I attend at least two science fiction conventions each year. Most often, Boskone and I-Con. I always attend with my best friend, MaryAnn Johanson. MaryAnn is a masterful writer and has two (count 'em! *two*) fabulous websites. www.geekphilosophy.com, is where she analyizes and ponders the state of Geek culture and its influence on our world today. And www.flickfilosopher.com, is where she writes with great wit and style about movies, films and movie culture. Because she is one of the few reviewers anywhere to take genre movies seriously and hold them to the same (if not higher standards) as any "film", she is invited to particpate in discussion panels about science fiction and fantasy movies.

Setting Up 1: All convention art shows start with these blank panel bays. They consist of peg board of varying dimensions, depending on which show you're attending. Most of them are 4' x 6'. I usually take the maximum alloted -- 3 panels and a table. I am always a wreck until I have the artwork set up with all the paperwork done.

Setting Up 2: When we go to the conventions, I bring art and MaryAnn helps me set up. As my "lackey," she helps carry in the art work, set up the art on the panels, and assists in the last minute paperwork. She also keeps me from having a nervous breakdown beforehand. (see picture number 1 above.)

Setting Up 3: Some of my pieces have related themes and I try to set them up so the eye is naturally carried from one to another. These are some of my "asian" themed works.

Setting Up 4: The art show is usually in a ball room or banquet room at the convention hotel. At Boskone, the art show shares a giant ball room with the Dealer's Room (or, Huckster Room as it is sometimes affectionately called). Setting up the panels and lighting is sometimes being done until the last artist checks in, but the people who run these shows are always great, unfailingly helpful and pretty damned efficient.

Setting Up 5: I usually take a table when I have the chance. I have sculptures and jewelry that are best displayed on a flat surface.

Setting Up 6: The tables are your standard school dining hall dimensions -- 3 x 6. Since you have to leave room for bidsheets, this is a good size, even if it leaves lots of open room on the table.

Setting Up 7: Adding a few finishing touches. Everyone tries to make a good display. I used star sprinkles and little tiny lights.

Setting Up 8: One side of the table was sculptures. The other was very tiny paintings I was displaying for the first time.

All Done: The lovely people at Boskone have an Art Show Reception on opening night. They serve wine, cheese, fruit and delicious desserts. There is usually a band too. The artists and the convention attendees are all invited. The artists get to dress up, their first drink is free, and then you walk around, listen to conversations on the art (hoping to hear something nice about yours -- or at least, nothing dreadful) and converse with the people you only get to see at these shows. I look -- and feel -- a lot more relaxed than I did in picture number 1 above!