Signing Up:

Starting 90 minutes before the Alley opens, a sign-up sheet will be available (location will be announced at the convention). 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 standby. 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 there.

Artist's Alley seats cannot be reserved before the convention.

General Rules:

All artists will be required to sign in and out of the Alley each time they come in and out. 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.

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; including artwork, supplies and personal items. Trash receptacles are widely available throughout the hotel space; please use them when appropriate. Any artist that consistently leaves their trash (pencil/eraser shavings, food trash, crumpled paper), may lose Alley privileges.

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.

Midwest FurFest is unable to provide power drops in Artist's Alley. Due to restrictions with the hotel, power drops are not available at all in the Alley. 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.

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.

Midwest FurFest does ask that artists not set out tip jars or printed solicitations for donations. We prefer that all charitable donations be made to the selected charity. If any artist in the Alley sets up a tip jar, they will be asked to remove it.

Sales:

Tables are available in 3 foot (half table) increments. A single artist may spread out if room is empty, 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/etc that 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.

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. 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 Alley staff's discretion. Tape and post-it notes will be available at the check-in table.

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. In addition to having a message board available for artists and attendees to use, contact information can now be left with the artist's alley staff. This is intended to be a service for artists that are looking for a spot in the Alley and don't wish to sit in the hallway outside.

Taxes:

Anyone selling items at MFF is expected to collect Illinois State Sales Tax (currently 9%). Illinois does not have a mobile or visiting dealer license program, but there is a provision for one-time tax payments. Filing instructions will be available in Artist's Alley. 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. Midwest FurFest does not require that attendees provide liscense numbers or otherwise follow up that sales taxes are paid. That is the sole responsibility of the artist.

If you have any questions or problems, please email the Alley staff.