Santa Ana, CA
Bowers Museum
Comic Art Expo
2 Days . June 15-16, 2024 . 10 am - 4 pm
Thank You for Coming
Bring dad on Father's Day, June 16, and he'll enjoy FREE General Admission to 9 permanent galleries from around the world
+ $10 tickets to Asian Comics + FREE admission to the Comic Art Expo
What we’re looking for
Shop for Art.
Bring the Whole Family.
Expo Overview
The Bowers Museum Comic Art Expo is a vibrant festival of comic artistry and pop culture, taking place on June 15-16, 2024.
This free two-day event promises to be a dynamic gathering for comic enthusiasts, artists, and collectors alike, in celebration of our current exhibit, Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form (now on view through September 8, 2024). Arrive in cosplay* to get FREE General Admission, and gain exclusive access to Asian Comics for just $10!
Meet and interact with talented creators, ranging from emerging local artists to industry veterans. Enjoy live DJ performances, family-friendly activities, and more!
*Cosplay restrictions will apply.
Click here to view Cosplay Guidelines
- SCROLL DOWN FOR EVENT SCHEDULE -
Free Expo
In line with our nonprofit’s commitment to cultural education, artistic enrichment, and community engagement, the Bowers Museum Comic Art Expo is FREE for all ages (tickets for similar expos can cost around $50 or more per person).
Donations of any amount are always welcome and go directly to our public programs, such as school tours, which serve thousands of students each year. Discover other ways that you can help by clicking here!
Please note: Free Expo does not include admission to the galleries.
Event Address
Bowers Museum
2002 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
Parking is limited - ride sharing is encouraged!
Expo RSVP!
The Expo is FREE with RSVP
Click below to indicate which day(s) will you attend:
Event Schedule
Saturday, June 15
10 am - 4pm: open to the public
• Expo vendors in John M. Lee Court
• Enjoy a beverage and snack while DJs spin music all day in our beautiful sculpture garden
• Daily activities include face painting, art projects, and artist open forum discussions in our lush historic courtyard
• Also available are handmade candy sculptures, and, for comic collectors, comic book bargain bins & treasure dive
• Brick build displays in Lobby
• Wellness Area provides a safe, restful space away from sensory overstimulation, with comics books and drawing activities available at the Hsu Conference Room, 2nd Floor (elevator accessible)
10:30 - 11 am: Artist Jam Session: AI & the Art World, a self-led forum with discussion prompts at the courtyard
11 - 11:40 am: Auditorium - Screening of an interview with Filipino artist Carlo Vergara, who is featured in our current exhibition, Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form
12:30 - 1 pm: Jam Session: Gamers, Creators, Newbies, & Indie Games, a self-led forum with discussion prompts at the courtyard
1 - 1:30 pm: Auditorium - Presentation: “Pinoy Komiks,” which discusses the importance of comics in Filipino culture
1:30 - 2 pm: Artist Jam Session: Artwork Show & Tell, a self-led, safe space to share your art, seek input & critiques, network and chat with fellow creatives at the couryard
2:30 - 4 pm: Auditorium - Animated shorts film screening, including a sizzle real of Carlo Vergara’s animated feature of his blockbuster character, Zsazsa Zaturnnah
4 - 9 pm: FREE '80s Flashback Family-Friendly After Party! At 4th Street Market's back patio in Downtown Santa Ana, featuring DJ Ruben Salazar spinning musical hits from the '80s! https://www.instagram.com/dtsalive/
Sunday, June 16
10 am - 4pm: open to the public
• Expo vendors in John M. Lee Court
• Enjoy a beverage and snack while DJs spin music all day in our beautiful sculpture garden
• Daily activities include face painting, art projects, and artist open forum discussions in our lush historic courtyard
• Also available are handmade candy sculptures, and, for comic collectors, comic book bargain bins & treasure dive
• Brick build displays in Lobby
• Wellness Area provides a safe, restful space away from sensory overstimulation, with comics books and drawing activities available at the Hsu Conference Room, 2nd Floor (elevator accessible)
10:30 - 11 am: Artist Jam Session: Storytellling, Writing, (Voice) Acting, Art/Animation - The Worlds behind Worldbuildin, a self-led forum with discussion prompts at the courtyard
11 - 11:30 am: Filipino children’s storybook reading in the courtyard
11:30 am - 12 pm: Artist Jam Session: Podcasters, Bloggers, Vloggers, & Aspiring Content Creators - Shop Talk & Gear Talk, a self-led forum with discussion prompts at the courtyard
12 - 12:30 pm: Auditorium - "The Journey of an Artist to a Gallery" - Laura Rice Robinson. Veteran art gallerist Laura Rice Robinson of Avant Garden shares insider information for emerging artists who aspire to have their work displayed in art galleries
1 - 1:30 pm: Auditorium - "The Importance of Art Evangelists, How They Shape the Future." - Georgeana Ireland of Ethos Contemporary will be sharing about her passion for supporting the arts, its importance, and others such as Peggy Guggenheim
1 - 1:30 pm: Artist Jam Session: Sketchbook Artists Meet & Greet. a self-led, safe space to share your sketchbook, network, and chat/sketch with fellow creatives at the courtyard
2 - 2:45 pm: Cosplay & Harajuku Fashion Show
3 - 4 pm: Auditorium - Animated shorts film screening, including a sizzle real of Carlo Vergara’s animated feature of his blockbuster character, Zsazsa Zaturnnah
3:30 - 4 pm: Pick up brick builds
Experience Our Current Exhibition
Santa Ana Summer!
In celebration of Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form, Santa Ana residents will receive free General Admission ($18/adult), now through September 8, and pay only $10 for tickets to the special-ticketed exhibition Asian Comics.
