Family Day | Pocket Con

About the Event

Pocket Con is coming to Family Day at the MCA! Meet creators, attend workshops and panels, play teen-created video games, and try out costuming and art in a space that celebrates and welcomes diversity.

Designed and led by Chicago artists, Family Day is a monthly program that allows families and youth to connect and engage with contemporary art through activities and performances for all ages. Enjoy FREE admission while taking part in workshops, open studio sessions, gallery tours, performances, and more.

ASL interpretation provided.

About Pocket Con

Pocket Con is a free single-day convention for Chicago youth brought to you by a partnership between the Chicago Public Library, Stomping Grounds Literary Arts Initiative, and The Museum of Contemporary Arts Chicago. It focuses on work by artists of color, particularly African-American authors and artists, and comics with a primary black character.

Pocket Con was established with the goal of promoting literacy and creativity in young people, increasing visibility for artists and writers of color, and facilitating networking and mentorship opportunities. It is intended to be a celebration of diversity in creativity that presents no economic barriers to anyone. Pocket Con features the works of artists and writers of color, women, and LGBTQ+ creators, with a special focus on characters and creators of color.

Imagine a day filled with interactive workshops, engaging panel discussions, cosplay contests, and a marketplace showcasing independent and professional working artists of color. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious, Pocket Con is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded creatives and experience the vibrant pop culture community. Take advantage of this epic gathering of geeks and blerds!

Schedule

Activities are included with museum admission.

Edlis Neeson Theater (Ground Floor)

11 am
Rai Musica

11:30–11:45 am
Electric Mothership

12:30–1 pm
Jovan Landry

1–1:30 pm
Eve Ewing Interview

 

Women’s Board Learning Studios (3rd Floor)

10:15–11 am
Faith Ringgold Storytime and Art

11:30 am–12:30 pm
Kids Drawing Workshop with George Gant

1–2 pm
Paper Doll Art with Monstrochika

2:15–3:30 pm
Best of the Best with Chicago Public Library Teen Interns

 

Crown Family Room (3rd Floor)

10 am–4 pm

The Colosseum by Howard Area Clubhouse

Super Smash Brothers Tournament

Clubhouse Cosplay Kart Tournament

Brawlhalla Tournament

Teen Authored Games

 

4th Floor

10 am–4 pm

Faith Ringgold Exhibition

Teen Artist Portfolio Review

Stomping Grounds Literary Arts Initiative

Howard Area Clubhouse Corner

Cosplay Central

• Costumers with a Cause
• Chicago POC Cosplay
• Vampy Snow
• Ashhuhlee

 

Funding

Support for Family Programs is provided in part by the MCA Women’s Board Family Education Initiative.