Greetings Friends,
With images bursting with energy, our gifted photographer Byron Dazey always surprises us by capturing the magical essence of the show through his lens. Costumes are radiant and colors blazing: all of the glamour and creativity of our guests and performers at FaerieCon West is on glorious display in these photos.
This is the embodiment of the spirit of FaerieCon – YOUR spirit!: Enjoy!
VISIT THE FAERIECON WEST GALLERIES!
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE FAERIECON WEST GALLERIES!
Now, it onward to Faerieworlds this Summer and the US Premiere of OMNIA!!
What a wonderful weekend of music, performances, art, conversations and magic! FaerieCon West attracted over 25% more guests this year than last and it was such a pleasure to see so many families joining us for the first time.
As always, the Masquerade Balls were the highlight of the show, with amazing performances by Delhi 2 Dublin, Tricky Pixie, Treguenda and Faun. Cellist Adam Hurst and psych folk singer Mariee Sioux also performed through the weekend.
Our new Market Stage location featuring Bill Cass’ “Nymbol’s World” puppet performances was a big hit, delivering standing room only performances. And our vendors areas featured an incredible array of apparel, art, crafts and jewelry.
Finally, we all shared a very special and exceptionally beautiful Acoustic Evening Concert with Emilio & Kelly Miller Lopez and Friends and Faun.
We would like to thank all of our guest artists and authors for their participation on our panels, presentations and in Faerie Academy.
Also, our thanks to our great emcees, staff and volunteers who give their time so generously to make it all happen. But most of all, we want to thank all of our guests for bringing your magic and creativity to the show with your incredible costumes, passion and excitement. We so look forward to seeing you all again next year when FaerieCon West will even be bigger and better than ever!
Now, it onward to Faerieworlds this Summer and the US Premiere of OMNIA!!
Now in it’s second year, FaerieCon West is the wintertime gathering of the Faerieworlds community and based on our successful premiere event last year, we are making a number of changes and and additions to make your FaerieCon experience even more fun, informative and inspiring. The FaerieCon universe continues to expand to embrace fantasy, steampunk, goth, metaphysics and many other genres who enjoy sharing their diverse interests and passions throughout the weekend.
Here are just a few exciting announcements – with many more to come in the following months:
• Guest Artists & Authors: By significant popular demand, we are happy to announce the return of international best-selling and multiple World Fantasy Award winning author and musician Charles deLint and musician Maryanne Harris, internationally acclaimed horror and fantasy artist and author, Brom, internationally celebrated faerie artist Amy Brown, New York Times Bestselling fantasy author, Julie Kagawa, fantasy artist Laurie Lee Brom, award winning Wicca authors, Raven Grimassi & Stephanie Taylor Grimassi, steampunk and fantasy author, Sibelle Stone, and many more guests to be announced!
• Amazing Bands: The FaerieCon Masquerade Balls were the definite highlight of the weekend and we have a fantastic lineup for you this year: the amazing German pagan folk band, FAUN, will make it’s premiere performance in Seattle and the Celtic / Indian fusion band, Delhi 2 Dublin returns to deliver another foot stomping set featuring their new CD, “Turn Up The Stereo.” Also returning after enchanting performances at Faerieworlds this summer are the mytho romantic quintet Treguenda, acclaimed singer / songwriter, SJ Tucker with her band Tricky Pixie and ghost cellist, Adam Hurst.
Read the rest of Welcome to FaerieCon West! »
FaerieCon West is excited to announce the Seattle premiere of FAUN, our 2013 headliners for the Bad Faeries Ball on Saturday night!
Faun will be also performing a very special acoustic concert Sunday night, offering a more intimate experience of their exceptional musicianship and vocals. These acoustic concerts sell out when they perform them in Germany so do not miss this opportunity to see Faun “unplugged.”
FAUN combines medieval & ancient instruments with modern influences to create an enchanting and powerful atmosphere. The band’s performance incorporates many different instruments, including the Celtic harp, hurdy-gurdy, key fiddle, various lutes, the bagpipes, archaic beats, large Japanese taiko drums, flutes, hammered dulcimer, and many more. FAUN’s melodic vocal section goes from solo, folk-like, and often ambient melodies, to enchanting chant-like performances. With two female singers, including Sonja Drakulich of Stellamara fame, and frontman Oliver s.tyr combining their voices, something truly magical happens. FAUN’s fusion of Celtic folk and medieval music with driving beats draws an ever-growing crowd of ardent followers.
