Announcing the 2018 CAKE exhibitor application and 2017’s Cupcake award winner!

Hello, everyone,While it’s only fall, the time has already come to begin planning for CAKE 2018! Next year’s Chicago Alternative Comics Expo will take place June 2–3 at the Center on Halsted, and exhibitor applications will open on Monday, November 6. The application form will be available at cakechicago.com. The application period will run until November 30, so we encourage you to take your time and put together a strong application.CAKE is a curated show, and the organizers aim to highlight the best artists, both established and emerging, working in independent and alternative comics, displaying equal care for small press publishers and self-publishing artists. Through a jurying process that involves many members of Chicago’s comics community, we strive to create the diverse and representative festival for which CAKE has become known. Additionally, we strive to produce a demographically inclusive show that reflects, encourages, and advances the full depth and breadth of artists working in our community.CAKE’s standard table space is a half table (3′ x 2.5′). A registration fee of $65 is due upon acceptance into CAKE. There is no application fee. Please direct any questions to exhibitors@cakechicago.com. We will reply to all queries as quickly as possible.

The Winner Is…

CAKE is proud to award the fourth annual Cupcake Award to Adam Griffiths! Adam is a cartoonist, illustrator, artist living in Takoma Park, MD. He was excited to receive the award, saying, "I was surprised and honored to be selected by the superb cartoonist and storyteller Edie Fake as the Cupcake Award winner for 2018! For someone like myself who is really just beginning to release books, getting feedback from a seasoned creator about my narrative methods and materials presentation is a priceless opportunity that can only improve the quality of the stories I have to tell."Adam just released the first installment of his graphic novel Washington White (pictured below), which can be purchased at http://adamgriffithscartoonist.bigcartel.com/.Launched in 2014, the Cupcake Award emerges from CAKE’s commitment to support independent comics and the self-publishing community. As the winner of this year’s Cupcake Award, Adam will receive $250 to support the printing of a new comic; a free half table at the 2016 CAKE festival, where the comic will debut; and mentorship support from special guest juror Edie Fake.About CAKEThe Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE) is a weekend-long celebration of independent comics, inspired by Chicago’s rich legacy as home to many of underground and alternative comics’ most talented artists–past, present, and future. Featuring comics for sale, workshops, exhibitions, panel discussions, and more, CAKE is dedicated to fostering community and dialogue among independent artists, small presses, publishers, and readers. The sixth annual CAKE will take place Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11, 2017, at the Center on Halsted, 3656 North Halsted Avenue in Chicago. For any questions about about CAKE, please email cakexpo@gmail.com