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28 Ontario School Library Association Bringing a comic arts event to life takes time. For me, it took several years of gathering information and ideas, convincing myself that i could do it, and--finally-- planning and executing the project. i got inspired to create a comic-con at my school while attending a Toronto Comic Arts Festival educator's Day at Toronto reference Library. i attend this event every year, and each time i get new ideas, new graphic novels and a renewed energy to make things happen at my school. This spring, all stars finally aligned, and the plan became a reality. There were many "stars" - aka like-minded people involved in the process. First, i contacted our principal, who approved the week- long event, and provided money for guest speakers and encouragement along the way. next, i met with the Arts Department, specifically one Visual Arts teacher who doubles as the school Anime Club facilitator. in a week after our meeting in February, the following plans were set in motion: • Organization of comic-con costume contest and getting prizes for winners • event promotion campaign: social media, wall posters and PA announcements • Logo design for posters and t-shirts • Guest artist (former student volunteer) • Organizing and supplying baked goods for a themed café during common lunch my prep work included: • contacting and inviting Star Wars Stormtroopers • organizing a graphic novel author visit • partnering with Toronto Public Library for a 3D printer workshop in our library • getting free comic books from a neighbourhood comic book store Our first ever Fan Arts expo was a week-long event when the library became a hub of all things comic-con. During a series of cosplay workshops, participating art classes transformed the space into a makerspace. Our Grade 12 cosplay workshop facilitator, mary maliszewski, began the workshop by sharing her life-long experience with cosplay. her presentation, richly illustrated by photos taken during cosplay conventions, helped students realize that it does not have to be a very elaborate or difficult task. The activity of making simple headbands using pipe cleaners and yarn finger-knitted and Anna Szumilas Fan Arts Expo