Exhibits Dealers Room Balticon’s Dealers Room is like a pop-up mini mall of geeky goodness. You’ll find an assortment of vendors with all sorts of fannish delights, including books, games and gaming accessories, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, and more! Read More Art Show The Balticon Art Show spotlights unique creations from all the genres dear to our geeky hearts. Science fiction and fantasy fans can enjoy a display of paintings, prints, sculptures, and jewelry. Try your luck in the silent auction, or ensure your success with a quick sale purchase! Our show is open to artists of all ages and talent levels. If you’re interested in showcasing your own work, take a look at our Art Show Guidelines & Rules page (see the button below). Read More Artist Alley Our Artist Alley is home to original artwork and crafts of all kinds, and the artists who create them. Read More

Art Show Guidelines & Rules All Balticon Members are expected to follow our policies, so we can have a fun, safe convention together. General Guidelines Accepted Art How to Register General Guidelines Previous buyers are not permitted to resell works. Art sales do not include reproduction rights. Guidelines for Accepted Art The following media are acceptable for the MAIN ART SHOW: Paintings: acrylics, watercolor, oil Drawings: chalk, ink, crayon, pencil, dye Jewelry: all forms Sculpture: wood, stone, metal, clay, acrylics, glass, fabric Weaving and Textile: all hand forms and non-commercially produced Ceramics: hand and thrown ware; self‐created molded items limited to runs of 100, marked item# / run# Decorative Crafts: leather, metal, wood, glass, stone, plastic Fine Art Photography and Computer Generated Art: They must fit within the following guidelines and be labeled. Unique Image – Data Files Erased / Negative Destroyed, or Data / Negative Archived, or Limited Edition Print – Data Files Erased / Negative Destroyed, or Data / Negative Archived True Limited Editions / Multiple Original Category (With a print run of 250 or less): All hand-pulled prints, serigraphs, photographs, silk‐screens, etchings, lithographs, woodblocks must have the following clearly visible information written or printed on the print itself. Artist’s signature Title of the piece, Date Print# / Run# If you work in a medium not listed above, please reach out to artshowadmin@bsfs.org for more information. The Main Art Show will NOT accept the following: AI-generated art. Commercial multi‐lithographic copies, unlimited photoprints or photocopies of any kind, hand-colored or remarked prints. Commercial ceramic molds, painted commercially cast pieces, kits of any kind. The art show doesn’t permit items for resale; Original works only. The Print Shop WILL accept the following Commercial multi‐lithographic copies, unlimited photo prints or photocopies of any kind, hand-colored or remarked prints. Items using patterns or designs by others must credit the second party. Originality and creativity are the qualities prioritized by the directors. Anything transformative should be changed in such a way that the artist’s influence on the piece is unreplicatable. Examples of transformative work: The customization of a pre-existing object, the assembling of jewelry, and collage work. Items that violate copyrights or which are judged to have libelous content in regard to known persons or well‐known characters will not be permitted. There is a maximum of 50 items! All decisions by the Art Show Directors on the eligibility of artwork are final. Please reach out to artshowadmin@bsfs.org if you have any questions. How to Register Be sure to read all of the Art Show Artist Guidelines to be fully informed on our process. Registration begins January 1st. Create a new account using the Artist Portal Artist Portal is our online site for artists and vendors to register for the Art Show. Through it, you can manage your personal information and fill out important documents like your control sheets and bid sheets. If you are a first time artist, please either include a URL to your website, Etsy, etc. or send photos of your art to artshowadmin@bsfs.org. If you are a returning artist, please ensure your personal information is up to date. If you are interested in mailing in your art rather than attending in person, please create your account as a MAIL-IN ARTIST. 4. Decide how much space you would like Balticon uses a space-based hanging fee system. Space is available on Panels and Tables. Tables are 6 feet long by 18 inches deep. For Tables, a Space is one quarter of a Table: 18 inches by 18 inches. Artists can reserve a whole Table or part of a Table in increments of Spaces. Panels are 6 feet wide by 4 feet high. Art Show panels and Print Shop panels are the same size. For Panels, a Space is one-third of a Panel; divided vertically: 24 inches wide by 4 feet high. Artists can reserve a whole Panel or part of a Panel in increments of Spaces. SPACE IS LIMITED: Attending artists can register for a maximum of 9 spaces, which can be a combination of tables, art show panels, and print shop panels. MAIL-IN ARTISTS can register for a maximum of 4 spaces, which can be a combination of tables, art show panels, and print shop panels. There is a maximum of 50 pieces per artist . 5. Calculate the cost ART SHOW HANGING FEES Panel Space Table Space MAIL-IN HANDLING FEE is $8 6. Register and make your payment DO NOT attempt to register or pay through email. Selecting MAIL-IN ARTIST will automatically filter the specific information needed for mail-in artists Please DO NOT email CREDIT CARD INFORMATION . If you wish to pay by CHECK , please contact the art show director at artshowadmin@gmail.org Receipts for account creation and registration will be sent by email. Please check your spam filters if you do not receive an emailed receipt. 7. Once your registration has been accepted, fill out your control sheet. If you are being REPRESENTED BY SOMEONE ELSE , such as an agent or other carrier, the artist must fill out and sign the Agent/Carrier section of the control sheet, or provide the agent/carrier with a letter from the artist authorizing the agent/carrier to represent them at Balticon 60. AFTER REGISTERING Website and BSFan Listing: If you would like us to print a link to your contact information and/or up to 10 lines (i.e., 200 words, 1100 characters) of biographical information on our website or BSFan souvenir book, please send that information to webmaster@balticon.org and bsfan@balticon.org with ARTIST BIO in the subject line Facebook Group You can communicate with other artists before, during, and after the convention through the Balticon Art Show Facebook Group. MAIL-IN ARTISTS IMPORTANT: Balticon Art Show’s address is CHANGING . Keep your eyes peeled for updated PO BOX INFORMATION . Please make sure your art is postmarked no later than Friday, May 15, 2026 to allow for shipping delays. DURING THE CONVENTION The Art Show opens to the public at 5pm on Friday, and runs until 5pm Sunday. Artist Check-In: Begins at noon on Friday. Note: We do not have space to store packing materials or portfolios in the Art Show. Artist Check-Out: Begins at 3pm on Sunday and ends at 5pm on Sunday Note: Please have your art packs and ready to check out between 3pm and 5pm on Sunday. AFTER THE CONVENTION All PAYMENTS TO ARTISTS will be made by check. All checks will be mailed within 60 DAYS or the artist will be contacted concerning unreconciled paperwork. Unsold MAIL-IN ART will be shipped within 10 days after the convention. DISCLAIMER: Art Show Directors reserve the right to make changes or interpretations under unforeseen circumstances. Special requests, problems, or inquiries please CONTACT artshow@balticon.org Dimensions (width by height) Space Fees ⅓ Panel (2ft by 4ft) 1 $11.00 ⅔ Panel (4ft by 4ft) 2 $17.00 Full Panel (6ft by 4ft) 3 $22.00 Dimensions (width by depth) Spaces Fees ¼ Table (18in by 18in) 1 $7.00 ½ Table (3ft by 18in) 2 $10.00 ¾ Table (4.5ft by 18in) 3 $14.00 Full Table (6ft by 18in) 4 $17.00 Artist Portal