FAUN was founded in early 2002 in Munich and has performed at more than 700 locations, festivals, concert halls and churches throughout the world. Some of them include: Mèra Luna Festival (Germany), Headlining the Faerieworld Festival Oregon USA & the Faeriecon Festival Maryland USA, Earthdance Festival (California USA), Elf Fantasy Fair (Netherlands), Wave Gotik Treffen (Germany), Fiesta Celtica Biella (Italy), Folkwoods Folkfestival (Netherlands), Arena van Vletingen (Belgium), Locomotive (Paris/France), Savari Karneval 2005 (Hungary), Palladius/Barcelona (Spain), and many more.
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Always a welcome and popular highlight of FaerieCon East, artist and illustrator Renae Taylor is coming west to join us in Seattle for the first time. Renae is known for her colorful, beautiful and highly sought after wearable faerie wings as well as her magical drawings, watercolors and paintings of a variety of faerie, fantasy and romantic subjects.
“Renae is an amazing artist who pays close attention to detail and reflects fantasy in reality beautifully.”
Renae’s work is about memory, imagination and retaining the sense of wonder in the world that she felt as a child. It’s about holding on to the idea that something wondrous and strange is just around the corner.
Renae Taylor grew up believing her parents found her under a bush in their back yard.
This belief shaped her into the multi-faceted artist she is today. Her work focuses mainly on nature, mythos, and positive feminine imagery.
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FaerieCon West is honored to announce two high-profile fantasy authors joining our programming lineup: Yasmine Galenorn and Nina Kiriki Hoffman.
New York Times bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn writes the bestselling urban fantasy series: the Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon Series for Berkley and the Indigo Court Series. She also wrote the paranormal Chintz ‘n China Mystery Series, and the Bath & Beauty Mystery Series (the latter written as India Ink) and eight nonfiction metaphysical books. She’s been in the Craft for over 28 years, is a shamanic witch, and describes her life as a blend of teacups and tattoos. She lives in Kirkland WA with her husband Samwise and their cats.
Her website can be found at www.galenorn.com
FaerieCon West is also pleased to announced that author Nina Kiriki Hoffman has been added to our programming schedule. Hoffman’s first solo novel, “The Thread That Binds the Bones”, won the Bram Stoker Award for first novel; her second novel, “The Silent Strength of Stones” was a finalist for the Nebula and World Fantasy Awards. “A Red Heart of Memories”, nominated for a World Fantasy Award, was followed by sequel “Past the Size of Dreaming” in 2001. Much of her work to date is short fiction, including “Matt Black” novella “Unmasking”, nominated for a World Fantasy Award; and “Matt Black” novelette “Home for Christmas”, nominated for the Nebula, World Fantasy, and Sturgeon awards. A collection of her short stories, Permeable Borders, was published in 2012 by Fairwood Press.
Find our more about Nina Kiriki Hoffman at her official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nina-Kiriki-Hoffman/66026198331
These accomplished Pacific Northwest-based authors will join our literature panels, in addition to signing books for fans. Don’t miss out, get your tickets today!
Called “the offspring of Mazzy Star and Jeff Mangum” by critics, FaerieCon West is proud to bring you the hauntingly beautiful and ethereal compositions of singer-songwriter Mariee Sioux. Weaving shimmering, mystical tales of American life, love, and loss in a manner that is surreal, intimate and transcendent, Mariee Sioux’s music represents a vital connection between the landmark sounds of Jeff Buckley and Enya, the iconic poetics of Kate Bush and Joni Mitchell.
“Gift for the End, Mariee Sioux’s new album, draws its benevolent psychedelia on the native folk roots: a canyon crisscrossed by paths leading Joni Mitchell’s, Neil Young’s and Bonnie Prince Billy’s souls into a deep world music, mystical and ancestral, either from America or from elsewhere.” – Almost Musique
Mariee Sioux is a unique, entrancing and pioneering artist, an expression of FaerieCon’s commitment to bring you new, compelling, creative voices that exemplify the heart and soul of the mythic arts. Join us as Mariee Sioux plays a special Friday and Saturday night performance on the Renaissance Hotel’s Bar Stage and also spends time at our Market Stage during the day.You do not want to miss this!
Get an advance taste of Mariee’s sound:
https://soundcloud.com/
Read the rest of FaerieCon West Welcomes Acclaimed Psych-Folk Singer-Songwriter Mariee Sioux »
There are lots of great activities, talks, classes, and panels to be found in the FarieCon West Programming Schedule, including some brand-new, not-yet-announced, creative professionals. Join us in welcoming Danika Dinsmore, Rosemary Ellen Guiley, and Byron Dazey to an already impressive lineup of authors, artists, and spiritual teachers.
