A&S Competition Preparedness, by Elsa

Commonalities

Things common to all A&S displays, however formal (or not).

Before the Event

• 1. Lay out the display.
• 2. Take a picture of it.
• 3. Change a thing or three. Repeat #2.
• 4. Ask for opinions and implement them. Repeat #2.
• 5. Bring your pics along while setting up at the event.

At the Event

• Small largess pieces to leave for things that you find particularly impressive. Chocolate is acceptable.
• Business cards are very helpful.

Display Pointers

• Terracing is King. Vertical elements are more eye-catchy than flat things.
• Angle the upright things to point at (or "revere") the most important parts that you're showing off.

Body of Work

Laurel's Prize Tourney

For the Display:

• Arrange the terracing to allow you a little space at the back of the table (for your mug/snackies).
• One copy of the documentation will be more than enough. Two if you're paranoid.
• Several items in a progression of skill OR in discrete fields.

For the Artisan:

• A notepad and pen. People will say things you'll want to remember. Also, keep a record of inspiration as it hits.
• Portable snackie things. Portable drinks. Wet wipes. Depending on the crampedness of the site, you may not have space to move around much at all.
• A 1-3 minute spiel about "what's going on here," easy to repeat all day long.

Judging:

• All Laurels on site (favorites)
• The Crown (sometimes a clear winner)
• The Populace (largess)

Steppes Artisan

For the Display:

• Arrange the terracing to allow you a little space at the back of the table (for your mug/snackies).
• One copy of the documentation will be more than enough. Two if you're paranoid.
• Three items in a progression of skill or in three discrete fields.

For the Artisan:

• A notepad and pen. People will say things you'll want to remember. Also, keep a record of inspiration as it hits.
• Portable snackie things. Portable drinks. Wet wipes. Depending on the crampedness of the site, you may not have space to move around much at all.
• A 1-3 minute spiel about "what's going on here," easy to repeat all day long.

Judging:

• Previous Steppes Artisan Champions.
• An Overall winner may be chosen by the Baron and Baroness.
• The Populace (largess)

Judged

Local Group A&S

For the Display:

• One or two copies of the documentation - think: one for the judge to take and one to leave on the table.

For the Artisan:

• Judged competitions may want the entrants to leave during judging, or they may want a quick discussion of what is being entered. Be prepared to give a 3-5 minute presentation on your art.

Judging:

• Could be either/both of:
  • Populace Vote
  • Judges are pre-selected
    • Laurels
    • Irises
    • Home-group representative(s)

Supporting Artisan

• This style happens at BAM, Three Kings, and Valour - a "Principal" calls for Artisans to show his or her worthiness by bringing master works.

For the Display:

• Assume it will be set-up outside (ie under a pavilion, but in the heat)

For the Artisan:

• Assume that there won't be room for you to hang out near the item.

Judging:

• Will vary by event: sometimes a panel chosen by the hosting group
• Determines a "War Point" in favor of the winning Principal
• May have a Populace Vote component

Gulf Wars Open Arts and Sciences

For the Display:

• One copy of the documentation is enough. Shorter is better.
• Think in terms of "flashy" and "easily comprehensible" - A poster-board display plus tools, examples, and other props are good.

For the Artisan:

• Display set-up from 8-9am.
• Drink water. War is hot and dusty.
• It's suggested that you stay around in case people have questions on your work, but you don't have to.
• Tear-down starts at 4pm (after Awards).

Judging:

• Populace Vote wins one award
• Several awards are sponsored by households and local groups looking for specific things

Kingdom Arts and Sciences

For the Display:

• One item (or matched pair/set of items), completed, at the top of your art "game."
• Tools are good, if they can be shown to be relevant.
• Three copies of the documentation - two for your two judges, and one for the table. More detail is better, if it's well-organized. (It's easy to get distracted with minutiae.) Shorter is fine, if it's complete.

For the Artisan:

• Something to do all day since it's Verboten to hover over your display once time is called. Not to mention, the Laurels kick non-judges out of the room during judging.
• Consider sitting in on the Performance pieces, if that's an option.

Judging:

• The Laurels present
• Determines Kingdom Artisan; Gulf War Artisans (10 plus 2 Alternates)
• Other Awards: Pilgrim's Badges (score at or over 40/50); Honorable Mention

Gulf Wars Arts and Sciences Champions

For the Display:

• Complexity of display.
• Three copies of documentation.

For the Artisan:

• Competition meeting from 8-9am.
• Bring snackies.
• Tear-down at 4pm.

Judging:

• Populace Vote
• The Laurels present
• Determines the A&S War Point