< Back Art Show The Balticon Art Show spotlights unique creations from all the genres dear to our geeky hearts. Science fiction and fantasy fans can enjoy a display of paintings, prints, sculptures, and jewelry. Try your luck in the silent auction, or ensure your success with a quick sale purchase! Our show is open to artists of all ages and talent levels. If you’re interested in showcasing your own work, take a look at our Art Show Guidelines & Rules page (see the button below). BALTICON 60 is proud to announce Frank Wu as our Guest of Honor! Our show is open to artists of all ages and talent levels . If you’re interested in showcasing your own work, take a look at our Guidelines & Rules for Art Show Artists on the button below. Guidelines & Rules for Art Show Artists We offer display space to hang or otherwise display your art starting at: $7 for table space and $11 for panel space. There is a handling fee of 8$ for mail in art. Registration is open February 1, 2026 until May 1, 2026. Balticon Art Show is looking for volunteers! Email volunteers@balticon.org to volunteer or find out more about volunteer opportunities. Please email artshow@balticon.org if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions. See you at Balticon! Hours and Guidelines: Friday 5pm - 7pm Bidding and Quicksales 8pm - 9pm Reception Saturday 10am - 8pm Bidding and Quicksales Sunday 10am - 1pm Bidding and Quicksales 2pm - 5pm Auction Ends, Quicksales Only Monday 10am - 2pm Special Exhibit NO FOOD, NO DRINKS, NO BULKY BAGS. There will be a bag check outside of the Art Show. Additionally, there is NO PHOTOGRAPHY allowed in the Art Show. How To Buy Art Auction Your BADGE NUMBER is your BIDDING NUMBER . Bidding is through auction. Place a written bid on artwork starting at the listed minimum bid or higher. Bidding CLOSES at 1pm Sunday. Pieces with THREE bids move to Sunday voice auction at 2pm. Pieces with TWO OR FEWER bids are sold to the highest bidder on the bid sheet. Pieces sold through bid sheets can be paid for and collected after 3pm Sunday. BIDDING = BUYING . Filling out a bid sheet is agreeing to pay the amount listed on the bid sheet on Sunday afternoon after 3pm Sunday. Quicksale If an item has NO OTHER BIDS , a piece may be purchased at its Quicksale price. To purchase an item for the Quicksale price, alert one of the Art Show volunteers. They will assist you with the purchase. DO NOT TOUCH OR REMOVE pieces from their display. Quicksale purchases must be paid for I MMEDIATELY . The purchased piece will REMAIN ON DISPLAY until 6pm Saturday. After 6pm on Saturday, pieces can be CHECKED OUT through the volunteers and taken home. Pieces must be CHECKED OUT by 5pm Sunday.

