Gatekeeper – An evening with the artist
Thursdays Sept 14, 21, & 28 from 6-8 PM
Join artist and songwriter Barry Poglein for an evening of stories and music that support the concepts behind his artwork in the Gatekeeper Exhibit.
Barry’s exhibit and performance will be in our black box theater in the Bottle Works Tulip building.
Light refreshments will be provided. BYOB
Get ready to spend a day celebrating the legacy of Johnstown’s own Steve Ditko!
Steve’s career in comics has had a tremendous impact on so many fans and creators in the industry, so we are bringing comic book enthusiasts together for a day of Ditko-inspired fun at the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center!
Our guests include creators that worked with Steve as well as those inspired by him. Confirmed guest artists include: Mort Todd, Will Murray, Michael T. Gilbert, & Khoi Pham with more to be announced! We will also be joined by members of Steve Ditko Estate, super Spidey fan, Bruce Wechtenhiser and more!
The Con will also be your first opportunity to pick up the very first publication from Hero Works Publishing, Captain Bottle Works! This Ditko-inspired production includes stories from Ditko playwright, Lenny Schwartz, and art from Bottle Works Creative Director Matt Lamb, Glenn Klimeck, K. Brandon Wilt, and our student artists Ariana Skebeck & Garrett Murphy all of whom will be on hand to sign your copy of the book!
You can also pick up some of your favorite collectibles from Buckethead’s Collectibles, Bent Wookee Comix, and more vendors to be announced!
Tickets:
Spectacular Admission: $12 General Admission; $10 for BW Members.
- Full access to vendor and guest areas, all panels, & charity quick sketch.
Amazing Art Lover Admission: $50 per person
- Full access to vendor and guest areas, & all panels.
- Con swag bag featuring You Don’t Know Ditko fanzine from Javier Hernandez, Ditko inspired art prints, a paperback copy of Captain Bottle Works by Hero Works Publishing, and more surprises!
Ditko VIP Admission: $100 per person
- VIP Access at 10 AM.
- Full access to vendor and guest areas, & all panels.
- Con swag bag featuring You Don’t Know Ditko fanzine from Javier Hernandez, Ditko inspired art prints, an autographed hardback copy of Captain Bottle Works by Hero Works Publishing, and more surprises.
- Ditko Con t-shirt.
- Access to VIP Lounge to meet and congregate with other VIP’s. Light refreshments included.
Ditko Con 2023 Schedule of Events
September 30 from 11 AM– 6 PM
10-11 AM – Early Access for V.I.P.’s only
11 AM – Ditko Con 2023 opens
11 AM – Meet and greet with the cast of Ditko the play. The cast will be available in costume throughout the con.
2 PM – Working with Steve Ditko Panel – industry professionals who worked with or have extensive knowledge of Steve Ditko including: Mort Todd, Will Murray, Michael T. Gilbert, and Zack Kruse. Moderated by Mark Ditko
3 PM – Steve Ditko, Spider-Man, and me: Johnstown PA connections presentation by Bruce Wechtenhiser
4 PM- Ditko Estate Family Panel – Patrick S. Ditko, Patrick J. Ditko, Mark Ditko, and Robert Jeschonek . Moderated by Lenny Schwartz
6 PM- Ditko Con 2023 Closes
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM- Comic Works- How to Draw Spider-Man w/ Khoi Pham $25 to attend
Sunday October 1st @ 1PM- Ditko the play at the State Theater of Johnstown
Mort Todd
Will Murray
Khoi Pham
Michael T. Gilbert
Zack Kruse
Wayne Faucher
Sam Johns
Matt Lamb
Glenn Klimeck
K. Brandon Wilt
Leonard Schwartz
& More!!!
Please note that the Bottle Works engages in photography and recording of programs and events for its own print and online publication/promotional purposes. Staff and volunteers will make every effort to notify members of the public when filming and/or photography is taking place. Please notify a staff member/volunteer if you do not want to be photographed or filmed.