Artist Guest of Honor: Geneva Bowers

Geneva Bowers is a Hugo Award–winning illustrator. Her work focuses on atmosphere and magic realism, giving a sense of calm and nostalgia. It is inspired by growing up in Appalachia, caught between glorious nature and geeky interests. She aims to make people smile while showing a piece of how beautiful life can be.

She has partnered with Netflix, Dreamworks, Disney Animation, Pixar, Amazon Prime Video, and Epic Games in the animation and cinematography realm, and she has worked for almost every major publisher in the book publishing realm as a YA author and illustrator. She’s illustrated the children’s books The Dragon Thief, Beyoncé: Shine Your Light, and Curls, among others.

Her webcomic about magical girls, HoverGirls, became a WEBTOON sensation and was published August 2024 by Bloomsbury YA and can be found at places like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Geneva Bower’s art is mystical and vibrant, full of life and illuminating the way. She loves manipulating color and adding whimsy with a touch of realism and calm. Her art can be found on her website and on her storefront: GDBEE.ART.

Black Nerds Create: Geneva Bowers

Locus Online: Spotlight on Artist: Geneva Bowers

Art Show Applications Are Open!

The Norwescon 48 Art Show is now accepting applications from artists, and we would love to hear from you. Our goal is to provide a venue that features both well-known and up-and-coming artists who create fantasy and science-fiction themed artwork of all types. We will also be having Artist in Action again and are looking to develop new programs to help enhance the art show experience for both the artists and membership. Come be a part of our convention community! Visit the artist registration page for more information on how you can apply for the Norwescon 48 Art Show.

Call for Performers—Norwescon 48 Special Events

We are eager to bring a dynamic and inclusive range of performances to this year’s upcoming convention at the Seattle DoubleTree Hotel in SeaTac, WA. Norwescon is the Pacific Northwest’s premier science fiction and fantasy convention. Imagine two to three thousand nerdy folks taking over a hotel for four days and celebrating their fandom. Check us out at Norwescon or via our social media accounts.

We would be thrilled to showcase performers such as…

  • Drag queens & drag kings,
  • Live music acts,
  • Spoken word artists,
  • Comedic or theatrical acts, and/or
  • Other performances with a creative flair.

If you are interested in performing or have ideas for exciting collaborations, we would love to hear from you! As a completely volunteer-run nonprofit event, we are unable to offer financial compensation, but we will provide performers with the following:

  • Convention passes for the duration of Norwescon 48
  • Exposure to a diverse audience of fans and creators
  • Promotional opportunities via our social media, monthly newsletter, and electronic/written convention program materials
  • A welcoming and supportive environment where your talent will be celebrated

If you’re interested in performing, please email us with the following information:

  • Your name/performer name
  • A brief bio or description of your act
  • Links to videos or other media showcasing your performance (if available)
  • Any technical requirements you may have

Thank you for considering bringing your unique talents to Norwescon 48! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to hearing from you!

Register for Norwescon NOW!!

Don’t forget to register for Norwescon 48 so you won’t miss a moment of the action!! Visit our Memberships page to take care of that now. And if you haven’t made a room reservation yet, consider taking care of that too. Visit our Hotel page for more information!

Sign Up for the Norwescon 48 Masquerade!

All skill levels welcome. Show off your work, get expert feedback, and compete for a free membership to Norwescon 49! Don’t miss your chance to shine on stage. Featuring the Kamino Temple Saber Guild as our halftime show. See the Masquerade page for more information and to sign up.

Sign Up for Club Tables

Applications for club tables are now open on the Norwescon 48 club tables page, and we would love to hear from you. Norwescon offers table space to clubs, groups, conventions, and organizations that promote science, science fiction, fantasy, costuming, and other fannish pursuits. Fandom is multifaceted. We are willing to consider any group, especially youth-serving organizations, and help your organization reach Norwescon members who have similar interests. This table space is an opportunity to share your enthusiasm with Norwescon members. Come be a part of our convention community! Reach out to us with any questions.

The deadline for priority consideration is January 31, 2026. We will accept applications sent after that date for the waitlist.

Sign Up for the Single Pattern Contest Today

We have a single pattern selected for Norwescon 48. Sign up at the Single Pattern Contest page today.

The object of the competition is to create a one-of-a-kind creation using the chosen pattern. The two pattern options are the Hooded Duster Coat or the McCall’s Misses’ / Men’s Lined and Unlined Cape (M4139).

Norwescon Welcomes Volunteers!

Norwescon is truly a labor of love. Every one of us, from our Chair on down, volunteers their skills and time to make this convention happen. And we welcome your presence! If you have any time and skills you enjoy using that might benefit Norwescon, please visit our Volunteer page to check out our open positions. And if you aren’t sure what you would enjoy doing, email us and we’ll happily answer your questions!

Our October ConCom meeting will be VIRTUAL on Zoom on Saturday, October 4th, 2025. More information, a Zoom link, and an agenda will be sent via email.

Volunteer (ConCom) Meeting:

10:30 to 11 a.m.: Newcomer Welcome
11 to 11:10 a.m.: Executive Team Introductions
11:10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Department Breakouts
1 to 1:15 p.m.: Executive Team Meeting
1:15 to 3 p.m.: Convention Committee (ConCom) Meeting

Upcoming Norwescon 48 Volunteer Meeting Dates:

  • November 1st, 2025
  • December 6th, 2025
  • January 10th, 2026 (online only)
  • February 14th, 2026
  • March 14th, 2026
  • April 2nd, 2026 (exec meeting)
  • May 9th, 2026

https://www.norwescon.org/2025/10/03/news-from-norwescon-october-2025/

#ArtShow #ClubTables #GenevaBowers #Masquerade #NWC48 #SinglePatternContest #volunteering

Meet Special Guest of Honor Isis Asare

Isis Asare is a queer Afrofuturist and lover of all things Black culture. A citizen of the world, Isis was born to Ghanaian immigrants in Harlem and concurrently resides in Seattle, WA, and Oakland, CA.