During the Expo, arrive in cosplay* to get FREE General Admission, and gain exclusive access to Asian Comics for just $10! Join us for a season of color, creativity, and community!
Bring dad on Father's Day, June 16, and he'll enjoy FREE General Admission to 9 permanent galleries from around the world + $10 tickets to Asian Comics + FREE admission to the Comic Art Expo!
*Cosplay restrictions will apply.
Final Fridays:
Asian Comics After Hours
Enjoy extended hours and special after-hours programming
4 - 8 pm every final Friday of the month
Now through September 8
Make the Bowers your destination on “final Fridays” of the month, featuring after-hours access to Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form, anime screenings, and a DJ spinning in the galleries.
Arrive in cosplay* to get FREE General Admission, and gain exclusive access to Asian Comics for just $10! Join us where art and imagination collide.
*Cosplay restrictions will apply.
Special Shoutout to Our Hero Alain Diaz
Alain Diaz was our vendor who purchased the Hero Level booth at additional price in supporting Bowers' art, culture and education programs.
Diaz is a classically trained artist that has made the transition from hand sculpting to CAD. With 25 + years in the Toy industry.
He also teaches Toy design at Otis college of Art and design.
"I'm very passionate about what I do and love sharing my craft and technics." - Alain Diaz
Follow Diaz on social @alaindiazdesigns or his website https://www.alaindesign.net/
And...that is a wrap!
Thank you all for making it to Bowers' first ever Comic Art Expo!
We sincerely appreciate all support and enthusiam from our visitors,
vendors, partnering organizations, cosplayers, staff and volunteers, and wonderful new Bowers fans!
Stay tuned for future events at the Bowers!
We are currently seeking talented artists/vendors to join us for this exciting event —
comic artistry is the focus, but artists/vendors of all styles are welcome to submit their work.
Sharing or splitting of booths is allowed!
Get discount for booths when you refer someone!
Whether you're a seasoned professional or emerging talent,
we invite you to showcase your art, connect with fellow artists,
and engage with an enthusiastic audience.
Animators, brick builders, cosplay & Harajuku fashion show participants, and speakers/presenters
pay $0 to apply and display artwork!
Seasoned professionals and upcoming talent are all welcome to apply with a booth/table
Submit your masterpiece(s) for a juried competition for free!
Your animated short(s) could be showcased in our museum’s auditorium for free!
Show off your creative attire on the main stage of our auditorium - strut your stuff, all in the name of fun for free!
Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of a dynamic art community!
• Show off your creativity at a world-class museum
• Sell your original artwork, prints, merch, and commissions
• Share or split your booth with a friend
• Network with fellow creators and art enthusiasts alike
Artists & Writers
Thank You for Coming
Bring dad on Father's Day, June 16, and he'll enjoy FREE General Admission to 9 permanent galleries from around the world
+ $10 tickets to Asian Comics + FREE admission to the Comic Art Expo
Wellness
We value the health and wellness of our visitors and understand that multisensory experiences such as this may feel overwhelming at times. We encourage you to savor some quieter moments in our indoor wellness area – a place that’s away from the crowds, where you can sit, read a comic book, enjoy an art activity, or simply close your eyes and take some deep breaths.
Please be aware that our current exhibit, Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form, is an immersive, multisensory experience. Sitting areas are available within the gallery for your comfort as you navigate through the exhibition.
Dining
Located in the Bowers Museum's Mission-style courtyard is the restaurant, Tangata (or "mankind" in the tribal Maori language of New Zealand) featuring modern decor with ambient lighting. The restaurant dedicates half of its seating to alfresco dining on two large patio areas. The patios and courtyard are perfect for romantic weddings or evening receptions.
Directions & Parking
Bowers Location
The Bowers is located at the corner of 20th & Main Streets in Santa Ana - one minute from the 5 freeway, (Main St. South exit) and just minutes from the 57, 55 and 22 freeways. Address: 2002 N Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706.
Parking
Parking is available directly north of the museum for a $6 fee. In the instance of overflow, the lot just south of the museum on 20th street will also be made available. Nearby metered and timed street parking is also available.
Public Transport
The bus line servicing the Bowers Museum and Kidseum is the OCTA bus number 53. Metrolink and Amtrak trains stop at the Anaheim Station (3.5 miles from the museum), and the Santa Ana Station (1.7 miles from the museum).
Map Download
Click here to download maps for directions and parking.
About the Bowers
Eat. Shop. Explore.
Bowers Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is the largest and one of the oldest museums in Orange County. Voted “Best Museum” in OC for 30 consecutive years, the Bowers is renowned for its legendary exhibitions, engaging programs, and dedication to cultural education. With a mission to enrich lives through the world’s finest arts and cultures, the Bowers continues to be a timeless beacon of artistic exploration and community connection. Visit bowers.org.
Ways to support our nonprofit
Make A Pledge
We appreciate any amount you can give! Visit our online donation page here, or call 714.567.3639, or email donations@bowers.org.
Become a Member
Become a member today and enjoy a year of unlimited free General Admission and access to featured exhibitions including the current blockbuster, Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form. Memberships can be purchased by phone at 714.567.3639, in person at Bowers' admission desk, or online here. Questions? Email membership@bowers.org
Bowers Fellows
Become a Bowers Fellow today, and join a legacy of unforgettable adventures that never end. Bowers Fellows are presented with exclusive travel opportunities, including an international trip and a domestic trip each year. Learn more here.
AmazonSmile
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support Bowers Museum every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to Bowers Museum.
On your first visit to smile.amazon.com, you’ll need to select Bowers Museum to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. AmazonSmile will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make on AmazonSmile will result in a donation.
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bowers.org | 2002 N. Main Street | Santa Ana, CA 92706
