09/14/2026
For 15 amazing years, Dawn and Gary Pillette have poured their hearts into making the Monroe Comic Con such a special event for our community. What started all those years ago at St. George’s Hall has grown into something so much bigger — a tradition that so many of us look forward to year after year.
I still remember when Bryce and Drake were just kids. I believe Bryce was only around 11 or 12 at that very first convention. Over the years, it was such a joy watching them grow up. We always loved when the “kids” made their rounds and stopped by our booth, and we always tried to have a little something waiting for them that would make them smile.
This year’s convention was especially meaningful, as it was dedicated to Bryce. And I have to admit, it felt different not seeing him making his rounds with his niece and nephew like we were so used to seeing.
But Clayton made his way over to visit us several times, and we were able to give him a few things, joke around with him, and enjoy the smiles he brought to our faces. And we could not believe how much Quinn had grown since the last time we saw her!
There is so much love behind this convention, and there is so much love and respect that we have for Gary, Dawn, Drake, Jessica, Clayton, Quinn, and the entire Pillette family.
Knowing everything this family has been through, I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to prepare for this year’s show while carrying such tremendous grief. Yet they continued to stand tall, welcome everyone through the doors, and give Monroe another incredible Comic Con.
That strength, dedication, and love did not go unnoticed.
Dawn and Gary, thank you for 15 years of memories, laughter, friendships, costumes, celebrities, vendors, families, and experiences that have brought so much happiness to our community. Thank you for allowing so many of us to become a small part of something that has meant so much to your family.
And most of all, thank you for sharing Bryce with all of us through the years. His presence was deeply missed this weekend, but his memory was everywhere. ❤️
Rob and I also want to take a moment to thank everyone who stopped by to see us at the Artistic Ape Studio booth. Whether you came over just to say hi, purchased one of our pieces, placed an order, or simply stopped to talk about art, 3D printing, technology, and creativity — we truly appreciated every interaction. Those conversations and connections are a huge part of why we love doing these shows, and we hope to stay in touch with so many of you!
We also want to give a huge shout-out to our AMAZING Artistic Ape Studio team — Riley, Zach, Alex, Brianna, Cliff, James, Chris, Tony, and Dylan. Each and every one of you is appreciated more than you know. It takes a team to pull off an event like this, and together we continue to grow, learn, prosper, and push our creativity to the next level. We cannot wait to see what kind of stellar art we create together next!
And of course, one of the best parts of the weekend was seeing so many friends and family. It was wonderful getting to catch up with everyone who stopped by. A special shout-out to Reese and Rita for checking in on us throughout the show — it meant a lot!
To everyone who attended, supported the vendors, shared a laugh, stopped for a conversation, or simply helped make this weekend memorable — THANK YOU.
And to the Pillette family: we love you all, we respect you beyond words, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you have given Monroe over these past 15 years.
Here’s to the memories already made, the friendships created along the way, and all the creativity still to come. ❤️