Danika Dinsmore is author of children’s fantasy adventure series Faerie Tales from the White Forest. After entertaining the children of Neverworld last summer at FaerieWorlds, she makes her FaerieCon West debut for more storytelling and to share her creative and professional experiences as a writer. When not at home in Vancouver, BC she takes her Imaginary Worlds Tour on the road, teaching creative writing and world-building to both kids and adults in schools and at conferences across North America. Danika’s website is www.danikadinsmore.com.
Rosemary Ellen Guiley has worked full-time in the paranormal and metaphysical fields since 1983. Her multi-faceted work includes all kinds of entity contact experiences, including fairies and angels, as well as exploring cross-cultural paths of spiritual development and enlightenment. She has written more than 50 books, including single-volume encyclopedias, on a wide range of subjects. Her book Fairies is one of her most popular titles. Rosemary has been featured on NBC, The Syfy Channel, The History Channel, A&E, The Discovery Channel, The Travel Channel, and in independent productions. She is a consulting editor of FATE magazine. She heads her own publishing company, Visionary Living, Inc. Rosemary’s website is www.visionaryliving.com.
Byron Dazey is a Seattle area photographer with a passion for capturing you at your finest and most creative. Festivals, music, dance, living history, whatever your passion, it is his to capture the emotions of that time for you to always treasure. He’s been the official photographer for Faerieworlds for several years now, and brings a special expertise to capturing the magic of our events. Byron’s website is www.creativeflashes.com.
These wonderful talents, and many more, are listed in our Programming Schedule, check it out now, and get your FaerieCon West tickets today!
We are happy to announce the FaerieCon West 2013 Faerie Academy schedule and class registration. Once again Faerie Academy will feature many of our special guests, teaching and sharing with our attendees in an intimate hands on setting. These classes are limited and many will sellout quickly, so be sure to register now for your classes and join in the magic!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES NOW
FAERIE ACADEMY 2013 SCHEDULE
James and Marion Suites – 4th Floor
Friday February 22nd
2:00-3:30 A Cosmic Current of Spirit – Billy Scudder (James)
2:00-3:30 Making Beaded Faerie Stars – Dancing Hands (Marion)
4:00-5:30 The Making of an Oracle – Jessica Macbeth (Marion)
4:30-5:30 Gargoyle Sculpting Class – Patricia Hedegaard (Marion)
Saturday February 23rd
10:30-12:30 Baby Unicorn Sculpting Class – Session 1 – Patricia Hedegaard (James)
11:00-12:30 Exploring the Faerie Realm - Jessica MacBeth (James)
1:00-2:30 Into the Forest – Stephanie Lostimolo (James)
1:00-2:30 Nymbol’s Puppetry 101 – Bill Cass (Marion)
3:00-4:30 Sigils in Motion – Tempest & Nathaniel Johnstone (James)
3:00-5:00 Contacting a Power Animal Totem – Raven & Stephanie Taylor Grimassi (Marion)
Sunday Februray 24th
11:30-1:30 Meeting the Sphinx - T. Thorn Coyle (James)
12:00-1:30 Word Weaver Workshop – Mark Lewis (Marion)
2:00-3:30 Nymbol’s Puppet Creation Workshop – Bill Cass (James)
2:00-3:30 Baby Unicorn Sculpting Class – Session 2 - – Patricia Hedegaard (Marion)
FAERIE ACADEMY 2013 CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
A COSMIC CURRENT OF SPIRIT
a conversation with “The Green Man” Billy Scudder.
Billy will discuss his journey behind the veil, his acceptance of the Dream Time, how his many guides helped him gather the contents of his new book, explain how it came into being and the many voices that whispered their knowledge to him: “I some times feel like an echo as I hear the words said to me from the Realm”. Each person will receive a personally autographed copy of his book “PLEASURE A Cosmic Current of Spirit” and each copy of the book will contain his special Green Man stamp
Workshop Length: 1 hour
Maxiumum Participants: 25
Price: $30.00 includes a copy of Billy’s book
REGISTER NOW
MAKING A BEADED FAERIE STAR
Dancing Hands
An experienced bead designer of over 30 years and bead store owner, Dancing Hands will share her techniques and secret to making beaded Faerie Stars. These stars will be used to make willow wands in class, or participants may choose to keep the star for a car decoration or window hanging. Students will semi precious stone beads (amethyst, rose quartz, citrine, clear quartz), Swarovski crystals, and czech beads, both new and antique. Beginning beaders welcome; all materials are included. Ages 10 and up.
