Pop Culture Passion: Fueling the Fine Arts Revolution on Newstalk KZRG

From page to screen, the Neosho Arts Council is honoring the imaginative forces behind pop culture at their annual convention, ArtCon, set for February 1, 2025 in Neosho.

This year’s spotlight guest, Tony Amendola, is renowned for his portrayal of Bra’tac on the long-running series “Stargate SG1.” In addition to his role as Geppetto on “Once Upon A Time,” Amendola boasts an impressive repertoire of work accumulated over five decades in film, television, and voice performances.

“Tony is that actor whom everyone can identify from somewhere,” stated Sarah Serio, president of the Neosho Arts Council. “Most sci-fi enthusiasts will recognize him from Stargate, while horror film aficionados will remember him as Father Perez in Annabelle. He’s also contributed to video games like World of Warcraft and Call of Duty, and animated features such as Green Lantern: Emerald Knights.”

Among the other guests is comic creator Ande Parks, whose comic “Ciudad” became the basis for the Netflix film “Extraction” starring Chris Hemsworth. Additionally, Parks enjoyed a significant tenure working on the comic series “Green Arrow.”
“We will also be welcoming Kevin Mellon,” Serio mentioned. Mellon is recognized for his contributions as a director and art director for “Marvel’s Hit-Monkey” as well as his roles in shows like “Archer,” “The Vampire Diaries,” and “Black Lightning.”

The event promises a full day of activities catering to all ages and a wide range of interests, celebrating the fine arts that enable the creation of comics, television, films, and gaming.

Participants of ArtCon can engage in complimentary panels throughout the day. “Tony Amendola will conduct a Q&A session, there will be a comic jam workshop, and our comic creators will provide portfolio assessments,” Serio detailed.

With an increase in attendance and interest in the panels, the organization is augmenting its panel offerings. “Our panel schedule is being expanded this year, with double the number of offerings compared to last year,” Serio remarked.
Additional activities will encompass a cosplay contest for kids, teens, and adults where cash prizes will be available and an esports tournament for teens and adults to win cash rewards. Complete rules can be found on the arts council’s website.

A variety of guest cosplayers will also be present, including a Star Wars group, superheroes, and the Missouri Ghostbusters. “This year, we’ll feature a cosplayer portraying Mary Poppins and from The Hunger Games, Effie Trinket,” Serio added.

“Attendees will have the chance to learn about Dungeons and Dragons and Magic the Gathering for those who are new to the games, but we will also run sessions for seasoned players where they can compete for prizes,” Serio shared. “Moreover, there will be a vast selection of board games available for everyone to enjoy.” Due to the popularity of the board game section in recent years, ArtCon will expand this area to accommodate more players and a broader variety of games.

“Hosting ArtCon is a joy for us as it provides the community with an enjoyable day that the entire family can appreciate, while also promoting the fine arts in our region,” Serio stated. The funds generated will support the organization’s efforts to continue producing public art, hosting free community concerts, assisting student artists, and bringing creative opportunities to the local area.

ArtCon will be held on February 1, 2025, at Neosho Jr. High (14646 Kodiak Road) from 10 am to 5 pm, with admission priced at $5; children aged 5 and under are free. For a schedule of events, contest rules, guest information, or to purchase tickets, visit neoshoarts.net.