MarsCon - Forces of Darkness

MarsCon 2021 is going virtual, the art show is as well!

Since we are not constrained by the reality of walls and three-dimensional space this year, the Art Show is evolving to its new digital form, Art Show Alley!

What is an Art Show Alley?

Good question! Unlike other conventions, MarsCon hasn’t historically had an Artist Alley, where artists have individual booths. Since we’re using Discord for much of the MarsCon experience, each artist will have their own text channel within the convention Discord server. This channel will be a space for artists to display pictures of their work and interact with the convention attendees. Unlike our traditional Art Show, we hope the artists will be available for chatting with attendees in their Discord channel. Also, artists will not be limited to a certain number of art pieces, but they will be responsible for managing their own sales.

Artists who want to participate need to fill out an Art Show Interest Form (Google docs, login required) by the deadline listed below. If you cannot access this form, use this alternate option.

Socially Distanced Art Pickup Day

Since so many attendees and buyers are local to the Twin Cities area, we are providing the option of a Socially Distanced Art Pickup Day, where artists can drop off art for buyers to pick up. Pick up for Buyers will occur on Sunday, March 21st @ 1pm - 5pm at the
Geek Partnership Society
1121 Jackson St NE, Suite 107
Minneapolis, MN 55413
You will need to show your ID to claim your items.

If this day and location does not work for both the artist and the buyer, then this option should not be used.

Information for Con Attendees

Where to Find Art

Each artist in the Art Show will have their own channel on the Discord server. Take the time to click through and discover new artists or find out what old favorites have created!

Some artists may post pictures directly in their channels, others may link directly to their online storefront or website.

We will also have a list of Artists available on the website.

Purchasing Art

If an artist posts a piece that interests you, contact the artist to determine the steps you need to take for purchasing. Remember that this year you may need to also account for shipping arrangements if a direct dropoff/pickup cannot be arranged.

Information for Prospective Artists

New Info for the 2021 Art Show

The Art Show for MarsCon 2021 will be taking place on Discord, along with much of the rest of the convention. Each artist will be provided their own channel on the convention server, which means the artist will be responsible for posting their own images and/or links to their art.

The 2021 Art Show will be juried. This change is mainly to ensure a mix of artists in the event that we have more interested artists than space. Also, due to the digital format of the convention, there will be no walk-in art. You must fill out the Art Show Interest Form (or this alternate option) by the deadline listed below.

Due to this format, MarsCon will not be handling any Art Sales this year! Any transaction will solely be the responsibility of the artist. You are responsible for all payments and for arranging the transfer of your art to your buyers.

To help with the flow of art between artist and buyer, the Socially Distanced Art Pickup Day can be used as an option in lieu of shipping. If you want to use this as an option, email art [redacted; use the online forms] @marscon.org by Friday, March 19th to let us know how many pieces to expect. Pieces must be dropped off at the
Geek Partnership Society
1121 Jackson St NE, Suite 107
Minneapolis, MN 55413
on Sunday, March 21st before your buyer(s) plan to pick them up. We are available between 10am and 5pm. All art will need to be clearly labeled with the artist’s name and phone number and the buyer’s (or designated pickup minion’s) name. Note: the buyer will need to show ID to claim their item(s).

If this day and location does not work for both the artist and the buyer, then this option should not be used. If there is any orphaned art, we will call the artist to arrange for the return of their art to them. Then the artist will need to make new delivery arrangements with their buyer.

Deadlines

Online submissions are required! In order to ensure that your art is considered, you must submit your Art Show Interest Form by Friday, March 5th.

We will notify you if we are able to include your art in this year’s Art Show Alley by Monday, March 8th.

If space is available, submissions may be considered after the deadline.

General Guidelines

We are a family friendly convention – however be aware, not all artwork in the room will be PG or PG-13.

No hate speech or symbolism/iconography of any hate group is allowed. (Please check the Southern Poverty Law Center if you are unsure if what you are using is considered hate speech).

Art should be original to the artist, with any fan derivatives properly crediting the original owner/creator of that property/character.

All artwork should be of a Science-Fiction/Fantasy theme.

Fees and Pricing

In 2021, there will be no hanging fees, nor will commission be taken by the convention. Any shipping/taxes/credit card fees/listing fees from any art sales transactions will need to be discussed between, and handled by, the artist and the buyer.


The Forces of Darkness shall safely assemble in front of screens on March 12th - 14th, 2021

MarsCon is a fan-run science fiction convention for all ages held every March in the Twin Cities area. At MarsCon you’ll find panel discussions, parties, guest of honor presentations, music of many kinds, our art show, film/anime room, science room, dealers room, charity auction, and masquerade. Our comedy music track is virtually a con in itself, and attracts a nation-wide audience.

MarsCon 2021

“Forces of Darkness”
March 12 - 14, 2021
Virtual only

MarsCon 2022
“The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be”
will return to
Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport Mall of America
3800 American Blvd E
Bloomington, Minnesota
March 11 - 13, 2022

Send questions about MarsCon to info [redacted; use the online forms] @marscon.org, we’ll do our best to send answers!

More about MarsCon may be found at...
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarsconMpls
  • FaceBook: www.facebook.com/Marscon
  • Dementia: marsconcomedy.wordpress.com

If you are searching for the Marscon in Williamsburg, VA click here.

© 2020 and/or 2021, FenSF