Gary Bell (Sir Rennifer)

My interest in furry-dom started before I was ten—Krazy Cat was a favorite comic book of mine. The Uncle Scrooge caught my attention and I still read those comics—my extensive collection dates back to the early 50's.

My first convention was in 1990; I went with a colleague to Comic-Con and was amazed by the variety of costumes I saw. That was where I encountered my first "furry" costumes. The next con I attended was ConFurence Seven. That was quite an experience and I was hooked.

I volunteered for BayCon, and a few years later I accepted the position on their staff as Art Show Director, which I held for 10 years. Next I ran the Art Show for Further Confusion for another five years, even doing some Art Track programming.

My active participation as a costumer started in the late 90's, and Rennifer was born. He was asked by the owners of the Washington State Renaissance-Fantasy Faire to be their official mascot shortly after I moved to the Northwest. I had a great time and "Queen Anne of Scotland" knighted Renny and completed his name… Sir Rennifer of Avancourt. I have been at it ever since.

I have since moved to Washington, where I now live with an over-energetic Pomeranian named Foxy, or Fox for short.

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