Stockton-Con is proud to announce its second annual all ages art contest. Beginning with this year’s contest, it will be known as the Tony DeZuniga Memorial Art Contest. Tony passed away last year, but his legacy will continue to live on with his family and those that he inspired. He made Stockton his home for the greater part of the last decade and he worked with many local artists, mentoring them when he could. He is an important figure in comic, gallery, and illustration art for several reasons. During the 1970s, he brought a realistic look from his advertising style of illustration. Some of his best work was in collaboration with John Buscema in the early issues of The Savage Sword of Conan. He also co-created Jonah Hex and The Black Orchid for DC comics and worked with a number of important stories in the comic world.

“Naming the Art Contest after Tony is such a great honor,” said Tina DeZuniga, Tony’s wife. “I wish Tony could see the success of Stockton-Con. I myself was so surprised by last year’s attendance. The organizers worked so hard and people really travelled just to attend the event. I’m so proud and so honored to be part of this event.”

To honor Stockton’s connection to Mr. DeZuniga, the art challenge is for each artist to create a “Tribute to Tony” poster (11”x17”) in any medium.

In addition to the other great prizes for the art contest, Action Lab Entertainment will award the first prize winner a cover for an upcoming issue of Ghost Town. “We are excited to be a part of the Tony DeZuniga Memorial Art Contest,” said Action Lab Entertainment Creative Director and writer of Ghost Town, Dave Dwonch. “We are looking forward to seeing some great tributes to Tony from artists all over the country.”

This contest is open to anyone with following prizes:

• First Prize – $250 cash prize, Future cover of Action Lab's Ghost Town, $100 Gift Certificate to Ka-Blam, Back Cover of Stockton-Con program
• Second Prize – $100 cash prize -- $50 Gift Certificate to Ka-Blam Inside Back Cover of Stockton-Con program
• Third Prize – $50 cash prize -- $25 Gift Certificate to Ka-Blam
• Fan Favorite -- Inside Front Cover of Stockton-Con program, Professional Framing for entry piece by Deck The Walls ($200 value)

The image submitted must be an original piece of high resolution, but may not exceed 25 MB. The entrant must also sign, scan and email the artist’s release. One entry per artist. Entries must be received by July 6, 2013. Entries should be emailed to stocktonconartcontest@gmail.com

Entries will be displayed on Stockton-Con’s Facebook page (72 dpi) and may be reproduced as full size posters for display at and for use in promotions both before and after Stockton-Con on August 4, 2013. Smaller reproductions may also be used to promote Stockton-Con. All entries may be reproduced in the Stockton-Con program.

Entries, with artist’s name blocked out, will be judged by a panel of professionals who will select First, Second & Third place winners and honorable mention awards. The Fan Favorite award will be selected solely by Facebook viewer votes.

Websites: http://stocktoncon.com
Tony DeZuniga http://www.comicartfans.com/comic-artists/tony_dezuniga.asp
Action Lab Entertainment - http://www.actionlabcomics.com/