< Back Artist Alley Our Artist Alley is home to original artwork and crafts of all kinds, and the artists who create them. Hours Balticon’s Artist Alley is a place for artists to meet the public and interact with their fans. It is a place to demonstrate your artistic techniques and sell your original art: both originals and prints. Tables are curated so that we can offer fans a wide range of talented artists’ offerings. Artists Alley is located in an open public space, and cannot be secured. Artists are responsible for their art and other possessions, an d may wish to remo ve everything from their space, or secure it in some way when they leave each day. Balticon is not responsible for items lost or stolen from Artists Alley. If you have art that you’d like to exhibit in the Art Show, and you want to participate in Artists Alley, please consider registering for both. Applications are still being accepted. AT THIS TIME, Artists Alley WILL NOT ACCEPT ART WITH AI-GENERATED CONTENT OF ANY KIND. APPLY HERE: To register for an Artists Alley table: Create a new account or sign in to your existing account with the Vendor Portal * Update your profile with a URL where we can preview your art, as well as a description of your art. Request your Artists Alley table. When your registration has been accepted, make your payment through our portal. You may also be interested in entering the Balticon Art Show * The Vendor Portal is our online site for artists and vendors to register for the Artists Alley and Dealers Room. Through it, you can manage your personal information and make the payment for your registration. Vendor Portal*.

< Back Jack L. Chalker Young Writers Contest The Jack L. Chalker Young Writers Contest honors local writers aged 14 - 18 who reside in Maryland. Submission deadline is March 31. The Jack L. Chalker Young Writers Contest results will be announced during the Masquerade. Contestants are local young writers aged 14 to 18 who reside in or attend school in Maryland. The winners will receive cash prizes, Balticon T-shirts, and membership in Balticon. CONTESTANT REQUIREMENTS: Contestants shall be no younger than 14 and no older than 18 years of age as of May 29 in the contest year and shall reside in, or attend school in Maryland. Winners will be required to provide their proof of age. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Submissions must be in the field of science fiction or fantasy. Submissions shall be no more than 2,500 words in length. All submissions should include a title page with the title of the story, the entrant's name or note Home schooled, home address, evening phone number, and e-mail address if possible. Also, please include your English teacher's name. Paper submissions must have numbered pages - all submissions must have a footer with the title and page number. They should not have the entrants name or other identifying information on the individual pages. Paper submissions should be typed or printed, double-spaced, on 8.5 x 11" paper. Electronic submissions must be sent as an attachment to email in either Microsoft Word, PDF or Wordperfect format. Otherwise they must be printed out and submitted on paper. One contestant may submit multiple entries, but only one prize may be won by any one entrant. Submission deadline is March 31. See the BSFS web site for details. OTHER RULES: Judges shall be drawn from the membership of BSFS, Inc. The winners will be contacted before the convention and their names will be announced to the public at the next Balticon on Memorial Day

