PSI CONFIRMED EVENTS FOR 2026 (updated 9/24/2026) others to be added as they are confirmed:
UPCOMING PROGRAMS PLANNED/CONFIRMED
Hello, PSI members! Comic Creating Classes open to PSI members next 4 Sundays.
PSI member Howard Bender announces a series of Comic Creating Classes open to PSI members.
If you’re interested, please contact Howard Bender at 732-600-3462. Note email below to reserve a spot in the sessions gwlankard@gmail.com
Where: Artists & Craftsman Supply, Squirrel Hill 5603 Hobart St, PGH PA 15217
Dates: Sundays Sept 27, Oct 4, Oct 11, Oct 18, 2026
Time: 1:30-3:30pm per session
Fee: $25 per session (QR code on Basecamp, or pay in person)
Host: Grant Lankard (Beowulf, Memoirs of the Morbid, League of Cryptids)
Email: gwlankard@gmail.com to reserve a spot and ask questions
Topics: 9/27 Beginning Writing-Characters, Plotting, Collaboration, Scripts, Dialogue, Editing
10/4 Pencilling-Anatomy, Storytelling, Designing Panels, Backgrounds
10/11 Inking and Lettering-Materials, Textures, Word Balloons, Typography
10/18 Putting It All Together-Combining these topics into a short 'zine!
We’re also looking for artists willing to share their experiences working in independent comics as part of this series of classes.
Guest speakers:
Howard Bender (former DC, Marvel, and Archie Comics Artist)
Marvin Wynn (The Edge)
Lena Gantner (Transformers, DC Pride)
Rob Jones (Kate Carter Adventures)
PROGRAM WITH INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATOR WOUTER TULP BEING PLANNED
For PSI's 2027 Guest Artist Zoom program, PSI is planning:
Session 1 with Wouter Tulp (Netherlands illustrator with worldwide clientele):
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An introduction to the work of Wouter Tulp
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A demonstration by Wouter, and introduction to an exercise or assignment that PSI members complete after Session 1, and email to you by the deadline you stipulate
Session 2 (perhaps one month later for participating illustrators):
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Wouter's critique of the exercises that PSI members send to you
This program is being planned for January/February 2027 by Tara Zalewski-Nease—stay tuned for confirmations, where Session 1 will occur live, and other info on the Zoom schedule for both sessions.
Programs for September 2026 onward need your input! Newer members take notice! We can fund your speakers, panels, programs...THIS IS YOUR SOCIETY!
PSI Socials
ALL PSI MEMBERS:
The Fall socials are scheduled for the second Tuesdays, October 13 and November 10, 2026, at 6:30pm at J Gough's 4213 Murray Ave PGH PA 15217. Our goal, as always, is to draw more newer and younger members to get involved in getting the most out of their PSI membership, and the Board is discussing alternate plans for the socials beginning in 2027.
Socials offer all members the chance to talk shop, talk marketing that works, meet and ask your Board about the day-to-day workings of PSI, bring your program ideas forward, and get feedback on works in progress and finished commissions. PSI provides main food items and beverages are on the members.
Socials are open and free to ALL FULL AND AFFILIATE members as a benefit of dues. We welcome the interested public, prospective members, clients, patrons, guests and trade partners.
Social Meetings have been held almost every month since our founding in late 1996.
Think Happy Hour! Since 1996, PSI has hosted socials to relieve freelance isolation and expose everyone to the work of other members.
Think Happy Hour! Since 1996, PSI has hosted socials to relieve freelance isolation and expose everyone to the work of other members.
The “Business of Illustration” Meetings and Member Programs
These programs cycle through member's home/studios and various public spots (like the Hub Works in West View or the Wilkins School Community Center in Regent Square or The Carriage House on the South Side) around Pittsburgh. The night typically includes a presentation by a member or outside speaker and networking. Attendees should bring a beverage and/or a snack to share. Locations and featured artists are posted on the PSI website and distributed via Basecamp announcements.
These presentations are open and free to ALL FULL AND AFFILIATE members as a benefit of dues. We welcome the interested public, prospective members, clients, patrons, and trade partners.