Workshop Length: 90 minutes
Maxiumum Participants: 20 students
Price: $40.00
REGISTER NOW
THE MAKING OF AN ORACLE
Jessica Macbeth
Experience a rare opportunity to work with the acclaimed author of the international best-selling book & card set, THE FAERIES’ ORACLE, as Jesa shows you how to create an effective and memorable oracle. Jesa worked intimately with Brian Froud to create The Faeries’ Oracle, which many card readers praise as the “best modern oracle deck ever created.” Currently, Jesa is creating two other decks and writing their books–one on Faery Runes and the other still a secret. What does a good oracle need to include besides wonderful art? How is it organized? While the tarot is an oracle, not all oracles are tarot decks but they must contain a coherent world structure if they are to work successfully. If you are thinking of making an oracle yourself, or simply wanting to learn more about how oracles work, you will find this seminar both helpful and inspiring.
Workshop Length: 90 minutes
Maxiumum Participants: 25 Students
Price: $20.00
REGISTER NOW
GARGOYLE SCULPTING CLASS
Patricia Hedegaard
Come make adorable, polymer clay figures with Trish. Learn the basics of creature creation, sculpting. You will be shown many simple techniques that help you create amazing effects for any character creation. You will use special effect clays for this class. All supplies included. No experience needed.
Age Limit: 12
Workshop Length: 90 minutes
Maxiumum Participants: 12 students
Price: $35
REGISTER NOW
BABY UNICORN SCULPTING CLASS – SESSION 1
Patricia Hedegaard
Come play with Unicorn magic. Making this creature is an insightful journey all on it’s own. You will be shown many simple techniques that help you create amazing effects for any character creation.You will use special effect clays for this class. All supplies included. No experience needed.
Age Limit: 12
Workshop Length: 2 hrs
Maxiumum Participants: 10
Price: $45
REGISTER NOW
EXPLORING THE FAERIE REALM – A GUIDED EXPERIENCE
Jessica Macbeth
Best selling author Jessica Macbeth has immersed herself life long in the mysteries of Faerie and has been teaching about them for over 35 years. In this rare workshop, Jesa will be your personal guide into the Realm using an imagery journey to take you to your own faery guide. Together, she and your guide will take you on an exploration of Faery. It will be followed by a discussion about the symbols, beings, and things you encountered in Faery. Jesa taught these same techniques to Brian & Wendy Froud, who still use them today in their work with Faery.
Workshop Length: 90 minutes
Maxiumum Participants: 20 students
Price: $20.00
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INTO THE FOREST
Shaman Drum Circle with Stephanie Lostimolo
Using the beat of the animal-hide drum to assist in accessing the Spirit World has been practiced by traditional healers and shamans for thousands of years. Although it can take years of practice for many people to tap into the Source, the rejuvenating and joyful experience of an energetic, rousing drum session with other drummers is something that can be experienced by anyone! Join me for an hour of ancient rhythmic sounds and close your eyes…who knows what you will see? A herd of wild reindeer moving across the tundra, a pair of ravens tumbling in the sky, or perhaps the inspiration for your next painting/song/story/adventure. Please bring your own drums; they must be made of natural materials (animal hide and wood frame). This allows the drums to communicate with each other. If you do not have a drum, you are still welcome to sign up and listen to the drums.
Workshop Length: 1 hour
Maxiumum Participants: 25 Students
Price: $10
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NYMBOL’S PUPPETRY 101
with Bill Cass
After a short history of different types of puppetry, Master Puppeteer Bill Cass will teach you the 5 basics of hand puppetry and help you find your own character, voice, and mannerisms so you can breathe life into a puppet. There will be a short performance at the end of class that will be open to all attendees of Faerie Con and video of the class performance will be online to share. Ages 8+ to Adults
Workshop Length: 90 minutes
Maxiumum Participants: 15 students
Price: $12.00
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SIGILS IN MOTION: MERGING MOVEMENT WITH RITUAL
Tempest & Nathaniel Johnstone
Ritual is a dynamic union of self and spirit, above and below—so why should it be static? Learn to incorporate movement into your ritual with focused intention and discover a much more powerful experience. With dancer Tempest and musician Nathaniel Johnstone as your guides, you’ll explore the key parts of several rituals and how actively discover how different sacred movements, gestures and dance steps can be applied to enhance your spiritual practice– for groups and covens, as well as solitary practitioners.
Workshop Length: 90 minutes
Maxiumum Participants: 25 Students
Price: $30
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CONTACTING A POWER ANIMAL TOTEM
Raven Grimassi and Stephanie Taylor
Among the wondrous beings of the Enchanted World is the spirit animal guide or totem. Join authors Raven Grimassi and Stephanie Taylor for a workshop on meeting your animal spirit companion. The workshop includes a guided imagery journey, and attendees receive an alignment object to take home.
