Tingfest 2023 Programs
Named after Merle “Ting” Tingley, London Free Press’ editorial cartoonist from 1948 to 1986, Tingfest is an annual celebration curated by TAP Centre for Creativity that showcases the work of past, present and future comic and graphic artists from Southwestern Ontario.
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While this festival is an homage to Ting’s work and influence on generations of artists, Tingfest is a rare forum for emerging and established artists to present their work to the public through a gallery show that is complemented with festival events and programs. ​This year the fest takes place from Tuesday, April 18th - Saturday, May 13th. Everyone is welcome to view the gallery exhibit any time during gallery hours: Tuesdays-Saturdays, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Most Tingfest events are free but some require registration and a small fee.
Ting Opening Reception
Saturday April 22, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Mix and mingle with our featured Ting artists and enjoy our signature “Tingley” at the cash bar. This is a great opportunity to see the Ting exhibit, find out about the events and talks during the festival, and connect with passionate readers, artists, and culture enthusiasts.
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This event is made possible with the generous support of our reception sponsor – Heroes Comics.
Opening reception is Saturday April 22, 6:00 - 9:00 PM; to keep the festival accessible attendees are encouraged to Pay-what-you-will at the door. Limited capacity, registration is recommended.
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Kids Reading & Creation Zone
Our Kid’s Zone features a selection of graphic novels and comics to inspire the next generation of creators, so drop in to read and enjoy the great selection of books provided by the London Public Library. A creation station will also keep the little ones busy with fun, comic-related activities they can create, colour and post on our comic wall.
Our Kid’s Zone is sponsored by Downtown London.
Families can drop in any time during our operating hours to participate!
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Cosplay Costumed Life Drawing Session
This special Ting edition of our instructorless long pose session with a live model is perfect for any artist who wants to illustrate the figure in full costume.This session will take place in the gallery which is fully accessible. Drawing boards, donkeys and easels are available in the studio for your use. Session coordinators set the pace. All you need to bring is your sketch pad, and favorite drawing materials! The cosplay costumes were designed and created by Erica Batten, a 2023 graduate from the Fanshawe Costume Production Department and owner of Batts n Barnacles, you can follow Erica @battbeans
Limited spots available for this session so register early.
Saturday May 6, 11:00am – 2:00 p.m.
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Connect on TAP,
the "TING Edition"
Connect on TAP is a networking event for creatives working in all disciplines and art enthusiasts. In this special “Ting edition”, Dan Brown, former columnist of the London Free Press will moderate a conversation with two Ting Artist Alumni – DS Barrick and Derek Laufman. Brown will talk to both about creating, self-publishing and crowdfunding comics!
And as part of every Connect on TAP, this is another opportunity to learn about our creative hub, meet our staff, and participate in an Ask/Give/Announce.
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Wednesday May 3, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Free event, although registration can be found here.
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Comic Jam
and Mixer
Join us for a special Ting edition of the London Comic Jam hosted by RP Comics and Heroes Comics. An event for all ages, this is a creative event where artists and comic enthusiasts can socialize, have a drink and collaborate on a single comic. You start by drawing the first panel and then slide it across the table and see what the next person adds to the story. The results are always amazing and many times downright hilarious. Bring your favourite pencils and prepare to improvise!
Monday May 8, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Free Event, registration can be found here.
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Kids Maker
Station
To celebrate Free Comic Book Day, join us for a day of creativity, comics and fun with the Tingfest team. From creating cartoons and comic poppers to building a giant fortress on Dundas Street, there is something for both the young ones and the young at heart! This program is sponsored by Downtown London.
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Saturday May 6, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
All ages welcome (that includes moms and dads!). Free creative activities, no registration required.
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Ting Pop-Up Shop
Don't forget to stop at the pop-up shop, featuring items from creatives across Southwestern Ontario, including zines, limited edition 2023 Ting T shirts, one of a kind prints and more.
The Ting shop will be open for the duration of Tingfest, although prints and merchandise is limited quantity.
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Comic Time:
Cartoonists in Conversation and Hands-On Zine/Comic Workshop
Comic Time is an artist collective made up of cartoonists from London, Ontario. Members include: Megan Arnold, Jill Clair, Jacqueline Demendeev, Brenda Fuhrman, Sammy Orlowski, Joanna Skiba, Diana Tamblyn and Rene Vandenbrink. Hear the Comic Time artists talk about their cartooning, art and practices as well as what it’s like to work in a group and how the collective has helped provide support and motivation, especially over COVID.
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After the discussion we’ll get to work and make some comics! The Comic Time group will guide you through making a mini-comic or zine. We’ll talk about what comics and zines can be about (hint: anything), then, we’ll cover some tips and techniques for generating ideas and design. Finally, you’ll create your own!
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Saturday April 29, 2:00 -3:30 p.m. Free Event.
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Unscripted with Jason McLean and Josh Lambier:
A History of Cartooning
Join 2023 Ting artist Jason McLean and Josh Lambier, Founding Director of the Public Humanities at Western and the Artistic Director of Wordsfest as they dive into the rich history of cartooning, comics, zines and graphic illustration by artists and creative industry in Southwestern Ontario. The conversation is sure to include insights into artistic collaboration, industry innovation and the pulse of London’s creative scene.
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This event will be a hybrid event so you can join the conversation in person or online. For those interested in registering virtually, please click here.
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For those interested in attending physically on site, registration can be found here.
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Thursday May 4, 6:00 p.m. Free Event.
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Book Launch and Conversation with Scott Chantler and Lynette Richards
Join us as we celebrate the launch of the brand new young adult adventure graphic novel “Squire & Knight” by Scott Chantler, published First Second, and “Call Me Bill” by Nova Scotia artist (and former Londoner) Lynette Richards, published by Emanta, the young adult line of books from Conundrum Press.
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Chantler and Richards will discuss their books, their process and their work with moderator Linda Ludke, Collections Management Librarian at London Public Library (LPL). There will also be an opportunity for audience questions after the discussion. The panel will be followed by a book signing with both authors. Books will be available for purchase at TAP.
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Saturday, May 6, 3:00 – 4:30 PM. Free event. More info and registration here.
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Animation Night with FRAMES
Films by Kathy Rose, Robert Breer, Dirk de Bruyn, Norman McLaren, George Griffin, Adam Beckett, Robert Dvorak, Jim Trainor, & Amy Lockhart.
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Presented in partnership with FRAMES Film Series, this selection of meticulously crafted 16mm works unfurl a unique glimpse into the vibrant imaginations of nine independent animators whose distinct artistic styles offer innovative approaches to visual storytelling. From offbeat characters meandering though surreal landscapes to the unbound abstractions of material manipulation, these memorable films colour well outside the lines of the conventional cartoon drawing.
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Free admission.
Projected on 16mm film.
Friday, May 12th, 7:00PM.