Wednesday, January 19, 2011

SheVaCon 19 Premier Party

 

 

 

Yep... that's right, we're having our first ever PREMIER PARTY!

This event is something we've been wanting to do for a long time for the fans and attendee's. It's kind of a preview of what's to come for the entire weekend of the con. It's also a chance to meet & mingle with some of our Guests before hand in a more laid-back atmosphere, grab a couple of drinks, watch and listen to the dueling DJ's, win some prizes... and just have an awesome night to kick off an even more awesome weekend of all things 'geeky' and fun.

Here's a more detailed listing of what to expect...

• Guests! - Some of our Guests of Honor, Special Guests, and Artist & Writer Guests will be in attendance to mingle

• Dueling DJ's - Jon Ari and The Joker will be going head-to-head showing off their 'mad skillz'

• White Plectrum - Intermission with the muscial stylings of Keith Brenniger of the wonderful Filk band White Plectrum

• Costume Contest - Bring out those costumes early and show 'em off! Certificates to be given out to the winners

• Auction - Special items will be available for auction - and you won't want to miss out on these babies...

• Cash Bar - There will be a full cash bar available at the party. So whether you prefer a beer, soda, or the 'harder stuff' - bring your ID and cash and get the party started

And of course there may be a special sneak preview into the Dealer's room, as well as the Art Show - so you can have first dibs on those special one-of-a-kind items and pieces.

This is sure to be quite the little event... Don't miss out!

 

 

Register now at:

http://shevacon.org/party_event.php

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Shevacon at th Symphony

That's right Shevacon will be at the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra's Symphony Spooktacular!






Symphony Spooktacular

Sunday, October 31, 2010 - 3:00 p.m.

Doors open at 2 p.m.

Concert concludes before 5 p.m.

Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre

Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Members

Roanoke Youth Symphony

Mill Mountain Zoo Animals

DAVID STEWART WILEY Music Director & Conductor

JAMES GLAZEBROOK Conductor

TRACY COWDEN, Piano



Webber - Selections from Phantom of the Opera

Saint-Saens - Carnival of the Animals

Williams - Selections from Harry Potter

Williams - Stars Wars Theme

Mussorgsky - Night on Bald Mountain

Shore - Selections from Lord of the Rings



tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 and can be purchased at http://www.rso.com/e_1.htm



You are encouraged to show up in costume and make sure to stop by the Shevacon table where we will have candy and perhaps a few tricks as well!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Art Show and Auctions

 

Art Show

Have you been looking for that perfect piece of artwork to hang on that empty spot on your wall? Do you collect art pieces from some of our regular artists, and can't resist looking to see what's new in their collection? Then you'll definitely want to stop by the Art Show and check out all of the wonderful pieces and bid on your favorites!

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Art Show Info

Since things are run a little differently from con to con - here are some basics for ours...

Silent Auction - The silent auction begins at the opening of the art show on Friday, running through to the closing of the art show on Saturday evening, and for one hour prior to the art auction on Sunday. All art pieces displayed will have a bid sheet attached to them, or beside them. You write your name, badge number, and bid amount (whole dollars please) on the pieces you wish to purchase/bid on. Any item with two (2) or more bids will go to the live voice auction. If the item only receives one (1) bid, that is the price it will be sold for, to the person who made the first and only bid.

Please do not bid if you do not intend to honor it. By placing a bid on a piece of artwork, you are entering into a contract with the artist and the convention, stating that you will purchase the art piece if you are the winning bidder.

Pieces with only one (1) bid that did not go to auction will be available for purchase directly after the live auction on Sunday. If you will not be at the convention on Sunday, special arrangements will need to be made with the art staff prior to purchase and pick up.

Live (Voice) Auction - When an item in the art show has two (2) or more bids, the piece will go the live voice auction, and will be sold to the highest bidder. So if you bid on a piece, and are out-bid, this is your chance to purchase that artwork you've been eyeing all weekend.

Winning bidders will be able to purchase their item(s) directly after the live auction in the art room on Sunday.

No Photography -There will be no photography allowed in the art room, art show, or live auction unless it is press or convention related. Any person without permission to take photos in the art show or art room will be asked to delete the photos. To avoid any issues, cameras and personal items may be 'checked' at the art staff table. This policy is in place to protect the artists, their work, and also the convention, as well as it's guests and attendees.