< Back Concerts and Filk Balticon is home to one of the East Coast’s strongest tracks of filk and fannish music, featuring a variety of concerts, panels, and workshops, plus open circles all three nights. Filk is the musical folk tradition of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Fan community, consisting primarily of songs that tell or retell stories. The stories vary widely from retelling fairy tales, pirate and seafaring adventures, invention and technology, dragons, mermaids, selkies, NASA, spaceships, alternate universes, historical disasters, wherever or whenever your imagination can take you. Join in at the Classic Filk Singalong (lyrics provided), or come to the theme circles and open filks to listen or perform! Balticon 59’s music track is topped by our Special Guests, the Baltimore Gamer Symphony Orchestra (BGSO). We’re still building the schedule, but we anticipate the BGSO will have a concert in our Main Tent along with a few smaller ensemble and choral performances throughout the con. Concerts In our always-eclectic program of nerdy musicians you might hear anything from harp and acoustic guitar to rock and nerdcore rap. This year’s lineup will be announced early in 2025, but past performers have included: Bob and Sue Esty Maugorn the Stray Sarah Pinsker Madison “Metricula” Roberts Roberta Rogow Devo Spice Theme Circles Theme circles are similar to open filk circles but with a specific topic. In addition to our perennial Classic Filk Sing-Along (with projected lyrics) and Memorial Circle we usually have 2 or 3 other Theme Circles across the weekend. Past topics have included: Drinks Real and Imagined Historical Songs Lullabies Songs of Strong Women Songs of Stan Rogers and Gordon Lightfoot Dance For those who like to get up and move, there will be a Renaissance Dance (with live music) and Hula Hooping, both led by Patches. All ages are welcome! Don’t worry if you don’t know the dances - we’ll help you learn! Attendees are taught the basics of folk dancing during Balticon 58. Filk Lounge Just down the hall from our main music space, you’ll find our Filk Lounge, where you can hang out between programs, chat with performers, grab a quick snack, or rehearse a song. We also use the lounge for some intimate, targeted programming that doesn't require our larger main space. For more information contact filk@balticon.org

< Back Short Film Festival Winners The Balticon Sunday Short Science Fiction Film Festival (BS³F³) features independently produced short films from around the world, including live action and animated films in the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. Awards are given based on audience preferences. Thank you to all the filmmakers who submitted their films to our festival, we are pleased to announce the winners: 1) Stephen Kings's The Reach (2024) - Italy Director: Luca Caserta 2) Invasion '53 (2024) - United States of America Director: Danielle Weinberg 3) Dad in The Echo (2023) - China Director: Jacky Heng Sun Commiserations to the rest of our entries. In 2024, the Balticon Sunday Short Science Fiction Film Festival (BS³F³) took place on Sunday evening at 7:00pm. We will thrill festival attendees with independently produced short films from around the region and across the globe. BS³F³ features live action and animated films in the science fiction, fantasy, and horror from some of the best independent filmmakers this side of the Crab Nebula. Awards will be given in both the Live Action and Animation category based upon audience preferences. Some of the history of this film festival can be found on the BSFS website . Balticon 59 Sunday Night Film Festival Winners 1) Stephen Kings's The Reach (2024) - Italy Director: Luca Caserta 2) Invasion '53 (2024) - United States of America Director: Danielle Weinberg 3) Dad in The Echo (2023) - China Director: Jacky Heng Sun Did you miss our event? Check out the trailer's for this year's selection. Short Film Preview Check out last year's (Balticon 58) Film Festival here! For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact us at: filmfestival@balticon.org

