The ConQuesT Art Show features some of the finest science fiction and fantasy art in the Midwest! We welcome both amateur and professional artists working in any medium. Mikah McCullough, Art Show Director, absolutely loves making sure its artists’ work is shown to its best advantage. Mikah answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the show:
ConQuesT Art Show
Q: How long have you been running the show?
A: About 6 or 7 years now, I think. I kind of lost track of when I started… But I’m really happy with how things have turned out! We used to be a lot more paper-based, and I’ve been able to make it mostly electronic. That seems to have made things smoother for registration and getting the artists paid in a timely manner.
Q: What’s your favorite part about the show?
A: I’ve got many parts I like; though I’m going to say the connection. Over the years, I’ve met so many wonderful artists. And even if they choose to take a year off, I’ve still spoken with them or purchased their art outside of con. There’s so many wonderful people, and I am glad I get to be a part of their lives.
Q: What if I’m a new artist? Can I participate in ConQuesT?
A: New artists start by reaching out to me with examples of their work, either through registering as a new artist or by sending an email to me at artshow@conquestkc.org. A jury panel reviews the work to make sure it fits and is following the rules. We’re a Sci-Fi/Fantasy family-friendly con, so the works need to be Sci-Fi/Fantasy-esque with no nudity or profanity. Once approved, we have you register with your contact details and how much space you need so that we can reserve your space.
Q: Does it cost anything?
A: Once we know how much space you need, we send an invoice. Prices break down as such: $10 per 2×6 panel, $10 for a full table/$5 for half, and $5 for each batch of prints up to 20. We do not charge any commissions, so you just pay us for the space you need and you keep 100% of the profit.
Q: What if I’m not attending the con? Can I still submit to the Art Show?
A: Yep! We take mail in art. We just ask that it gets to us in time for the con and that you cover return shipping. More details will be provided if your work is approved.
Q: What’s the Art Show like at the time of Con?
A: It’s gallery style. We have the 2-foot x 6-foot grid panels setup in a U shape with art hung with binder clips and s-hooks. Art that cannot be hung can be displayed on a table. Print shop is a catch-all table/area that has bins for all print shop works submitted. Buyers can make the choice to make a bid on a piece, or purchase the piece for the Quick Sale Price.
Q: There’s an auction?
A: Yep! If a piece has two or more bids, it goes to auction. The highest bidder wins. If there’s only one bid, the piece sells for that bid price. The auction is held Saturday evening (more details to come).
About ConQuesT
The 2022 ConQuesT is the 53rd con sponsored by the Kansas City Science Fiction and Fantasy Society. The event focuses on the literary and artistic aspects of the genre, but includes a broad selection of events for fans, cosplayers, and creators (such as writers, artists, filmmakers, etc.).
ConQuesT, Kansas City’s longest-running fan-run science fiction convention, will be held in person May 27-29, 2022, (Memorial Day Weekend) at the Sheraton Kansas City at Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo. conquestkc.org | https://www.facebook.com/ConQuesTKC
ConQuesT is sponsored by the Kansas City Science Fiction and Fantasy Society. https://www.facebook.com/groups/kacsffs/ | http://kacsffs.org