Artwork Content - SheVaCon does allow artistic nudity in the art show. If you have children or minor(s) with you, you might want to take a quick walk-through to see if any items should be avoided during the children/minor(s) visit to the art show. We try to keep it PG-13, but just in case, it's always best to check before hand.

Art Show Hours for SheVaCon 2011

Friday: 3:00PM - 8:00PM

Saturday: 10:00AM - 8:00PM

Sunday: 11:00AM - 12:00PM

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Info For Artists

This is a brief overview of information for the Artists

Communication - Email is the primary communication form used by the SheVaCon Art Director, a valid email address that is checked regularly is required. Please be sure to check your email inbox and spam folder often if you are expecting a response.

Art Show Submission Form - All artists, whether attending or mail-in, are required to submit the online submission form. Failure to complete this form may result in the artist not being accepted for inclusion in the art show. If you have an issue or question about the form, please contact the Art Director.

Once the submission form is submitted to the Art Director, the Artist will be notified within 48-72 hours if they are accepted or not. If the artist is accepted, they will be assigned an artist number, and space in the art show which will be sent via email.

In the event that the Artist is declined space, they are only declined for that year, and are encouraged to submit for the following year.

Art Display Space - SheVaCon uses standard 4'x4' or 8'x4' pegboard panels to display artwork. 'J' hooks and binder/bulldog clips are provided by SheVaCon. 3-D display space is available upon request, please make arrangements with the Art Director if needed.

Art Show Fees - There is no fee to hang artwork in the art show. However, there is a 10% commission fee on all artworks sold at the convention as part of the art show and/or auction.

Artwork Themes - Artwork to be included in the art show must be of a science fiction, fantasy or horror theme/nature. While artistic nudity is allowed, please try to keep it as PG-13 as possible. The Art Director and Staff try to ensure that there is a good mix of styles, mediums, themes, and genre's represented in the art show. As much as we would like to be able to admit everyone's art, we do have space and time limitations we have to operate within.

Artwork Mediums - We do not discriminate against medium type, so long as the theme of the artwork prescribes to the genres previously outlined. If you are a traditional artist, digital artist, photographer, or anything else in between - you are more than welcome at SheVaCon.

In the event that a new medium we have never featured before is submitted for inclusion in the art show, a "testing the water" method will be implemented. Please understand, if we had more space to include everyone, and their work, we would. If, by chance, you are not accepted because we have reached our maximum in the medium you use, we encourage you to sign up earlier for the following year to ensure you get a space.

Mail-In Artwork - All mail-in artwork must include the $10.00 handling fee, and return shipping. Return shipping payment can be in the form of a pre-paid label included in the box with the art show paperwork and artwork, personal check, or sent online via Paypal to shevacon@shevacon.org.

All mail-in artwork must be recieved no later than February 18th, 2011 to be included in the art show. Artwork received after that date will only be included in the art show if special arrangements have already been made with the Art Director. Otherwise the artwork will be returned to the artist after the convention. If artwork shipment is not received by the date above, and no contact has been made with the Art Director, the space reservation will be forfeit and given to another artist.

Mail-in artwork packages will be opened at the convention site only. If an item inside of the package is damaged, it will not be put into the show/auction. The Art Director will contact the artist by email to let them know of the damaged item(s) as soon as possible after the convention. SheVaCon is not responsible for items damaged or lost during shipping.

Payment to Artists - We regret that we cannot pay all artists on the closing day of the con. Payments will be mailed out within four to six weeks after the convention.

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Rules & Regulations

To help clear up any confusion, and make things as simple as possible, there are a few guidelines to be observed. If there is something you do not understand, or would like more information about, please contact the Art Director.