< Back Compton Crook Award The Compton Crook Award is presented to the best of each year’s English language first novel by an author in the field of science fiction, fantasy, or horror. The 2025 Compton Crook Award winner will be announced in Spring 2025. The Compton Crook Award is presented to the best of each year’s English language first novel by an author in the field of science fiction, fantasy, or horror by the members of the Baltimore Science Fiction Society at our annual science fiction convention, Balticon, the Maryland Regional Science Fiction Convention. Awards have been presented since 1983. The award is also known as the Compton Crook/Stephen Tall Award. The list of eligible books is published in the monthly newsletter so all club members will have a chance to read and vote. The winning author is invited to Balticon (BSFS pays transportation and lodging) for two years, and presented with the cash award of $1,000 and an award plaque. Compton Crook, who wrote under the name of Stephen Tall, was a long-time Baltimore resident, Towson State University professor, and science fiction author. He died in 1981. The 2025 Compton Crook Award Finalists

< Back Charity Auctions Fandom has a history of giving. At Balticon, you will have opportunities to contribute to several causes. BSFS also maintains a Little Free Library in front of its building in East Baltimore. Books for Kids money is used to purchase books to be distributed through the LFL. Over 900 books have been distributed this year. BSFS Books for Kids raises money at Balticon in several ways. BSFS Books for Kids Balticon holds two auctions to raise money for the BSFS Books for Kids program: Saturday evening during the Masquerade intermission and Sunday afternoon after the Art Auction. Funds raised will be used to purchase books for students to keep on their own. BSFS Books for Kids also collects book donations for local school libraries. Items for the auction are donated by individuals and companies and generally have a Science Fiction or Fantasy theme. To donate items for the auction, contact booksforkids@balticon.org .

< Back Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade Balticon’s Cosplay Contest, the Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade, is the opportunity for fans to present their science fiction- and fantasy-related costumes to delight our audience. While some costumers may simply model their costumes on stage, most entries present dramatic or comedic skits. A team of judges reward costume design and workmanship to encourage our costumers’ efforts. Cosplay, or the practice of dressing up as a character from a movie, book, or video game, is a strong component of Balticon. Many attendees choose to wander around the con dressed as their favorite character. Anonymous judges will award Hall Costume Contest ribbons throughout the weekend. The costuming highlight of the weekend is the Masquerade held on Saturday evening. Balticon offers hours of costuming panels, workshops, and presentations. We try to schedule the majority before the Masquerade so that novices can pick up last minute coaching, if desired. The Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade The Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade will be held in the Main Ballroom. Individual and group contestants take the stage for a short presentation showcasing their costumes. Children will get to show off their favorite characters before the adults strut their stuff. Our team of expert judges award points in several categories, including creativity, craftsmanship, and presentation. Winners are announced at the end of the evening. The goal of the Masquerade is to give our costumers a chance to share their talent and put on a good show for the enjoyment of all. Everyone is invited to enjoy the display of creativity and artistry that will be on stage. Balticon 59 Masquerade Results Young Fan Sunny the Axolotl Wizard – Most Magical Handsome Jack – Most Energetic Best in Class Workmanship – Sunny the Axolotl Wizard Novice – Presentation Keeper of the Stories – Best in Class Lady Maria of the Astral Clock Tower – Most Deadly Regency Dandy Magneto – Diamond of the Season Warrier Cats – Best Cat Toy Space Cowboy – Most Dazzling Lethal Undercover Jedi – Honorable Mention Novice – Workmanship Keeper of the Stories – Best Original Character Regency Dandy Magneto – Most Sustainable Cosplay Mythril Arts Judge’s Award – Warrior Cats: Into the Wild Personified Best in Class – Lady Maria of the Astral Clock Tower Journeyman – Presentation Brother Philostogen – Most Impressive Hawk Eye not the Hawk Guy – Best Presentation In Memory of Black Suffragettes – Best in Class Journeyman - Workmanship Jinafiire Judge’s Award – Brother Philostogen Masquerade Kate Bishop Hawkeye – Most Elegant Master -Presentation Princess Mirabel, I give you wings – Most Original Interpretation Patchwork Peacock – Best in Class Master – Workmanship In Memory of Black Suffragettes – Best in Class Best in Show – Presentation Zuko Best in Show – Workmanship Patchwork Peacock Masquerade Rules and Guidelines

