The New Jersey/New York Costumers' Guild, a non-profit amateur group, specializes in the educational and social nature of all aspects of costuming. Historically, we were the third group to form part of the International Costumers' Guild, Inc., founded in 1985. We hold bimonthly meetings that include business, socializing, and (usually) some sort of workshop. The NJ/NY Costumers' Guild is affection
ately nicknamed the Sick Pups or "The Sick Pups of Greater Monmouth County". We take costuming seriously; we don't take ourselves seriously. Our mascot, Spaz (above left), is the original Sick Pup. While most of our members come from New Jersey, New York, or Connecticut, we interpret "Greater Monmouth Country" loosely and have members from all over the United States. We have members from as far south as Georgia and as far west as Colorado. Our interests include science ficton, fantasy, media, anime, uniforms, and historical costumes. Some of us also explore related arts, including millinery, embroidery, quilting, and more. Many of us participate in conventions and other events, including Costume-Cons, World Science Fiction Conventions (Worldcons), regional and local SF, anime, and other cons, and other events. We're notorious for awarding "Spazzies" to the entries displaying the sickest humor on stage. Some of us also like to help to run and support masquerades (theatrical costume competitions) at science fiction, anime, and similar conventions in such areas as lighting, sound, stage management, makeup, backstage support, photography, and videography.
