Dear Artist,

The Philadelphia Science Fiction Society will be holding its annual convention, Philcon 2009,

November 20 through 22, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cherry Hill, NJ (across the Delaware River from downtown Philadelphia).

Philcon is a “regional” SF/F convention with an attendance of approximately 1500 people. Philcon's

art show is one of the larger East Coast SF/F con art shows. This year our Artist Guest will be Frank Wu,

our Principal Speaker will be Catherine Asaro, and our Special Guest will be L. A. Banks.

We invite you to participate in Philcon 2009's art show. Original art work of a science fiction, fantasy, horror, and or fannish nature may be entered for display and sale. Both flat and 3D artwork can be accommodated. Flat art is displayed on pegboard panels supported by a framework of pipes arranged in U-shaped bays 6' deep and 6' across. One full panel is 4' high and 6' wide; one half panel is 4' x 3'. Tables for 3D art are 2.5' deep and 6' long. One copy of any print may also be entered in the Art Show; additional copies may be sold via our Print Shop.

There is a hanging fee of $25 for a full panel or table. Each artist may reserve a maximum of three full panels (one full bay) and/or two tables. There is no sales commission. The option of quick sale is available to our buyers if you so choose. Three written bids will be required for entry in the voice auction on Sunday afternoon.

The Print Shop has been reorganized. There will still be a separate display area, but with large extended pegboard hangars so all copies of an image can be displayed together. This will allow buyers to personally select and pay for Print Shop items throughout the convention. You must now purchase Print Shop display panel space; there is no per print fee. Copies of an image that are of a different size, or matted versus mounted, should be considered as separate images. We will accept 3-D items if they can be hung in self-packaging.

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 for students to test their self-marketing skills and gain business experience, and meet and network with SF/F collectors and professional artists who enjoy mentoring new artists, especially during the art show reception on Friday evening. Philcon's art-related programming includes panels/seminars on the business of art, technique demonstrations and workshops, docent tours of the art show, and portfolio reviews. 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).

There will be an auction to benefit ASFA on Sunday. (Donations of artwork for the auction will be gratefully accepted and are tax deductible!) The Meet the Pros Reception will be held late Friday evening in the Art Show foyer. There will be judged and popular awards, including the category of Best Artwork honoring Philcon's Principal Speaker.

We invite you to personally attend our convention. An attending membership is $45 only if you send it in with your Art Show registration, more if bought separately or later, and even more at the door. Please consult the Philcon.org website for exact prices, the convention membership registration form, and hotel information.

If you are unable to attend Philcon 2009, you may be represented by an agent, if you provide written authorization. Mailed-in art will be accepted, but only with prior approval by and arrangement with the Art Show Director. The first 20 requests for mailed-in art will be honored. Mail-in artists may reserve up to one full panel or table. There is an additional handling fee of $10 per artist for mailed-in art.

A complete copy of the Art Show rules and the Art Show reservation form is available on the Philcon.org website or by a direct e-mail request to me. Please read the rules thoroughly before you return your reservation form. Space is assigned on rolling admission by postmark, NOT date of receipt. Requests for display space received in November will be honored as cancellations allow. Please return your art show reservation form ASAP but no later than October 30^th, 2009. This “deadline” allows me time for processing and to get paperwork back to you and to other Philcon departments before the convention.

We look forward to your participation and presence at Philcon 2009.

Sincerely, Joni Brill Dashoff, Philcon 2009 Art Show Director,

830 Barlow St. Phila., Pa. 19116 Tele: 215-676-4194 E-mail: JBDashoff@AOL.com

Attached: 2009 Philcon AS reg form 2009 Philcon AS Rules