Search this site

< Back RPG Gaming Balticon 60 will have 3 tables now, 40+ game sessions, and round-the-clock tabletop role-playing games (RPG) where attendees can join one of our scheduled sessions. We also have a rpg library that has over 650 rpg books available. Games will take place between 4 p.m. Friday and Noon Monday. Throw for damage! What's your AC? Our GMs has diverse interests and broad experiences running various game systems. You can expect that the offerings this year will run the gamut of genres, settings, and historical epochs! GMs may prepare a single drop-in session, or plan a game over multiple days and times. Our volunteers will manage the RPG room. Responsibilities include keeping track of game sign-up sheets, letting GMs know when their session is almost over, helping to make sure tables are ready for the next game, and having fun. Thanks and “may all your hits be crits!” — The Balticon 60 RPG Team 3 Tables 40+ Scheduled Demos 650+ Games in Our Library

< Back Perrianne Lurie Gaming Gamer Perrianne Lurie is a long time fan who ran the Green Room for Balticon for many years. She was the Hugo Ceremony director for Torcon 3 and the Email Liaison and Deputy Program Division Director for BucCONeer. She is active in strategy (Euro) board gaming and has GMed at Euroquest, Prezcon and other gaming conventions. She watches way too much television and (mostly art house) movies. She retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Health in 2020, where she was a public health physician and infectious disease epidemiologist. She now lives in suburban Maryland. Other Socials

< List of Vendors Heroes' Hoard Dealer's Room Hello! My name is Erin! I am the creator, manufacturer, and maintainer of Heroes’ Hoard! I am a crafty person trying hard to make pleasing loot for any adventurer who finds me! I’m also a nerd, a mom, a gamer (video and board!), a reader, a cosplayer, and probably other things I’ve forgotten. Visit my website if you want to get an idea of the sort of stuff that interests/amuses me! (Spoiler alert: it’s almost always video games, board games, or conventions) Also, as stated above, I just like using the royal ‘we’ – Heroes’ Hoard is mine and mine alone! Heroes Hoard sells handmade gear for those of the geek persuasion, including but not limited to: Cloaks, dice bags, trays, plushes, and keychains. All items are handmade using embroidery and/or sewing. http://heroeshoard.com

< Back Tris Lawrence Literary Author Tris Lawrence has been writing since she was a child, filling notebooks with the worlds, dreams, and voices inside her head. She declared in sixth grade that she wanted to be a writer, started drafting her first novel, and never looked back. When not writing, she is a wife, a mother (to two children, two cats, and a dog), a knitter, a system administrator, a black belt in taekwondo, an avid reader, and a music aficionado. Sleep, she claims, is optional.Tris can be found on most social media platforms as tryslora, talking about writing and fandom in equal measure. She is most active on Bluesky, Tumblr, Pillowfort, and Mastodon. Other Socials

< Back Sarah Pinsker Literary Editor Sarah Pinsker is the Hugo, Nebula, Sturgeon, Philip K Dick, Locus, and Eugie Award winning author of A Song For A New Day, Sooner or Later Everything Falls Into the Sea, and, most recently, the novella Haunt Sweet Home, published by Tordotcom in 2024. She is also a singer/songwriter with four albums on various independent labels, including 2021's Something to Hold. She was born in New York and has lived all over the US and Canada, but currently lives with her wife and two dogs in Baltimore in a hundred-year-old house surrounded by sentient vines. Other Socials

< Back Jayrod P. Garrett Literary Author Jayrod P. Garrett works to build a world where all of us can feel we belong. They are a storytelling educator with a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Nevada, Reno. As a child, they came to Utah on a three-week vacation that became more than forty years. During that time, they transitioned from being a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints into a nonbinary, Black, atheist, U.S. Veteran with PTSD and ADHD. Currently they are a ghostwriter with Super Huemann Creative, an educator for RISE Virtual Academy where they teach Black students about Black history, a storyteller with the Nubian Storytellers of Utah Leadership, a Game Master running role playing games at Salt Lake City's Legendarium, and the Belonging Coordinator of Superstars Writing Seminars. They live in northern Utah with their spouse and three children. You can find more on their stories, poetry, and where they are teaching at jayrodpgarrett.com. Other Socials https://jayrodpgarrett.com/

