Known to her kids as "Indiana Mom," Dr. Mel. is a scientist, writer, artist, lecturer, storyteller, and former computer-systems analyst who hasn't decided what she wants to be when she grows up—besides someone who stabs wool (needle felting) until it looks like dragons. Or bunnies. Or anything, really. An adventurer at heart, she's ready to go exploring at the drop of her Indiana Jones fedora. Her most recent illustration job was for Beasts Beyond Belief, a book on cryptids from Uncle Bear Publishing.
Throughout history, powerful institutions have tried to suppress books and ideas they considered dangerous. From religious authorities to modern governments, censorship has taken many forms, including book burnings and bans. This panel examines the fears and motivations behind attempts to control the spread of information. How can societies defend open exchange of ideas while still confronting harmful content?
Curious about how music and fandom connect? In this panel, we'll discuss filk music, its history, and its role in fan gatherings. You'll learn how a filk circle works, hear some examples, and—time permitting—get the chance to create your own filk!
Avast Ye! Enjoy the feisty yet family-friendly Bad Bards and Troubled Troubadours as they sing a few sings of the sea, and maybe even sing along!
What if the most outrageous claims of the “ancient aliens” crowd were only the beginning? This playful panel imagines extraterrestrial involvement in everything from Stonehenge to the Channel Tunnel. Participants invent absurd explanations for famous human achievements supposedly guided by alien technology. Come celebrate wild speculation and see just how far the joke can go.
Transform thrift-store finds into maritime masterpieces in this hands-on art panel. Artists will take reclaimed paintings and prints and add nautical touches such as sea serpents, ghost ships, krakens, merfolk, and stormy skies. All supplies are provided, and the finished pieces will be donated to the charity raffle. Join us for a creative way to mix art, oceanic imagination, and a good cause.
Sea folklore is filled with restless spirits, doomed crews, and haunted shorelines. This panel examines how authors use maritime hauntings to shape mood, theme, and character psychology. Discussion includes both traditional ghost stories and modern supernatural fiction.
If you could create your own Devil Fruit, what would it do and what terrible weakness would it come with? In this lively, interactive panel, attendees design brand-new Devil Fruits from scratch, pitching powers, limitations, naming conventions, and story hooks. After small group collaboration, we’ll share entries, debate balance issues, and vote on the audience favorite. Perfect for creatives, writers, cosplayers, and fans who love the weird and wonderful side of One Piece.