Artist Invite Letter
Dear Artist:
The Philadelphia Science Fiction Society will be holding its annual conference, Philcon 2025 on November 21-23, 2025 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel (formerly the Crowne Plaza), Cherry Hill, NJ (across the Delaware River from downtown Philadelphia). Philcon is a “regional” SF/F convention with an attendance of approximately 800 people. Philcon’s art show is one of the larger East Coast SF/F convention art shows.
We invite you to participate in our art show. Original artwork of a science fiction, fantasy, horror, and/or fannish nature may be entered for display and/or 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; half tables are 2.5” deep and 3’ 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 display space fee of $25 for a full panel or table; half panels and half tables are available for $15 each. Each artist may reserve a maximum of three full panels (one full bay) and/or two tables, totaling 5 units. There is no sales commission. Quick Sale pricing is available to our buyers if you so choose. Items that receive three written bids will go to voice auction on Sunday afternoon.
The Print Shop is for multiple copies of photoprints (non-original art). It has a separate display area within the art show. All copies of a print image are hung together on large/extended pegboard hangers. This allows buyers to select and then immediately purchase Print Shop items throughout the convention. You must 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 separate images. We will accept 3D items if they can be hung in self-packaging.
Philcon wishes to encourage students majoring in an art-focused program 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. It also provides an opportunity for students to 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 space fee to $15 for eligible art students. Also, Philcon offers a reduced convention membership rate for students. Student ID is required.
There is an Artists’ Alley, located in the Dealers’ Room. This is the place for artists who want to sell their art directly to buyers and are able to spend their convention time doing so. Please contact dealers2025@philcon.org.
The Meet the Pros Reception will be held on Friday evening in the Art Show foyer. There will be judged and popular awards given to works and/or artists announced on Sunday.
We invite you to personally attend our convention. An attending membership is only $50 if you buy the membership when you pay for your display space; 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 2025 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(s). The first 10 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.
Please see the Philcon website at https://philcon.org for a complete set of rules. Please read the rules thoroughly since the Art Show is moving to digital reservations and inventory system. Space is will be assigned on rolling admission on a first come, first served basis. Please read the instructions on the website, and log in to request space no later than October 31, 2025. Requests for space after that date will be honored as cancellations allow. This deadline is set to allow us time to get information back to you, and to other Philcon departments, before the convention.
We look forward to your participation and presence at Philcon 2025.
Sincerely,
Joni Brill Dashoff and Saul Jaffe
Philcon 2025 Art Show Directors