WHAM! BAM! SLAM! Opening Reception
November 14, 2026
6 PM – 9 PM
This November, the Art Academy of Cincinnati invites the public to experience WHAM! BAM! SLAM!, a first-of-its-kind, multi-venue comics event celebrating comics art and culture. On Saturday, November 14, the campus comes alive with a Comic Expo & Artist Alley in SITE1212, AAC’s Open House, and an evening opening reception throughout the Pearlman, McClure, Chidlaw, and SITE1212 Galleries.
The public is invited to celebrate this exhibition with an opening reception on Saturday, November 14th from 6 – 9 pm. The reception will include all four galleries – SITE 1212, Pearlman, McClure, and Chidlaw Galleries – as well as drinks and appetizers.
WHAM! BAM! SLAM! Exhibitions
On view in the Pearlman and McClure Galleries from November 9 through December 4, 2026, WHAM! BAM! SLAM! will feature original works including sketches, pages, posters, publications, and more by more than 30 regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized professional artists who have made significant contributions to the comics world. Featured artists include David Mack, Emmy Award nominee and New York Times bestselling author and artist; Nate Powell, National Book Award and Robert F. Kennedy Book Award winner; and CF Payne, Society of Illustrators Gold Medalist and recipient of the Individual Artist Governor’s Award for the Arts in Ohio.
On Saturday, November 14, the Chidlaw Gallery will also feature a pop-up exhibition of original work by current AAC Illustration students, bringing emerging artists into the event alongside established professionals.
Together, the exhibitions showcase the breadth, creativity, and cultural significance of comics art while highlighting the strength of AAC’s Illustration program.
Comic Expo & Artist Alley
Modeled after the Artist Alley experience found at major comic conventions, the Comic Expo & Artist Alley will bring together artists, publishers, collectors, fans, and students for a day of creative exchange. Artists will exhibit and sell original artwork, publications, prints, and merchandise, giving the public an opportunity to meet and interact directly with working artists.
Participating artists include Kat Klockow, Jeff Smith, David Michael Beck, MeSseD Comics, Uko Smith, Jeff Ebbeler, and many others.
WHAM! BAM! SLAM! is partially funded by AAC Trustees Rich Homan and Andrew Howe.
