GAZE: Gainesville Arts and Zine Expo April 11, 2026

Jan 20

April 11, 2026
11 AM - 6 PM

We are hosting our second ever comics and zine fest! The aim of this festival is to bring folks together from all over Florida and beyond to enjoy SAW's incredible location, library, and community.

*Masks heavily suggested*

VENUE

1314 S Main Street, Gainesville FL 32601
This will be an indoor AND outdoor event.

We love comics

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We love comics 〰️

PROGRAMMING

11 AM: GAZE Tabling begins.

Buy all the things! Support local!

12 PM: Literary Comics with Lauren Halderman —

This class includes a short presentation proving that you don't need to be "good" at drawing to make comics. Anyone can do it, and do it well. Then we will have in-class exercise and a sharing session at the end.

1 PM: Talking Newspaper Comics.

An academic panel presented by the Graduate Comics Organization (GCO).

2 PM: Button-making workshop with Frankie D.

Make your very own merch - buttons! Pins you can put anywhere: clothes, bags, totes, and so much more.

3 PM: Interview with Barbara Brandon-Croft.

Brandon-Croft became the nation’s first Black woman cartoonist to cross the color line into the mainstream press in 1989 with her cartoon feature Where I’m Coming From.

4 PM: Comics workshop with Eric Wolfgang.

This workshop is aimed at all ages!

5 PM: End of event!

Please RSVP

Parking

There is free street parking all along main street and surrounding streets, as well as free parking in the ALDI parking lot to the left of the space.
There is limited parking next to the GFAA building, with one handicap spot. Signs will show where you can park.
DO NOT park directly next to GFAA (mural wall)! It is part of the tow lot and can no longer be used. There will be cones marking off the spaces.

Weather

This event is rain or shine. This is an indoor and outdoor event.
There is some shade outside, but it is limited!
Weather in Florida can be unpredictable. While there may be the chance of rain, there is always the possibility of sunshine later in the day and vise versa. Please plan accordingly.

Accessibility

The GFAA building and SAW space are wheelchair accessible. However, tabling will be outside in a grassy area with slightly uneven ground.
Masking is highly encouraged, especially indoors in our workshop spaces. We will have N95 and surgical masks available for free and encourage folks to bring their own as well.
There are 2 gender-neutral, single-stall bathrooms in the GFAA building that are wheelchair accessible.
There are 2 water fountains inside and the space is air-conditioned.
Food is available for purchase outside of the building. We will have limited seating and tables available as well.

Entry Fee

Comics are for everyone. This is a free event but has a $10 suggested fee. This donation supports the organization of this event and future SAW events. Donating at the door is also permitted, but if you could RSVP and pay prior, that is suggested!

CLICK TO RSVP