Video Gamers United - Recap

AWA had a FANTASTIC time at Video Gamers United!

You can't go wrong at a con where a massive Donkey Kong angrily greets you at the entrance. We met great people, saw great costumes, and conquered great video games. Our featured artists received a lot of praise for their work, and we made fantastic connections that we can't wait to tell you about in the future. 

Members of the army pose with Optimus Prime

At no other con could video gamers and programmers seamlessly interact with branches of the military, DC government, universities and the Washington Nationals. Military personnel were just as excited to see Optimus Prime and Tifa as we were. The Air Force brought in a jet - yes, you read that right, a jet - to the show. The marines challenged people to test their physical might with pull-ups. The Washington Nationals brought a baseball video game simulator and cornhole for people to play.

Our artists showed off their skills with color, clay, and flower creations. All were impressed with their unique styles and knowledge. Some artists even gave pointers to interested children who sat down to draw. Children and adults alike played multiple video games on multiple platforms, including, but not limited to: Mario Kart, Soul Calibur, Halo, and Madden. Tournaments were held, for both video and card games, with grand prizes of $1,000.00; $3,000.00; or even $5,000.00. 

A select group of people who donated to Children's Hospital were able to play video games with said celebrities such as Dante Basco and Clinton Portis. But celebrities didn't stay secluded. Dante Basco, otherwise known as Prince Zuko from Avatar and Rufio from Hook, took the time to come visit with the AWA's con team. He was incredibly down to earth, and we thank him for taking the time to talk to us. 

Best. Selfie. Ever. 

 Were you at VGU? If so, what was your favorite part?

VGU - Video Gamers United

Join AWA at the DC Convention Center on Saturday, August 16th and Sunday, August 17th for Video Gamers United, the premier con dedicated to everything games:

It's sure to be a lot of fun (and there's a JET?!). Come find us and our friends:

Keir Lyles

Darren Soto

Andrew Smart

and Image featured artist 

Chris Pyrate

Location TBD! 

Our Summer Classes are Hot!

FYI - Even after two hours, students were still really involved. I asked our page (David) what he though and he felt that Darren was really good. He appreciated how knowledgeable he was regarding comic books in general, loved his "odd" examples, like how he taught in a really simple understandable way, gave really good comic strip examples of what he was talking about, and really simple step-by-step samples of how to turn simple shapes into dramatic figures etc. David thought the fact that Darren, someone in the field was doing the program and not a librarian made it so much more interesting (really like him as a presenter) [and] made them feel connected.

- Philecia Harris, Children's & Youth Adult Librarian at Silver Spring Library

Our classes have been nothing less than phenomenal this summer. With veterans Darren Soto and Keir Lyles and newcomers Tyrone Barnes, AWA has partnered with multiple non-profit and educational groups to use our comic book classes in the context of their own summer camps.

We partnered with Concerned Black Men and Savoy Elementary, Silver Spring Library, and Reading Camp Maryland. Whether creating real life superheroes or drawing characters all their own, the children thoroughly enjoyed our classes. And we've had fun as well! Check it out below.

Silver Spring Library - June 10, 2014

Using his patented teaching technique, Darren Soto shows kids how to create unique and dynamic characters. 

Savoy Elementary/Concerned Black Men - July 10, 2014

Focusing on real life heroes such as fire fighters and police officers, Keir Lyles provided students with coloring pages and taught them the fundamentals of drawing.

Reading Camp Maryland - July 14, 2014

After a fun and engaging one-day comic book class, Keir Lyles poses with his students. Tyrone Barnes instructs the same students in a lesson. 

There's still more to come! We have classes planned at Enoch Pratt and Bowie Library in September. Stay tuned!

Artist Highlight - Darren Soto

Darren Soto is a young aspiring artist whose unique style is influenced by anime/ manga art. He is currently a senior at the Art Institute of Washington and has committed himself to using his artistic ability to help the community. Between his studies, Darren showcases and teaches younger artists the techniques of Character Design through Art Way Alliance.


Darren is a kind and patient instructor who is willing to go the extra mile to help aspiring artists understand and persevere through rough areas while motivating their personal style. Darren’s vast experience will benefit and guide aspiring artists through the various aspects of the design process.