We're extremely excited to announce the winner of the 2012 Art Contest, and share with you the design which will be at the forefront of next year's events. We're delighted at the level of participation and interest in this year's contest, with over 1,000 wonderful Browncoats voting for their choice of art from our amazingly creative Browncoat artists. It was a close call, with two entries vying for the top votes. But after all was said and done, one piece of artwork stood ahead of the rest. Congratulations to.... Melanie Fischer from Toronto, Canada! Melanie's artwork will become very familiar to you as we move into the 2012 Can't Stop the Serenity season, and we'll be getting lots of promo banners, icons and more ready for you to help spread the signal! Thank you to all of our artists, and to everyone who got the word out and voted!

This week's CSTS Supporter comes from Mary in Raleigh, North Carolina.... 1. When was your first CSTS? 2007. Loved it so much when the 2008 rolled around, I ended up helping the local coordinator. And then got the coordinator's job when she stepped down. I did my town's 2009 CSTS, so I can say that I've seen the event from both sides. It was fun and exhilerating either way. 2. How many times have you seen Serenity? Twice a year on the big screen since 2008. Raleigh has some dedicated Browncoats who work in the movie theatre business and twice a year we get to see it on the big screen. Once at our annual CSTS event and once in December as part of a cult classic series. ^_^ So ... that makes it roughly 6 times on the big screen since 2008. However, the first three years of Raleigh's CSTS were two night events, showing the BDM twice. So the number goes up to 8. Plus travelling to Charlotte to see it there, once. 9. And that's not counting the times I saw it in 2005 during its theatrical release (3) and on DVD (20+). So, um. Yeah. Lots and lots of times. ^_^ 3. Who's your favorite Firefly character and why? Mal. He's had his innocence destroyed, his faith crushed, his home burned to a cinder. He's been shot, stabbed, drugged, cheated, and betrayed. He's had every reason to let that turn him into a bitter and cynical man, twisted and broken. Yet despite everything he's been through and lost, he still has his humanity. He's still capable of love and loyalty and sacri

This week's CSTS Supporter interview comes from Stephanie... 1. When was your first CSTS? This year. The four people nearest me were all first years also. Watch, there will be many more next year. New Browncoats are being born every day. Many that I have talked to did not hear about CSTS in time to go to their closest one this year. 2. How many times have you seen Serenity? 5, I own it on DVD. I only discovered it last year. 3. Who's your favorite Firefly character and why? Malcolm Reynolds. He is MY Captain. An honorable man, loyal, independent, brave, oh and sexy! I would follow him anywhere. 4. What does being a Browncoat mean to you? Browncoats are good people. Big hearts, loyal. We share a passion, a dream, a love for a crew of misfits that fit together and make Serenity a home. 5. Why do you support CSTS and Equality Now? A noble cause. Browncoats support many noble causes. They gather and do good. Obviously we also wish to honor Joss Whedon for the gift he has given us. He makes it clear that it is important to him. I have quoted him before, "People ask me why do you do this? I ask them why aren't YOU." Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Stephanie - Equality Now is definitely a noble cause, and we're so glad you're travelling on this journey with us all. If you’d like to share your responses to these questions, just email them to info@cantstoptheserenity.com!

Our Global Auctions for Equality Now have begun! This is your chance to get your hands on some amazing Whedonverse collectables and more, while helping a wonderful cause. Among the over 30 auction lots are an incredible Evil Willow print and a gorgeous Willow entwined print, each signed by Joss Whedon, Jo Chen & Alison Hannigan. The auctions are now live, and will end on 5 November 2011. Click here to go to the auctions.

As the CSTS 2011 season comes to a close, we've got one last piece of awesome to share with you. Thanks to a whole host of fantastic Browncoats, we're excited to announce the 2011 Can't Stop the Serenity Global Auction! Here's a sneak peek at some of the items up for grabs... Screen-used Reaver Throwing Razor ball weapon - This is an actual prop from the filming of Serenity, and comes with a certificate of authenticity from Prop Store of London MF-813 Flying Mule Studio Scale Replica from QMX - thisis an exact studio-scale replica of the Flying Mule as seen in the movie Serenity. Measuring 14.5" x 10.75" x 4.5", the Mule is a highly-detailed model, hand painted to match the movie vehicle right down to the emblems and decals, and is part of a limited edition of 1000. Jayne Cobb Pin-up Girl Quilt - If Jayne's mom sewed, this is surely the quilt she'd make for him! Twelve pin-up girls float above a starry sky in this quilt: a space babe, Sheena with a big knife that Jayne would love, a girl on a motorcycle, and others, none exactly alike. Autographed program from CSTS Los Angeles signed by Adam Baldwin (Jayne), Jewel Staite (Kaylee) and Melinda Clarke (Nandi). Signed Alliance Bank Note - This officially licensed Serenity Alliance bank note has been signed by Ron Glass (Shepherd Book), Jonathan Woodward (Tracy), Nectar Rose (Lenore, the love bot), Sonny Rhodes (singer of the Firefly theme song) and Michael Fairman (Niska). And that's just a small taste of the

We sent the signal out and a few of the brave and bold with their brilliant artistical skillz took up the gauntlet (and their palettes) to create the promotional art for next year’s events. Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry (or two!) to the 2012 Can’t Stop The Serenity Art Contest. We know it’s going to be a challenge, but we need you, the good folk of the ‘Verse, to help us choose which one will become the official artwork for Can’t Stop the Serenity 2012! You can only vote once and you’ve only got until 1 November 2011 at 11:59 PM PST to get your voice heard and your vote counted. To have your say, all you need to do is click here to see the great designs and cast your vote! So vote and then tell your friends to spread the word and come help us choose the best of the best to represent Can't Stop the Serenity in 2012.