|
As you know, WisCon is the pre-eminent feminist science fiction convention in the world. We believe that Art is an important aspect of SF, and that an exciting Art Show is an important part of any convention. We strive to make the WisCon Art Show a continuing success by integrating the art show with the rest of the convention.
We are doing things a little different this year. In order to include more new artists, we are requiring all artists to submit an application and photos of their work to the Art Show Staff by January 31 of this year. We will start sorting through the applications then and notify the applicants of their status by February 15.
The Art Show Registration page may be found at http://www.wiscon.info/artreg.php.
We don't plan to define feminist themes. That's up to you. We do, though, plan to continue to have popular awards for the Most Feminist and Most Outrageous items in the Art Show, as have for the past several years. We are interested in original work by the artist, which may include one copy of limited edition reproductions. For additional print sales, you are welcome to participate in the WisCon Dealers Room, or make an arrangement with one of the dealers. We also have a small print shop for items with fixed sale prices; let us know if you are interested in participating, since space will be limited.
The Art Show operates like a gallery or store. If someone wants to buy a piece, they can do so whenever the show is open, at the price you set. We'll ask them to leave the work hung until Sunday evening so that other WisCon members can see your work. But our goal is to make it as easy as possible for people to buy the Art.
We will be charging a 4% commission on all sales, both in the Art Show and in the Print Shop. After we pay for the direct costs of the Art Show, such as credit card transaction fees, any remaining commissions will be donated to the Tiptree Award.
Completed applications must be submitted by January 31. On February 15 we will begin the selection process and about May 1, we will send forms, check-in and shipping information, and other details.
If you attend, you will need to purchase a WisCon membership. Please include the registration form with your space reservation after you have received an acceptance notice. Note that there is a $20 refund available if you volunteer and work 6 or more hours on the convention (ideally, in the Art Show) or participate in programming. Program information is available at http://wiscon.info/programming.php. If you are interested in participating, you should go to the site and sign up.
While we are not charging for space, we do need to know in advance how much you will need. Our standard hangings are 4' square pegboard. Artists new to the convention may reserve up to 2 4x4' panels; for continuing artists, the maximum is 3 panels. It may be possible to get more space, but only at the discretion of the art show director based on the space available. Last year, we filled up, so more than 3 panels is unlikely. Table space is available as well, up to a full 6' x 36" table. Please include your space needs when you apply for entrance into the Art Show.
We discourage mail-in art because we really want to see you at the convention, and give you a chance to participate in WisCon, and because we believe that having artists at the convention increases sales significantly. For that reason, and because of the costs and hassle involved in receiving the art, hanging it with our volunteers, and returning the unsold items, we will charge an 8% commission rather than the standard 4%. Note that this fee includes the cost to us of returning unsold art to you -- you do not need to send extra money for shipping and handling.
You can write the art show at the WisCon address: WisCon, c/o SF3, P.O. Box 1624, Madison, WI 53701-1624. We can also be reached at artshow32@wiscon.info. We
would be happy to answer your questions.
Sincerely,
Jim Hudson & Jane Washburn
WisCon Art Show