  • SheVaCon reserves the right to refuse exhibition of any piece of artwork or artist.
  • All Art Show Exhibitors may purchase a convention membership or be represented by an agent with a valid convention membership. Exceptions may be made for artist’s works specifically requested by convention officials.
  • All Artwork must be matted or framed and able to hang on a 4’x4’ panel as part of the Art Show. If possible, please use clear polyurethane sleeves to protect your artwork.
  • 3-D artwork display requirements must be submitted to the Art Director no less than two (2) months prior to the convention date.
  • Once the artwork has been checked into the Art Room, it must remain until the end of the Art Show unless pre-arranged with Director prior to check-in. All art must be checked in and out by Art Room staff.
  • There will be no ‘print shop’ in the Art Room. One copy of each print can be hung in the reserved art show space.
  • All 3-D pieces should be insured. And if possible either an agent or the attending Artist must set up their own display. Also it is highly recommended that any delicate 3-D artwork is displayed in a protective case.
  • All Artwork must be clearly labeled. Please be sure that all artwork(s) include the artist’s name, artist number, and piece title, on either the back or bottom front corner of the piece.
  • Hanging priority will be assigned in the following order:
    A. Specifically requested artworks
    B. Artwork by attending artists
    C. Mail-in Artwork
    D. Not For Sale Artwork - NFS
  • Please note that the Art Show is open to attendees under 18 and is subject to Virginia State Decency Laws. Please try to keep all pieces submitted “PG-13” or below. Thank you for your cooperation on this matter.
  • The Art Director(s) will retain any artwork legally bid for but not collected and paid for by the buyer. The Art Directors will make every attempt to contact the buyer to remind them of their legal obligation to pay for the purchased art at the bid price , and collect funds that are due to the artist (less the 10% commission). If we are unable to complete this within one (1) month after the convention, the art will be returned to the artist.
  • Any artwork left behind by an attending artist will be in the care of the Art Director. Artist is responsible for all return shipping expenses for artwork to be returned.
  • All disputes concerning the Art Show will be resolved at the discretion of the Art Director. All decisions made by the Art Director are final.

Artist Alley Information

 

Artist_Alley_topper

Artist Alley Info

Yes, that's right folks... SheVaCon 19 is going to have an Artist Alley! The place where you can meet and greet with some of your favorite artists and creators; many of whom will be selling original art, sketches, and many other wonderful items depicting their work. So stop on by, say hello, purchase an item or two, or commission* them!

*Commissions are offered by artists individually. It is their right to accept or refuse commissions at the convention.

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Artist Alley Info for Artists

If you are an Artist and would like to reserve a space in our Artist Alley (AA) this year, please read below for all of the details. If you have questions, or something isn't covered in the information below - please feel free to send an email to the Art Director.

Art Director & Art Staff

The Art Director is Jennifer DePaola, and the Assistant Art Director is Gatlin Blankenship. Art Staff will be in both the Art Show room, and the Artist Alley. There will always be staff stationed in both areas to make sure that all of the Art Show, and Alley rules are followed, and to assist the Artists who are participating.

Alley Location

The Artist Alley will be on the main floor of the hotel near the registration area, where fans and patrons of the arts will be able to meet and mingle with you first thing!

The area cannot be secured or locked, so Artists are responsible for setting up and breaking down their tables/displays each day.

Please do not leave your tables unattended - the convention is not responsible for lost or stolen item(s).

Table Information

  • One (1) Artist, Group, or Studio is allowed per table
  • Tables includes one (1) 6'x2' table, and two (2) chairs
  • Each table comes with one (1) complimentary badge; additional badges are $25 each (limit two)
  • Alley tables are $40 each

Tables/spaces will be assigned to each Artist at the convention site. While we cannot guarantee your table location, we will try to work with you if you have any special requests.

Reserving Your Alley Table

There are a limited number of tables, so please understand that while we wish we could allow everyone a spot, that simply isn't possible. What we are going to be doing is almost a kind of 'jury' process. There are no favorites here - but we are looking to provide a good mix of styles, mediums, and products for the attendee's and Guests to choose from. And of course, to help increase the sales for the Artists. ;)

Artists wishing to reserve a table in the AA may fill out the sign-up form located at the bottom of this page. You will receive a confirmation email that your submission was received. Your application will be reviewed, and if you are selected, you will be notified by email of your selection. Payment information will be contained in the email. Once your payment is sent and received, this will "lock in" your reservation in the Alley.

Once all of the Alley tables are filled, we will have a Wait-list set up so that in the event that an Artist needs to cancel, their table will go to the next person on the Wait-list.

Alley Hours

Artist Alley Hours for SheVaCon 2011

Friday:  3:00PM - 9:00PM

Saturday: 10:00AM - 9:00PM

Sunday: 11:00AM - 3:00PM

Artists are not required to set up and run their tables the entire time the AA is open, they may set up any time during the hours listed above.

Checking In

All badges will be held at Registration. Once you have picked up your badge(s), you may proceed to the Art Room to check in for the Artist Alley and Art Show*. The Art Room Staff will get you all settle in, and show you to the AA area.

