Some pieces will be for display only but most pieces are for sale through a silent auction/written bidding system, and many at quick sale pricing. There are pieces in every price range, but if your favorite original is beyond your budget, consider the contents of the Print Shop. Or vote with your pen (instead of your wallet) for the Popular Choice Best in Show award.

In addition to the art displayed in the show, there will also be an art-related programming, such as panels/seminars on the business of art, technique demonstrations or workshops, and docent tours of the art show.

Information for Art Show Guests

When you first walk into the art show, you’ll have to show your badge and check your tote bag or any other large bag at the door. Be comfortable – it’s standard and safe. You cannot bring a camera or food into the Art Show. Your reward will be viewing a beautiful and diverse showing of original science fiction, fantasy and fannish artwork.

You’ll see all manner of two-dimensional and three-dimensional artwork, such as sketches, painting and sculptures, but more specifically acrylics, oils, airbrush, pencil, pens, water colors, jewelry, metal, wood and even art made from lint (sic!) and of course prints of many types are featured in the Art Show and its Print Shop.

Many of the artists are here at Philcon, so please check the pocket program to see if an artist whose work you particularly like is speaking on panels. Most artists enjoy talking about their work and will be happy to talk with you during the artist reception on Friday night.

The Art Show staff, clad in their traditional turquoise blue T-shirt Art-Show staff garb, are a friendly, helpful roving band of people who will help you with any questions you may have. See the “Rules about Bidding on a Piece of Art” [link] for details on the bidding process. If you have any questions regarding any aspect of the art show, the staff is there to assist you.

Do get a bidder number at the start of Philcon just in case you see something that catches your eye at the last minute. That way you can buy it if it has no other written bids on its bid sheet, or if it receives enough written bids, you can try to win it at the art auction.

Some pieces are there just to be viewed; “NFS” means not for sale. Some pieces are “prints” meaning they are photographic reprints rather than original artwork, and are available for immediate purchase at the Print Shop desk. Other artwork is available for “silent auction” written bidding throughout the weekend. You will have to wait until the end of the con to pay for and take them home to enjoy. The art auction, traditionally held Sunday afternoon, is fun to attend even if you haven't bid on anything. It can be lively and entertaining, and as long as you have a bidder number, you can jump right into the bidding. Many if not most Philcon members probably have at least one piece of art they purchased at the con hanging up at home!

• Art show bidding rules

• Participating Artists

Information for Art Show Exhibitors

Philcon wishes to encourage students majoring in art-focused programs at recognized degree-granting institutions such as Moore, Tyler, etc. We feel Philcon and its art show provide a safe environment to test your self-marketing skills and gain business experience. You can meet and network with SF/F collectors and professional artists who enjoy mentoring new artists, especially during the art show reception on Friday evening, and at the art-related programming as described above. The art show will reduce its display panel fee to $15 for eligible art students. And Philcon offers a convention membership rate for students of $25 (our policy is $25 under 25 years, with ID).

Any artist who wishes to display his work in our show should consult the Artists’ Rules among the Documents for Artists. For more information, contact Joni Brill Dashoff at artshow @philcon.org

The Philcon Art Show will be open to attendees as follows:

Friday 6PM to midnight; Saturday 10AM to 8PM; and Sunday 10AM to noon, when written bidding closes. We reopen at 1:30PM to 3PM for viewing and final sales.

Documents for Artists:

• Print Tags Philcon® is a registered service mark of the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society. Website content is copyright ©1995-2009 the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society. All Rights Reserved.