The purpose of the Art Program is to exhibit and discuss art works of a science fiction, fantasy, and/or fannish nature. Art programming at Philcon consists of the Art Show, ASFA Art Auction, and Art panels. The Philcon Art Show is one of the larger East Coast SF&F Art Shows.

Artists display and sell their original artwork whose subject is science fiction, fantasy or fannish. Items that receive four written bids will be auctioned in the voice auction on Sunday afternoon. There is also a Print Shop for photoprints and multiple copy items. Come see the art, vote for your favorite, and buy something you like!

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Artist Guests of Honor: Greg & Tim Hildebrandt better known to the illustration world as "The Brothers Hildebrandt" began their careers 1959. The Brothers have worked on documentary films and thousands of illustrations for, text books, children's books, calendars, book covers, posters, comic books, advertisements, movie posters, production design for films, collectables and trading card games. They became internationally known for the original Star Wars movie poster and the 1976, 1977, and 1978 JRR Tolkien Lord of the Rings calendars.

Art Program: The following is the list of potential art programs that will be run at Philcon 2003.

In Space No One Can Hear You Airbrush

The Color of Space: Will NASA's troubles affect the future of Space Art? Is our view of space accurate? Is space art just passe?

You Know Real Andorians are a Different Shade of Blue

Do Your Fans Influence Your Art: How does feedback from fans influence your art. Who are you painting for?  Do you want to be remembered as a fan favorite or do you just have to make the rent check?

Horror Art: are there any taboos left?

Compare today to 20 years ago. Has anything changed?  Are things more conservative now?

Back by Popular Demand: The Influences of Classical Art on SF/Fantasy Art

Everyone wanted to be on this panel, and the fans loved it. So let's do it again with new people sharing their views on the topic.

The Importance of Composition

Maybe someone looking at a painting doesn't shout out, "Great composition!," but what is a piece of art without it?

Everyday Fantastique

ou've turned the check out girl at the 7-11 into a princess now you need to change every day objects into magical items.  Panelists discuss how they create fantastic worlds with the insides of a television, a soccer ball, and an old bathrobe.

How to Care for Your Art

Okay, now that you bought it, how do you preserve it.  Panelists discuss the Dos and Don'ts of protecting your new found treasure.

The Cheesecake Factory

From Better Paige to Darian Cane. Pin up art. Is it politically incorrect?  Is it out of the closet, or was it ever even in the closet.

Breaking the Bell Jar: Peter Max draws Harlan Ellison

Influences of non-genre art on SF/Fantasy Art  When psychedelic influences started popping up in our art where did that come from? What other "movements" affected "our" art.

Not the Same Old Gandalf

We have all seen, or think we have seen Gandalf, Hercules, Venus, or robots. How do you keep it fresh when everyone's done it before.

Portraying Someone Else's Ideas

How do you bring to life someone's else's idea, either by commission or on a deadline from an editor. Can the writer, editor, art editor, fan, and artist every all agree on how something should have been depicted?

How to Get Your Artwork Published

Learn from those who did it, and the tricks of the trade.

You Know I Don't Actually Read this Stuff...

Do you have to be a Fan? Panelists discuss whether or not it's strictly necessary to be an SF/fantasy fan in order to create SF/Fantasty Art. Can you do it if you don't love it?

Who is Virgil Findlay and Why are They Saying All Those Wonderful Things About Him

Forgotten Masters Every artist has favorites that influenced him or her.  Who should be better known and who should be forgotten?

Can You Move Mordor a Little to the Left?

Backgrounds: We all remember the handsome hero in the foreground, but what about the steps or mountain top, or building behind him.  Panelists discuss the importance of a good background, and what makes one good.

Digital Art and the Collector

Are digital painting (available only as prints) art objects for the collector? In the digital age, what is the original? Does the artist have to sell his original and file?

To register for Philcon simply go to our registration page.

You can currently pre-register by printing out a registration flyer and mailing the registration form in with your payment.

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