Q: What is the Art Show? Is it the same as Artists’ Alley?
A: The Anime North Art Show is a gallery showcasing work produced by both amateur and professional artists. The artwork displayed is generally on an anime theme, but we have enjoyed Asian- and fantasy-inspired works in the past as well. The Art Show is a separate entity from Artists’ Alley. For inquiries regarding Artists’ Alley, please contact alley@animenorth.com.
Q: I registered for Artists’ Alley. Can I still enter the Art Show?
A: By all means, we would be delighted to display your art. The only condition is that identical pieces may not be sold in multiple places within the convention.
Q: How do I register to participate in the Art Show?
A: First, download the registration form (PDF). Next, print it out and fill in the details of your contact information, how much space you will require, the number of unique items that you intend to display in the Art Show and/or sell through the Print Shop, and whether you will be attending the convention or shipping your artwork. Finally, mail your completed form with a cheque (made out to “Anime North”) for the appropriate amount to the mailing address listed on the form.
Q: Then what?
A: Upon our receipt of the registration form, you will be sent an e-mail from one of the Art Room Coordinators confirming your arrangements with the subject, “Anime North Art Show Confirmation,” assigning you an artist number and reminding you of the times for Artists’ Check-In and Artists’ Pick-Up. You will also receive a digital control sheet which you can fill out and e-mail back to the Art Room Coordinators. This will expedite your check-in on the Friday of the convention.
Q: How many pieces am I allowed to display?
A: The only limit to the amount of artwork that you may display on either our panels or tables is the physical space available. It will be up to you, the artist, to determine the best layout for your space.
Q: What is the maximum amount of space?
A: You may reserve up to two full units of space. One “full unit” of space is either a pair of 4'x4' half-panels (usually arranged at right angles, for a total of 4'x8' of space) or a 6'x3' table. You will be required to post a bidding sheet (JPG) – a tag noting the title, medium, and price (if applicable), measuring a few inches square – on or near each piece, even if the piece is not for sale, so it would be in your best interests to allow yourself at least a small amount of space around each of your pieces when planning your layout.
Q: I don’t need all of that space. Can I share with a friend?
A: We’re sorry, but each artist must be registered individually for their own display space.
Q: Can I display fanart?
A: Yes, fanart is permitted, provided that the composition of the image is your own work. Directly copying a pre-existing image is not allowed.
Q: Is there space left in the Art Show?
A: In general, we will make every effort to accommodate any requests for space. Unless we announce that we are fully booked, you can presume that there is still space left for your artwork.
Q: Do I need to register to attend the convention in order have my work displayed in the Art Show?
A: Yes, unless you arrange to ship your art or send it with an agent (see Art Show General Rule #4).
Q: Can you make prints for me in the Print Shop?
A: Unfortunately, we are not equipped to make prints on-site. Artists must provide all prints that are desired to be sold through the Print Shop. Artists must also verify that all prints are accounted for prior to the completion of their check-in. The Art Show will not be held responsible for discrepancies.
Q: How does the Art Auction work?
A: At the artist’s discretion, a piece of art is entered in the silent auction with a minimum bid listed on the bidding sheet (JPG). If a piece receives one or two bids before 8 p.m. on Saturday, then the art is considered to be sold to the highest bidder, who will be required to pick up the piece before 1 p.m. on Sunday. If a piece receives three or more bids before 8 p.m. on Saturday, then the piece will be sent to the live auction, held on Sunday at 11 a.m, in the Art Room. Please note that if the artist has specified that a piece is not for sale, then it may receive no bids.
Q: What if a piece is for sale but receives no bids?
A: If the artist has specified that a piece may be sold on Sunday for its listed minimum bid price, and if it has received no bids, then the bidding sheet (JPG) becomes its price tag. Speak to a member of the Anime North Art Room staff if you are interested in making a purchase. Please note that works of art that are not marked as being eligible for sale on Sunday may not be purchased in this manner.
Q: How do I bid?
A: You can register to bid at the Auction Registration table at the Control Desk. You will be asked to supply us with your name and contact information in case we need to reach you. In exchange, you will receive a bidder paddle (PDF) and be assigned a bidder’s number. Your paddle acts as your contract. Do not lose it. When you find a piece of art on which you would like to place a bid, legibly print your name and bidder’s number on the tag, as well as your bid. Bids are to be made in whole dollars only, at least one increment more than the previous bid. Any bids made at less than $1 than the previous bid will be upgraded to the next dollar (e.g., if the opening bid is $8.00, and you bid $8.01, $8.50, or $8.99, then your bid shall be increased to $9.00).
Q: I changed my mind, and I don’t want to bid on that piece after all. Can I cross it out?
A: We’re sorry, but once a bid has been made, it cannot be removed. You are responsible for any bid that you make. Your only recourse is to hope that you are out-bid.
Q: I’m attending Anime North on Saturday only and I won’t be able to pick up the piece that I won in the silent auction! What can I do?
A: If you can prove that your registration is for Saturday only, then arrangements may be made at the discretion of the Art Directors for you to purchase the artwork immediately after the close of the Art Room at 8 p.m. on Saturday night if you are the winning bidder. Otherwise, you may opt to appoint an agent to pick up and pay for the artwork on Sunday with a note of authorization and your bidder paddle. No other exceptions can be made.
Q: I registered as a bidder and one of the pieces that I bid on will go to the live auction on Sunday, but I won’t be attending the convention that day. What can I do?
A: If you can prove that your registration is for Saturday only, then you may opt to appoint an agent with a note of authorization and your bidder paddle to bid during the live auction on your behalf. No other exceptions can be made.
Q: When can I pick up and pay for the artwork that I won during the silent/live auction?
A: Pickup of artwork is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, the hours during which the Art Room will be open to the public.
Q: I can’t make it back to the Art Room by that time. What can I do?
A: We will hold any unclaimed art until such time as the artist retrieves it. Artists have until 3 p.m. on Sunday to pick up any unsold items and to receive payment for any sales. If you have not picked up your purchase by that time, then we will attempt to put the artist in contact with you after the convention. Please note that Anime North waives responsibility for unclaimed art after 3 p.m. on Sunday, unless prior arrangements have been made.
Q: Am I allowed to take pictures/video inside the Art Room?
A: The taking of photography and video inside the Art Room is strictly prohibited. Exceptions can be granted for personnel with media badges only, who must check in at the Control Desk before recording within the Art Room, and must be accompanied by a member of the Art Room staff for the duration of their visit. Visitors are encouraged to leave their cameras (still, video, film, or digital), weaponry, and large bags with the Art Room staff at the Item Check desk near the door. We appreciate your cooperation.
Q: How can I contact the Art Show?
A: The best way to reach us until the day before the
convention is by e-mail at art@animenorth.com.