Power & Wi-fi

There are a limited number of power outlets in the AA area. If you require power, please let us know in your reservation. We cannot guarantee that you will be in a space near an outlet, but we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Wi-fi is provided by the hotel, and will be available during the convention.

Refunds

If an Artist wishes to cancel their reservation after it has been locked in, they must send an email to the Art Director no less than two (2) weeks prior to the convention. After that time frame, NO refunds will be issued.

In the event that an Artist does cancel their reservation, their table will go to the next artist on the Waitlist.

What an Artist is allowed to sell in the Alley

The following list of products and merchandise are allowed to be sold by the Artists in the AA:

  • Original sketches, drawings, paintings, and commissions
  • Self Published works - this can include prints, art books, mouse pads, buttons, bookmarks, badges, etc. - that the artist has the sole rights to and produces personally
  • T-shirts and bags/tote bags with the artists own work depicted on them
  • Original toys, plush items, dolls, and figurines of the Artist's own design
  • Sculptures of the Artist's own design
  • Original clothing and/or accessories, and hand-made jewelry
  • Fan Art* - must not exceed more than 50% of all items offered for sale. (ex: if you have 10 items for sale, no more than 5 of them should be Fan Art)

*Fan Art of an existing character is allowed if the character(s) is depicted in the artists own unique style, and is clearly not a reproduction/copy of an original piece created by another artist, or could be easily mistaken as such.

If there is an item you are wanting to sell, and are unsure if it will be allowed, email the Art Director.

What an Artist is NOT allowed to sell in the Alley

If any of the following products, items, or merchandise is being sold by the Artist in the AA, they will be asked to remove the items from their table once. If they do not comply, or the items magically make their way back after the request for removal has been made, their table reservation will be revoked and the Artist will be asked to leave the convention area, also no refund will be issued.

  • No selling/redistribution of commercial items and/or products
  • No licensed work - even if it is the work of the Artist themselves. If it is commercially licensed, and you wish to sell it, please check into reserving space in the Dealers Room
  • No edible items (food & drink)
  • No reproductions of officially licensed costumes, props, or cosplay items
  • No pirated or bootlegged items - unlicensed copies or prints of commercial merchandise, regardless of media or medium types
  • No garage/yard sale items
  • No unlicensed reproductions of existing merchandise
  • No weapons - be it real or a prop/cosplay item
  • Artists who are also participating in the Art Show may NOT sell prints of the items displayed in the Art Show in the AA. This is to encourage bids and better sales on the items placed in the Art Show

Adult Content - Mature Themed Items

While SheVaCon does permit adult/mature themed items in the AA, they are subject to additional restrictions. Adult content or mature themed items are anything that would not be legally permissible to display to minors. Items that fall into this category must be covered at all times and labeled as Adult Content 18+. Adult content themes include:

  • Sexually explicit works
  • Works showing or depicting murder or extreme violence, etc.

Artists are responsible for verifying the age of their viewers by Photo I.D. before they are allowed to view or purchase any works containing adult content or mature themes.

If an Artist sells any adult content or mature themed works to a minor, they will be removed from the AA. This includes on-site commissions as well.

If you are unsure if your works would qualify as adult content or mature themed, please send an email to the Art Director to be sure.

Artist Alley Rules

If an Artist is found to be in violation of any of the rules outlined, they will be given one (1) warning. If another violation occurs, the Artist will be asked to leave the AA. If the Artist does not comply, or attempts to return to the AA and display, sell, harass and/or slander SheVaCon, it's staff, or attendee's - they will be removed from the convention area completely. Depending on the severity of the infraction, other actions may apply, including but not limited to banning from future conventions and convention related events, future AA participation, and of course legal action. Also, no refunds will be provided.

