Hello All, This is a little lengthy. With the website gearing up to begin taking both reservation this Monday (09/29/2014 for the detail-oriented) we wanted to take a brief moment to let everyone know about some of the changes and things to look forward to in 2015. There has been a lot of discussion recently about the changing status for artists at pop culture and comic cons; at Spectrum Fantastic Art Live theres no cause for concern. Our focus remains on ALL artists regardless of their chosen medium, on growing the awareness of and appreciation for their work and our field as a whole, and connecting them with the clients, patrons, collectors, and fans whose support enables artists to pursue their careers. Everyone who exhibits and everyone who walks through the doors do so for one reason: the artists. SFAL is more than an extension of Spectrum: it is an expression of the entire creative community. Its home. Weve announced our five special guests to the show as well of two of the Flesk Publications guests; more announcements are forthcoming. We will continue to emphasize education and are hard at work planning panels, lectures, displays, demonstrations, and panels. There will be book premieres (including WOMEN OF WONDER edited by Cathy Fenner) and surprises; we plan to nurture our relationship with the Illustration Academy and the Alamo Drafthouse. And, of course, we will be doing promotions in the months ahead to attract customers for the exhibiting artists. The most obvious change for 15 is our move from the convention centers Grand Ballroom to the ballrooms of the Marriott Hotels Muelebach Tower and our change of dates to the Memorial Day weekend (May 22-24). Were excited about the move for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which will be convenience for our exhibitors and attendees. Everything will be closer, allowing for a more intimate show without sacrificing quality. Restaurants, coffee shops, and bars will be nearer and there wont be the same restrictions governing food and drink that we were required to follow at Bartle Hall; the Muelebach Tower is being refreshed with new carpeting and paint while maintaing a distinctly art vibe to the spaces. The lobby has a bar that will be opened for our event, supplementing the popular drinking establishment across the street (but connected via enclosed skywalk) in the Marriott side of the hotel. The Folly Theater, right next door to the Marriott, is the oldest theater in Kanas City and played host in its day to everyone from Sarah Bernhardt to the Marx Brothers to Blaze Starr. The awards ceremony for Spectrum 22 will be held on its historic stage. We are maintaining our booth prices and ticket prices; artist alley table prices have increased slightly to reflect increased costs from exhibition services. We do NOT jury exhibitors: previous exhibitors receive early opportunities to return, but all remaining space is available to artists on a first-come basis. However, please be aware that the exhibition space is smaller than the convention centers and there will be FEWER booths and artist alley tables available in 2015: its going to be a tighter show and we anticipate selling out space quickly. We encourage exhibitors to sign up right away to avoid disappointment. The hotel will handle additional electrical, internet, etc. needs and a price list will be provided closer to the event. The exhibit spaces will be properly lit and we are working out details regarding WiFi access. Being held in the Marriott the same weekend as SFAL4 will be KCs long-running science fiction & fantasy convention ConQuesT: quests at ConQuesT in 2015 are George R.R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson, Selina Rosen, Nene Thomas, and Mark Oshiro. Each show will operate completely separately with each maintaining its focus and identity, but with full cooperation and cross-promotion. The idea is to take advantage of this unique timing opportunity and increase interest (and hopefully exhibitor sales!), benefit everyone, and create something of a fantastic festival atmosphere for the weekend without sacrificing our goals. Details are still being hashed out and well share them once theyre firmed up, but we feel there are only positives to the shared date. If you truly want a show thats strictly about the art and the artists, one that welcomes all, please join us either as an exhibitor or attendee in 2015. This can only succeed if everyone pulls together to make it possible. We hope to see you in Kansas City next year! Carl Anderson • Amanda Banion • Arlo Burnett • John Fleskes • Lazarus Potter • Bob Self • Jeff Smith • Shena Wolf • Cathy & Arnie Fenner
Posted on: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 16:43:22 +0000
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