Workshop Length: 2 hours
Maxiumum Participants: 25 Students
Price: $25
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MANIFESTATION: MEETING THE SPHINX
T. Thorn Coyle
To Know. To Will. To Dare. To Keep Silent. These powers are necessary in order to live a life based in magic, and to enact our work in the world. Come explore the Powers of the Sphinx – known by some as the Witch’s Pyramid –written of by Eliphas Lévi. We will discuss some of the theories behind this tool and take a journey to meet the Sphinx and greet the parts of ourselves that risk making magic with every word, thought, breath, and heartbeat. Together, we will unlock the quintessence – To Manifest! – making magic of our very lives.
Workshop Length: 2 hours
Maxiumum Participants: 35 Students
Price: $30
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WORD WEAVER WORKSHOP
Create and Tell a Story in an Hour & a Half – Mark Lewis
Get ready for “Full Contact Creativity” and join 2-Time Emmy Award-Winning storyteller Mark Lewis as you create your own story and learn to tell it like a professional! Be ready for fun as Mark teaches you the tricks of the trade in this hands-on Workshop. Mark is first and foremost a storyteller. His 40 years of professional experience have earned him a performance on The Tonight Show and most recently roles on Grimm and Leverage. His goal is to re-awaken the art of storytelling in the world of today and to re-introduce this world to its imagination. Come and play!
Workshop Length: 90 minutes
Ages 16 to Adult.
Maxiumum Participants: 20 students
Price: $25.00
REGISTER NOW
NYMBOL’S PUPPET CREATION WORKSHOP
Creation Workshop
Learn from master puppet maker, Bill Cass how to “Upcycle” a stuffed animal to be reborn as a Bogart, Troll, Gnome or Goblin in “Nymbol’s Secret Realm.” Experience a “puncture free” demonstration of how to use a hand stitcher and get a packet with instructions for “Stuffy Transformation” which will include everything you will need to make your own puppet with Bill’s professional guidance. ages 10 + to Adult
Workshop Length: 90 minutes
Maxiumum Participants: 15 students
Price: $45.00
REGISTER NOW
BABY UNICORN SCULPTING CLASS – SESSION 2
Patricia Hedegaard
Come play with Unicorn magic. Making this creature is an insightful journey all on it’s own. You will be shown many simple techniques that help you create amazing effects for any character creation.You will use special effect clays for this class. All supplies included. No experience needed.
Age Limit: 12 and older
Workshop Length: 2 hrs
Maxiumum Participants: 10 students
Price: $45
REGISTER NOW
We are pleased to announce that acclaimed Gothic and Steampunk bellydance instructor Tempest, along with musician Nathaniel Johnstone, a former member of Abney Park, will be holding classes in mythic and ritualistic dance at FaerieCon West. Together, these two artists will bring a new creative dimension to the showcase of mythic arts that is FaerieCon West.
Tempest pulls from her visual arts background, literary tendencies, and global inspirations to create dance that crosses the boundaries of time and culture. She is the premiere instructor of both Gothic & Steampunk Bellydance in North America, and her extensive work in these genres has helped to define and develop these fusion styles across the world. Her compellingly artful performances exemplify her distinctively theatrical, unique, and expressive style, and are rooted in oriental dance technique with a transcendent approach. Her costume designs have revolutionized the look of modern bellydance, and continue to inspire new and old generations of dancers alike. Tempest is also the producer of “Waking Persephone: Dancing Through the Dark & Unusual” – a dark fusion bellydance festival, and “Tapestry: A Dance Retreat Experience” which focuses on folkloric dance traditions and spirituality. She is based in Seattle, WA where she balances her time between teaching and performing dance, and working as a professional visual artist and jewelry designer. www.darklydramatic.com and www.owlkeyme.com
Nathaniel Johnstone loves music of all shapes and sizes. He is perpetually tinkering with tunes on a multitude of instruments: guitar, violin, viola, mandolin, and banjo. Surrounding himself with an ever-changing roster of like-minded souls, he creates music for his many friends in the dancing world. For the past several years Johnstone has been recording and touring with the steampunk band Abney Park, but has moved on to focusing on his solo work and other projects. He has also sat in with a number of other ensembles: The Ghosts Project, Jill Tracy’s Malcontent Orchestra, Ego Likeness, The Last Dance, The Hellblinki Sextet, and others. To hear more of his work, check out this link: www.nathanieljohnstone.com
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