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

< List of Vendors Walt's Cards and Games Dealer's Room Walt's Cards and Games 7620 German Hill Rd, Dundalk, MD 21222 Phone: (410) 288-7044 Walt's Cards & Collectibles is place for people of all ages to enjoy the hobby of card collecting. We look forward to doing business with all of you and sharing the hobby we all love. Cards & Collectables https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083523424532#

< Back Ada Palmer Literary Author "Perhaps the Stars" the fourth and final volume of Ada Palmer’s Terra Ignota series (Too Like the Lightning, Seven Surrenders, the Will to Battle) comes out in September 2021, complting her exploration of how Earth culture might evolve in a future of borderless nations and globally commixing populations. Too Like the Lightning won the 2017 Compton Crook Award and was a 2017 Best Novel Hugo finalist, while Ada won the 2017 John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. She teaches History at the University of Chicago, studying the history of radical ideas such as atheism, materialism, radical science, deism, atomism, and magic, mainly in the Italian Renaissance, and the Enlightenment. She composes fantasy, SF and mythology-themed music, and performs at conventions with the filk group Sassafrass. She also researches anime/manga, especially Osamu Tezuka, and consults for many anime and manga publishers. She blogs for Tor.com, =writes the philosophy & travel blog ExUrbe.com, and her Patreon supports these projects and the hope to soon launch a podcast with author friend Jo Walton. Other Socials

< 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 60 Masquerade Results Young Fan Most Energetic: Jacks of the Amazing Digital Circus - Arwen Best Routine: SDX: Mission Star - Hayden Welsher Best Fan Pop: Avatar Kyoshi - Annaliese Dinstad Best Characterization: Wednesday - Samantha Olszowka Novice – Presentation Third Place: Kiko the Kitsune - Liore Sipple Second Place: Lara Raith - Jessika Rovell First Place: Zade Meadows from Haunting Adeline - Noir Bryant Novice – Workmanship Spirit of Con Crunch Award: In Space the Moon is Always Full - Joshua Stern Best in Class: Kiko the Kitsune - Liora Sipple Judge’s Award, Most Improved: Thal Soldier from Genesis of the Daleks - Alexander George Arthur Meranski Journeyman – Presentation Second Place: The Countess of Orinoco Goes Fishing- Rachel McClelland First Place: Steampunk Librarian -Melissa Joslin Journeyman - Workmanship Best Documentation: Jaskier - Jennifer Frederick Best in Class: Amethyst the Dragon Warrior - Elyzabeth Morgan Master -Presentation Third Place: A Ball with the Fae - Misha Bushyager Second Place: To the Stars - Evelyn Lewis First Place: Danny Phantom - Tori Suggs Master – Workmanship Fantastic Rigging and Detail Work: Captain Zeon Bones - Joe Delmanico Incredible Crochet Design: Princess Beatrice, Darling of Balticon 60 - Rachel Ahrens Beautiful Book Interpretation: To the Stars - Evelyn Lewis Cleanest Beading Award: Black Halo - Lisa Ashton Best in Class: A Ball with the Fae - Misha Bushyager Best in Show Workmanship: The Countess of Orinoco Goes Fishing - Liz McClelland Presentation: Jaskier - Jennifer Frederick Masquerade Rules and Guidelines

< Back Lisa Hertel Art Artist Lisa Hertel is an artist from a long line of artists. A former pharmacist, she works in a variety of media, sometimes mixing them, and will try almost anything. Currently, she produces work in watercolor, alcohol ink (an alcohol soluble dye), encaustics (wax), wire, and ceramics. A long-time convention runner, she's worked in just about every area of conventions, and has broad fannish interests -- it's all good! Other Socials

< Back Swift Crescendo Podcasting Content Creator Hello! I am Swift Crescendo, your friendly neighborhood Silver Dragon VTuber! Over on Twitch I do a variety of games including RPGs, strategy/simulation, city builders, and more. I like to take it easy and hang out with friends, often even featuring them on stream! I otherwise try to keep things comfy and cozy - though I do have a competitive streak too, which often comes out when I'm playing something worth competing in - including mini golf. Offline, I am almost always singing and listening to some form of music, either a local classical station or Taylor Swift and Chappell Roan. Glitch Symphony is my partner and co-conspirator in most things...which I repay by attempting to be some semblance of a manager for her own channel. I am perpetually working on writing somewhere around six ideas for novels and plotting to take over worlds both virtual and physical. That last one's a joke... or is it? Other Socials