ARTSHOW

(This item is more a set of opinions and less actual tips - needs work!)

For this you will needƒƒ the dimensions of the art show room and the dimensions of the display board/risers (so you know when artshow is full up), Customs information pertaining to art brought in for sale, a blurb appearing in the PRs (and a package including an entry form and other detailed information for each entrant), an account and inventory record to keep track of who/what is in artshow and what monies are owed, a complete blurb to appear in the Program Book, lighting from A/V Tech, space and time and gofers to set up (pre©con), a gofer to sit

Security at the door, space and time scheduled for the art auction, space and time and gofers to take things down (post-con)

Background:  I quote from the Finkbiner's timeline ... In many ways the artshow is a separate organization within the convention.  They need a secure place to display artwork, a lot of equipment such as art flats and lights, and a time and space for an auction, but the artshow director should be able to do all of that with assistance from the con, not have to be told what and when to do things.  An artist is a natural choice for the director, because in spite of the best equipment and layout, an artshow will stand or fall on the quality of the art

displayed, and an artist generally has the best connections to get things sent to the show ...

Fees:  SF cons may charge both hanging fees and commissions.

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50 Simple Ways to Destroy Your Next Convention", Texas SF Inquirer #34, pp. 3©4,

1991.

At Westercon 44 (Vancouver), Customs information was held up so late and Customs legislation

was very uncertain that year that the Artshow head had to specify less than a month before the con, as the deadline to reserve artshow space.

Also at Westercon 44, border guards held up artshow display equipment coming from

Seattle so late that artshow setup was still taking place Thursday night (at the end of the 1^st day of the Convention)

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LOOKING FOR FAME AND FORTUNE?

Then look no further than the art show at V-Con 18.

V-Con is one of the few conventions that offers artists a chance to display and sell their work at very reasonable rates. First, we do not charge a hanging fee for works destined for the art show. Instead, we charge only a commission: 15 percent on the first $100 of sales and 10 percent thereafter. If you don't sell anything, you don't pay a cent. (Those who wish only to display - and not sell - their art are charged a hanging fee of $1 per piece.) We are also accepting fantasy and science fiction art for the program book. (No fortune here,just fame.) Any works for the program book should submitted not later than May 1 and will be returned after -printing. Black and white illustrations only, please.

Now here are the art show rules:

1) Each panel is 4'x4' and panels are reserved on a first come, first served basis.

2) Art for display may be originals (in any medium) or limited edition prints of a run not more than 250. Art must have a science, science fiction, or fantasy themes. (We reserve the right to refuse an deemed not suitable for the convention.)

3) The artist's name, address, telephone number and title of the piece must be on the back of each piece.

4) All of the paperwork must be filled out by the artist or agent. Art show staff will not be responsible for undocumented works.

5) Art must be matted with a securely attached hanger or framed or otherwise finishedfor display. Art show panels consist of framed pegboard with hooks for hanging. Artists must supply their own business card holders. Illumination will be provided.

Example of Art Show Bidding Rules (from VCon 20)

6) At noon Sunday, items with two or more bids will go to auction. Items with one bid are sold at the bid price. Items with no bids may go to auction if time –permits and artist agrees.

7) Direct sale prices, it specified by the artist, remain in effect until the art show closes at the end of Sunday.

8) All prices must -be specified in Canadian dollars.

9) All art, sold or otherwise, must be picked*  up after the auction and before the end of the convention on Sunday, unless prior arrangements are made before 5 p.m. on Saturday. If requested, artists will be paid following the auction.

10) Customers may pay either with cash or personalized cheque (ID required).

11) Art may be hung before 9 p.m. on Friday and between 8 and 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Other arrangements may be made by contacting the art show staff.

12) A print table will be available. Prints should be documented with the same control sheets as original art, except that the minimum bid does not apply. Please note that we would prefer individual prints and not multiple copies.

13) The art show bidding rules will be listed in the program book and at the art show entrance. The order of items going to auction will be posted. Only members of V-Con 18 may bid. Art may be shipped via United Parcel Service (UPS) or mailed to the address below. We will advise you by mail of the number of pieces received and the condition upon arrival. All mail-in art must be packed in reusable containers with return postage (no US stamps!) and insurance.

15) US artists shipping art should determine first if it is dutiable or subject to federal tax, and the money for these should be included, with cheques or money orders made out to the art show organizer (so she can bail out your artwork).Please include a copy of the control sheet as well.

By bidding on a piece of art, you are contracting to buy it.

Only convention attendees may bid on art.

All prices and bids are in Canadian dollars.

Bids shall be in dollar increments only.

Three bids take a piece to auction. If there are fewer than three bids, the piece goes to the highest bidder.

Direct sale prices are in effect on Saturday and Sunday only. The purchased art may not leave the show before 1 p.m. Sunday without the permission of the Art Show Coordinator.

Artwork must be paid for and picked up by 2 p.m. Sunday, or it will be returned to the artist.