon. We will be giving a presentation and workshop in the afternoon. John Gallagher, the creator of Max Meow, will be giving this year's keynote at Noon.

Joe Carabeo presents How You Don’t Need Hollywood…But...
2:30-3:20PM

Filmmaking is a wonderful world, but is the reality of being a filmmaker right for you? Join Joe Carabeo as he shares a rare glimpse into his evolving process as a professional creative, while discussing the joys and hardships he endured in the evolution of being part of modern cinema making through his 20 years as a independent filmmaker and creator. 

Fine Toon Your Life with Carolyn Belefski
3:30-4:20PM

Welcome back CulpeperCon 3rd Edition Keynote Speaker, Carolyn Belefski!

In this workshop, cartoonist Carolyn Belefski will teach how to turn humor of your everyday life into clever, relatable comic strips -- because if it’s going to happen to you, it might as well be funny.

Recap: MoComCon 2026

This past Saturday I set up a display table at MoCoCon with Montgomery County Public Libraries. It was their 10th anniversary show and my first time at this show. Geoff Weber, Christiann MacAuley, Oliver Mertz, Jamie Noguchi, Carolyn Belefski, Tiny Pineapple Studio were the creators who exhibited in Artist Alley. The event also had a cosplay parade, button making activity, crafts, panels, trivia, scavenger hunt, and more. I only got to see a portion of the show because I was at the table most of the day and it was in two buildings (I didn't even see the other building). It was great to hang out and meet the other creators and also meet event attendees. 

It is super to see many libraries embrace comics and host their own library conventions. I'll be at another library convention this coming Saturday in Culpeper, Virginia called CulpeperCon.

Recap: Awesome Con 2026

Curls Studio had a great time at Awesome Con 2026. I am thankful to have people continue to discover my comic strip, Curls. Joe Carabeo showcased his film "PAUL POPE: THB" at the Awesome Con Short Film Festival. I got to spend a bit of time at the Science Fair area, saw 3D printed goods in the vendor section, and slightly participated in the Disney-themed 40,000 piece group jigsaw puzzle. We had the debut of issue 24 of Magic Bullet, a large format comics newspaper featuring Washington, DC based creators. It was enjoyable to see how Awesome Con embraced their 13th year with a horror theme because the event started on Friday the 13th.

The event highlight for me was moderating "The Other Side of the Table: Lessons from Creators" with participants Shawn Martinbrough, Karen Hallion, Jimmy Gownley, Kata Kane, Rich Woodall, and Joseph Schmalke. The panel gave a lot of hopeful insight to fuel your success in the comics industry and was jam packed with inspiration.

Awesome Con returns April 23-25, 2027 at the DC Convention Center -- that's in 399 days! What is something new you'd like to see from Curls Studio?

Awesome Con 2026

Curls Studio will be at the 13th year of Awesome Con in Artist Alley Table C-36 at the DC Convention Center March 13-15, 2026. Say hi and peruse our original comics, stickers, prints, enamel pins, magnets, and more! We will have the debut of issue 24 of Magic Bullet, a large format comics newspaper featuring Washington, DC based creators.

A new edition of "The Other Side of the Table: Lessons from Creators" is Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 11:15AM to Noon in Room 204. We have a massive amount of panelists joining us from a wide variety of backgrounds in comics, podcasting, films, and other creative outlets. If you ever wonder how to break into the industry or enhance your career, this is the place for your professional development. Panel participants: Shawn Martinbrough, Clint McElroy, Jimmy Gownley, Kata Kane, Rich Woodall, Joseph Schmalke, Carolyn Belefski

Awesome Con Short Film Festival presented by Joe Carabeo with Astray Productions will have three days of programming (see schedule below) as well as an award show and filmmaker meet-up on Saturday at 4:45PM in Room 204. Hope to see you at Awesome Con.

Friday, March 13 | Horror, Sci Fi, Action | 6:45-9:45 pm
Saturday, March 14 | Comedy, Drama | 1:30-4:30 pm
Saturday, March 14 | Awards Celebration | 4:45-5:45 pm
Sunday, March 15 | And Beyond! | 2:00-5:00 pm

VOTE FOR 2026 AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD
astrayproductions.com/vote