Signing Up:

Signup locations will be posted outside the Alley. 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.

The Lottery will be verbally called on Friday at the same location signups were held. Artists must present in order to receive their seats. Saturday and Sunday's Lottery results will be posted outside the Alley shortly after closing on Friday and Saturday nights respectively.

Please note: Artists must be present and at their table when the Alley opens. Any artist not present will be placed on standby, and the seat given to an artist that is waiting. Artist's Alley seats cannot be reserved before the convention.

General Rules:

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), will lose Alley privileges.

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.

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 a tip jar is set out, the artist will be asked to remove it.

Sales:

Tables are available in 3 foot (half table) increments, and Alley staff requests that all artists keep their belongings within their allotted space. All artists must keep all their supplies within their table space in order to keep the aisles clear. Any artist that "drifts" over into a new table space or into the aisles will be asked to remove the extra belongings and take them back to their room.

All aisles must be kept open. All artists must remain seated behind their tables, not beside or in front. Customers must remain standing in the aisles and may not be invited behind the table. Space behind the tables is limited to one person per 3 foot table half. Anyone blocking the aisles will be asked to move. Repeated requests to clear the aisle may result in loss of Alley privileges.

Only artwork or crafted items created by the artist may be sold. 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. If in doubt that your work is appropriate, please contact the Artist's Alley staff before the convention.

Alley staff asks that all artists selling crafted items please remember that the Alley does not have room for table or wall displays, and all merchandise and storage containers must fit on/under their table. Due to space constraints, artists selling bulky or large items are encouraged to procure space in the Dealer's Room or Art Show. Please see our list of acceptable merchandise, or email Alley staff with any questions.

Sales are only allowed in the approved areas of Artist's Alley, Art Show, or the Dealer's room. Artists may not set up and make sales in the hallways or the Den. Any artist in violation of this will lose Alley privileges, and as this is a violation of Midwest FurFest's Code of Conduct, the artist may lose convention privileges, up to and including expulsion from the convention premises. (Money may only exchange hands in the appropriate convention areas during the con.)

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. We ask that all artists make a best effort to shield any adult works in progress from public view; turning it over if it's set down, etc.

Alley staff may request that adult binders be closed, or that artwork be moved to an adult binder or folder. Tape and post-it notes will be available at the staff table. Refusal to comply with staff requests or allowing a minor to view adult artwork will result in loss of Alley privileges. Please note, artists are expected to comply promptly with any staff requests to close adult books, or to move adult artwork will result in loss of Alley privileges.

Communications:

The Alley staff is always looking for ways to enhance convenience and the overall experience of Alley use for both our artists and our attendees. The convention message board is located outside the Alley and is available for both artists and attendees to use and artists are encouraged to check the door to the Alley each morning of the convention for updates and announcements.

Taxes:

Per Illinois law, any vendor selling items at Midwest FurFest is required to collect sales tax. The collection and remittance of taxes to the Illinois Department of Revenue is the responsibility of the individual artist or crafter. Information on filing can be found at the Illinois Department of Revenue. Midwest FurFest is required to provide the names of all vendors to the Illinois Department of Revenue, and we are not able to offer assistance with tax questions. Required paperwork is available through the Department of Revenue's website. (Please note: Currently, Rosemont sales tax is 10.75%.)

Acceptable Merchandise:

To further differentiate between the Dealer’s Room and Artist’s Alley, Midwest FurFest has chosen to limit the types of merchandise allowed to be sold in the Alley. These rules and guidelines will be revisited on an annual basis. If you have questions regarding the suitability of your merchandise, please check with the Alley staff.

Examples of acceptable merchandise:

• Original artwork
• Prints
• Comics containing the artist's original work
• Small crafted items - Buttons, stickers and other small wearables. All crafted items must have the artist's original work. Clip art, text or other generic images or messages are not permitted.
• Commissions / Sketchbooks

The following items are listed as ‘Unacceptable Merchandise’. Alley staff will attempt to seat vendors for these items if space is available, however priority will be given to vendors selling merchandise from the list of acceptable items.

• Fursuiting Items / Pieces -- Tails, gloves, ears, masks and all other costuming items are not permitted.
• Performance Art -- CDs and DVDs of spoken art, music, comedy acts, podcasts, etc. are not permitted. CDs or DVDs may only be sold if they contain visual arts only.
• Wearables -- Sale of Tee shirts, hats and clothing is not permitted.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email the Alley staff at artistsalley.2010 AT furfest.org