  • All convention rules, as well as all local, state, and federal laws apply. If an Artist is found to have broken any convention rules, appropriate action will be taken. If an Artist breaks any laws, local law enforcement will be notified, and the the person could face prosecution. (Note: local law enforcement will be on the premises during the convention)
  • All Artists are required to wear their convention badge at all times when in the AA, and all other convention areas.
  • The Artist participating in the AA must be present at the convention. Assistants are allowed to operate the AA table for the Artist. However Artists or assistants are not permitted to sell or display works of an artist who is not in attendance of the convention.
  • The Artist is not permitted to resell their AA table.
  • Sharing of an AA table is not allowed. One Artist per table only.
  • No weapons are allowed in the AA - whether real, cosplay, or otherwise.
  • No yelling, screaming, rough-housing, horse-play, fighting, sparring, or obscene/offensive language. This applies to Artists, Guests, and attendee's.
  • No music or video is permitted (nothing with sound that could disrupt others)
  • No items, products, supplies, or equipment that produces excessive noise or noxious fumes are allowed. Please be courteous to those around you and at the convention.
  • No raffles/auctions are permitted
  • No "squatting" - if you have not purchased a table in the AA - you will be removed.
  • Artists are expected to be respectful of the other Artists in the AA. Any attempts to disrupt business, bad-mouth fellow Artists, or vulture/steal sales will not be tolerated.
  • All items being sold at the table must be made/drawn/created by the Artist
  • No requests or advances for sexual activity, or other unwelcomed verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature in lieu of money for items being sold
  • No tape, glue, staples, tacks, or other similar items. Nothing that could cause harm to the hotel and it's facilities.
  • Only the tables provided by the convention are allowed.
  • All Artists applying for space must be 18 years of age or older.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Are You Ready!?!


Yep... SheVaCon is hosting it's FIRST Annual Costume Ball, this summer, July 24th!

Not only is this going to be a full costumed event, in which there will be a costume contest and prizes for the Best in Show, and 1st and 2nd place runners up - but there's so much more that we're offering!

There will be several of the costumed fan groups from the Sci-fi & Fantasy genre's there to mingle with - and possibly dance with, as our DJ - The Joker - will be providing music for the evening.  But yes... there's more!

There will be a huge variety of Prizes that are going to be raffled off, quite a few of them are limited edition items, and some are also signed by the Artists themselves! 

A cash bar will be provided as well (id required), and there will also be hors d'œuvre's (while supplies last).

This is going to one event that you won't want to miss out on!

Tickets are already on sale - $25 per person until July 1st; after that it's $30 until July 10th.  And then finally, $35 at the door.  But hurry and get your tickets today before the discounts are gone!

We look forward to a fun-filled evening with you all!  And don't forget to wear your costumes!
(attending in costume is not required for this event, but is encouraged.)

~SheVaCon Staff~

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

What is SheVaCon?

SheVaCon stands for - Shenandoah Valley Convention

Even though we now reside in Roanoke due to the space we need, SheVaCon actually started in Staunton, Virginia. Which is located in the Shenandoah Valley.

Who are we? What are we?

SheVaCon is a science fiction and fantasy convention. For those who don't know what a convention of this type is, we are fan's of the science fiction, fantasy, horror, historical recreation genera. Geeks? Nerds? Yes in one form or another but not quite what you think. Not all of us still live in our parents basement and hide from the light of day. We are just ordinary people with ordinary lives, with families who have day jobs. Every once in a while though, we like to take our love for all things some people call "nerdy" and go off for a weekend to enjoy the company of others who share our interests.

Well that explains a little bit but you still don't know what SheVaCon is?

The SheVaCon board of directors is a group of volunteers donating their time and efforts to bring to the fans a chance to see their favorite Artists, Writers, Media guests, Costume makers, FX/makeup-artists or Fan groups. Three days of workshops, panels, events and games all in one place.

800+ attendance and growing!

Our Mission

Our mission is to put on a convention that is not only fun and entertaining, but educational too. Our motto "To Teach and To Learn" is one we have had for 18 years, and strived to maintain. Muilti-media is also something that describes us. We are not just a literary convention, we are not just a gaming convention, or an artist weekend workshop. It isn't just a weekend of Anime or costuming either. We are all that and more! But all in all for us, the most important part is our scholarships. We offer 2 scholarships each year, one in writing and one in art. You can find more information on our scholarship rules and submission forms on the scholarship tab.

Visions of the future...

We have made a few changes in the past few years. To add more to our convention, we have added Fan Groups. These range from the 501st Legion, Rebel Legion, R2 Builders, SG-9, IKV Batleth (Klingon), Vast, and other Historical recreations clubs. Interested in the paranormal? We have that too! Our Costuming Department has also made some changes for the better. With more costuming workshops, it has lead to more contestants in the Masquerade/Costume/Cosplay Contest. Which is more fun for everyone! We are really trying to provide a fun, unique experience for all of our guests and attendees. You might say that there's something for everyone!

If you're still looking for more information? Feel free to browse through the website and check out each of the departments to find out more. Or shoot us an email if you can't find the answer you are looking for and we will do our best to answer your questions.