Sistah Scifi founder Isis Asare stands for a portrait next to her new book vending machine inside Oaklandia Cafe x Bakery in Downtown Oakland on February 22, 2023. Isis hopes it will be the first of a national network of Sistah Scifi vending machines meant to expand the reach of Black and Indigenous science fiction and fantasy authors. (Kori Suzuki / KQED News)

Isis is an alum of Stanford University, Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and Columbia Business School, where they earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s in public policy, and an MBA, respectively. Isis is the CEO/founder of Sistah SciFi, the first Black-owned bookstore focused on science fiction and fantasy in the United States, as validated by the American Booksellers Association. Its goal is to uplift literature written by Black and Indigenous authors.

Sistah SciFi has launched three Sistah SciFi book vending machines in Seattle at NAAM and Distant Worlds Coffee, and in Oakland at Chapter 510. We are planning for a vending machine to be brought to Norwescon 47.

Guest of Honor Selection Committee

We are taking suggestions for the guest(s) of honor for Norwescon 48. Feel free to email [email protected] with your dream guests in the categories of writer, artist, science, and publisher.

Reserve Your Club Table Now

Are you part of a club, group, convention, or organization that promotes science fiction, fantasy, costuming/cosplay, gaming, or other fannish pursuits? If so, Norwescon would like to host your organization in our club tables area and help your organization reach Norwescon members who have similar interests. Fandom is multifaceted! Check out our Club Tables page for details on how to apply and reach out to Clubs Table Email with any questions.

Dealers’ Room and Writers’ Row Now Accepting Applications

The applications for the dealers’ room and writers’ row are now available. Information about table sizes and pricing is available on the Dealers’ Room page. We are making changes to our writers’ row set-up this year and now have the option to apply for a half or full table. Bardhwood Book Nook will be back this year to provide book-consignment services to our pros, panelists, and individual authors. If you would like to receive information about this service, sign up at the Book Nook mailing list.

Patterns for NWC 47’s Single Pattern Contest

Handle everything from a long journey across Middle Earth to an EVA to handle necessary repairs to your Bussard Ramjet – in comfort! Every adventurer needs comfort under their armor or space suit. Perfect for everyone from giants to halflings. So sew up a comfy outfit for your next adventure! Choose from these patterns:

McCall’s pattern M8249

Simplicity pattern S9828

https://www.norwescon.org/2024/11/07/news-from-norwescon-november-2024/

#ClubTables #DealersRoom #IsisAsare #SinglePatternContest #SistahScifi #WritersRow

Sistah Scifi

Sistah Scifi is the first Black owned bookstore focused on Afrofuturism, Indigenous Futurism, Science Fiction, and Fantasy in the United States.

sistahscifi

News from Norwescon November 2024: Introducing Special Guest of Honor Isis Asare, soliciting suggestions for future guests of honor, applications are open for club tables, the dealers’ room, and writer’s row, and our single pattern contest patterns have been chosen! … (#IsisAsare #SistahSciFi #ClubTables #DealersRoom #WritersRow #SinglePatternContest)

Full post: https://www.norwescon.org/2024/11/07/news-from-norwescon-november-2024/

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Don’t Forget to Register!

It’s the new year and time to think about getting your Norwescon membership. The registration rate for a full four-day adult membership is now $100. That is only $25 a day for some of the best science fiction and fantasy convention content in the Pacific Northwest! Visit our Memberships page to find out more and register today!

Masquerade Registration is now OPEN!

Calling all costumers! We invite you to showcase your creations at the Norwescon 46 Masquerade! You will first need to register. The registration form and all other details can be found on the Masquerade webpage!

Welcome to the Shire!

A New Program Opportunity for Teens and Tweens

Three wise women are creating a space for teens and tweens to help them find their own way at Norwescon. Participants will learn skills, attend panels, earn rewards, and help others! Think of D&D crossed with the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism). Visit our Shire webpage for more details.

Calling on elders to help with supplies! Please visit our website for a list of supplies we could use. Your donations are welcome. Contact us at [email protected].

Volunteer Opportunity – The Art Show Needs You!

The art show is looking for print shop staff. Visit the Open Volunteers Positions page of our website for more information and reach out to [email protected] if you are interested in joining us!

Club Table Applications Close Soon!

Would you like to see your organization represented at Norwescon? Don’t hesitate. Initial applications for club tables close on January 10, 2024. Come share your organization’s interests and fannish pursuits with Norwescon members. Visit our Club Tables page for details on how to apply.

Donate Books to the Norwescon Little Free Library!

Do you have a New Year’s resolution to declutter or organize? Are you changing your library to digital? Did you get a second copy of a book you already own as a present? The Norwescon Little Free Library is still accepting donations for the free book table. Book pickup is available, or bring the books to the convention. Contact [email protected]. We have rehomed thousands of books since 2019!

https://www.norwescon.org/2024/01/02/news-from-norwescon-january-2024/

#ArtShow #ClubTables #LittleFreeLibrary #Masquerade #NWCShire #nwc46

Memberships – Norwescon

News from Norwescon January 2024: Happy New Year! Registration is now $100, Masquerade signups are open, introducing the Norwescon Shire for teens and tweens, the art show needs print shop volunteers, club table applications close soon, and our Little Free Library is looking for donations. … (#ArtShow #ClubTables #LittleFreeLibrary #Masquerade #NWCShire #nwc46)

Full post: https://www.norwescon.org/2024/01/02/news-from-norwescon-january-2024/

News from Norwescon January 2024 – Norwescon