< Back Robert A. Heinlein Award The Baltimore Science Fiction Society will present the Robert A. Heinlein Award during the Opening Ceremonies. Sharon Lee Wins 2025 Robert A. Heinlein Award The award will be formally presented during opening ceremonies of Balticon 59 Friday, May 23, 2025 8:00 p.m. Sharon Lee , novelist, is the 2025 winner of the Robert A. Heinlein Award. The award is bestowed for outstanding published works in science fiction and technical writings that inspire the human exploration of space. This award is in recognition of Ms. Lee’s body of work of over 38 novels and short stories. A majority of her space themed work is in the Liaden Universe, written with her late husband Steve Miller, and features merchant families trading across the galaxy. The next Liaden Universe novel, Diviner’s Row, is forthcoming from Baen Books in April 2025. The award will be formally presented during opening ceremonies on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 8:00 PM for Balticon 59, the 59th Maryland Regional Science Fiction Convention. Balticon will take place at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore Maryland. Ms. Lee will participate in the Balticon program across Memorial Day Weekend. Balticon and the Robert A. Heinlein Award are both managed and sponsored by The Baltimore Science Fiction Society, Inc. BSFS thanks The Heinlein Society and the family of Dr. Yoji Kondo for providing funding for this award. The Robert A. Heinlein Award is a sterling silver medallion bearing the image of Robert A. Heinlein, as depicted by artist Arlin Robins. The medallion is matched with a red-white-blue lanyard. In addition, the winner receives two lapel pins for use when a large medallion is impractical, and a plaque describing the award for home or office wall display. The Robert A. Heinlein Award selection committee consists of science fiction writers and was founded by Dr. Yoji Kondo, a long-time friend of Robert and Virginia Heinlein. Members of the original committee were approved by Virginia Heinlein. Virginia Heinlein authorized multiple awards in memory of her husband. Other awards include the Heinlein Prize, which is fully funded by Virginia Heinlein's estate, and a National Space Society award for volunteer projects. More information on the Robert A. Heinlein Award, including past winners, can be found at www.bsfs.org/bsfsheinlein.htm Sharon Lee maintains an official website at https://sharonleewriter.com/ To contact the Heinlein Award liaison at BSFS, email dale@bsfs.org Sharon Lee lives in the town of Waterville in the state of Maine, USA. The Robert A. Heinlein Award was founded by Dr. Yoji Kondo, a long-time friend of Robert and Virginia Heinlein. A grant from the Heinlein Society funds half of the costs associated with the award with additional funding provided by the family of Dr. Kondo. Balticon and the Robert A. Heinlein Award are annual activities of the Baltimore Science Fiction Society. More information on the Robert A. Heinlein Award, including past winners, can be found at https://www.bsfs.org/bsfsheinlein.htm .

< Back Dealers Room Balticon’s Dealers Room is like a pop-up mini mall of geeky goodness. You’ll find an assortment of vendors with all sorts of fannish delights, including books, games and gaming accessories, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, and more! Balticon’s Dealers Room is a curated selection of vendors catering to fandom. We offer space for everything from games and gaming paraphernalia to jewelry, booksellers, authors, and more. While Artist’s Alley focuses on artists and their creations, our Dealers Room is open to creators and resellers alike. We work hard to offer the members of Balticon a variety of selections so we’re careful to curate our vendor applications (this mostly means we try not to have duplicate vendors). Note: The dealer's room is at capacity. We are compiling a wait's list for future prospects. Balticon’s Dealers Room is a curated selection of vendors catering to fandom. We offer space for everything from games and gaming paraphernalia to jewelry, booksellers, authors, and more. While Artist’s Alley focuses on artists and their creations, our Dealers Room is open to creators and resellers alike. We work hard to offer the members of Balticon a variety of selections so we’re careful to curate our vendor applications. This means we try not to have duplicate vendors. Please select the following button to be added to the email list: Balticon Dealers Room Registration We are only accepting vendors related to Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror literature and geek culture to ensure a good fit for our event (Companies not currently being accepted include but are not limited to: travel, home improvement, direct/home sales, etc.). Thank you for your understanding. Half Table (authors only) $100 6’ x 8’ space $190 10’ x 10’ space $330 To register for an Dealers Room table: Fill out the Dealers Room Application Form. After being accepted, you will receive an email with the Dealers Information Packet and a Square invoice. For more information, email dealers@balticon.org .