Sign up:

Due to the popularity of Artist's Alley, combined with increased attendance, we have changed to a Lotto system for the the convience of the artists using the Alley. This will allow artists a chance to use the Alley without having to stand in long lines, or camp in the hallway for hours!

90 minutes before the Alley opens, a sign-up sheet will be available. Artists can sign up until 30 minutes before the Alley opens. At that time, all artists that have signed up should gather at the designated location. If there are fewer artists in the lottery than seats available, everyone has a seat.

If there are more artists than the seats available, names will be drawn at random to determine who is placed on the standby list. We will then announce the artists that will receive seats. Please note: Artists must be present during the lotto to receive their seat in the Alley. Any artist not present will be placed on standby, and the seat given to an artist that is present.

In order to provide maximum convenience for the artists, we are instituting the standby or waiting list. We will attempt to contact artists that sign up via the method of their choice (a phone call to a hotel room or cell number) to let them know that a seat has become available. Unlike previous years, waiting artists will no longer be allowed to camp in the hallways. Artists on the waiting list will be given first chance at tables as they become available. We're hoping this will give everyone a fair, stress free opportunity to use the Alley at the times that are most convenient to them, while allowing them time to enjoy the convention.

There will be no preferred button sales as in previous years.

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General Rules:

All artists will be required to sign in and out of the Alley each time they enter and leave. This is a new process for Midwest FurFest, and we're hoping that it will help us enhance the Alley experience for the artists attending the convention, and ensure that we can accommodate as many artists as possible.

Any artist that has not signed in will be asked to relinquish the table for an artist that has signed in, or is on the waiting list.

All belongings and trash must be picked up when the artist checks out of a table. The convention accepts no responsibility for items left unattended; this includes artwork, supplies and personal items. Trash receptacles are widely available throughout the hotel space; please use them when appropriate. If an artist consistently leaves their trash (pencil/eraser shavings, food trash, crumpled paper), they may lose Alley privileges.

Midwest FurFest is unable to provide power drops in Artist's Alley. In years past, we did allow Alley users to plug into the existing power drops; however due to the increased size of the Alley, electrical power is no longer available for any reason. We ask that artists do not use the electrical outlets in the Alley, as it places additional strain on the facilities of the hotel. We apologize for the inconvenience, and are happy to allow artists to run to their rooms for services requiring a power drop without fear of losing their table space. Please contact the staff table in the Alley with additional questions.

Due to limited space, items generating an unacceptable noise-level are strongly discouraged. This includes voices, personal stereos, computers, handheld game units, etc. Displays that flash lights or make noise are not appropriate and we ask that they not be used. Repeated complaints of excessive noise or disruption may result in loss of table privileges.

Tip jars are not permitted in Artist's Alley. Staff will be requesting that any such jars be removed from Alley tables.

Alley staff will have the final word if there is any question of suitability, rule dispute, or unforeseen situation not covered in the general rules.

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Sales:

Tables are available in 3 foot (half table) increments. A single artist may spread out if there is room, however we expect them to make room as it is needed. We do understand that occasionally there are reasons for an artist to be away from their table, however a table may not be held or reserved for someone that is not present. If it is determined that the table is merely being held, the space will become free for the next artist.

Only artwork created by the artist can be displayed. Artist's Alley is not meant to be an inexpensive alternative to the Dealer's Room or Art Show, and for that reason we cannot accept agents, or people reselling another's artwork. (A compilation, comic or other work you have contributed a significant portion to is fine, a 2 panel blurb at the back of a comic is not.) If in doubt that your work is appropriate, please contact the Artist's Alley staff.

We have expanded acceptable merchandise in 2007 to include crafted works in addition to sketches, drawings, prints, etc. We do ask that all artists that will be selling crafted artwork please remember that Artist's Alley does not have any room for table or wall displays, and all merchandise must fit on/under their table.

Sales are only allowed in the approved areas of Artist's Alley, Art Show, or the Dealer's room. We do ask that artists not set up in the hallways if space in the Alley or Dealer's room proves unavailable. This is a rule of the convention, and anyone found in violation may be subject to losing convention privileges, up to and including expulsion from the convention premises.

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Artwork Ratings:

Artist's Alley is subject to the same rules regarding "appropriate display" as all other facets of the convention. Adult art must be in a separate, clearly marked binder. Adult work is defined as any artwork depicting adult situations, graphic nudity, violance, or any other depiction of acts inappropriate for a minor. Artists are expected to make a best effort to keep the binders closed when someone is not going through them. Adult binders must be kept closed in the presence of minors. If in doubt, ask to see a badge (Minor badges are always a different color than regular attendees). If there are questions on suitability, or if discrepancies arise, the staff on duty will have the final authority.

All adult art must have genitalia covered. Appropriate coverings include stickers, post-its, opaque tape, etc. Placing the covering on a plastic sleeve is acceptable. Genitalia are defined as female nipples and any detailing/definition of male and/or female groin areas. Alley Staff reserve the right to ask for any art to be moved to an Adult binder/folder and/or covered at the Director's discretion. Tape and post-it notes will be available at the check-in table.

Due to the difficulty of appropriate coverage, we do restrict adult merchandise to prints, CDs, original drawing and sketches. Please see the Alley staff for questions regarding specific merchandise.

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Communications:

The Alley staff is always looking for ways to enhance convenience and the general experience of Alley use for both our artists and our attendees. This year, we are enhancing our messaging system between artists and their customers.

A message board is available for artists to leave messages for customers and vice versa.

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Taxes:

Anyone selling merchandise at Midwest FurFest is required to collect Illinois State Sales Tax ( currently 6.25% for the state of Illinois, 2.5% for Cook County). Illinois does not have a mobile or visiting dealer license program, but there is a provision for one-time tax payments. Copies of the filing form have to be requested directly from the Illinois Department of Revenue. Instructions will be available at the Staff table. If you want to register for an Illinois Business License, the easiest way to do this is through the Illinois Department of Revenue website at http://www.revenue.state.il.us.

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Staff:

Are you interested in working the convention? Artist's Alley is looking for reliable people to help with badge check, the sign in/out table and room sweeps. All volunteers will be eligible to earn hours towards a Registration rollover. Please direct all inquiries regarding Artist's Alley work to Genet at the address below. Include your name, a contact email, badge name, and hours you are interested in working with a subject heading of 'MFF Volunteer'.

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If you have any questions or problems, please contact Genet.