Model Expo

OPEN COMPETITION

The open format is different from a normal podium-based competition, in so far as exhibitors are judged and competing against the show standards, not their peers. Teams of judges will each look at an exhibitors display in a given category, and collectively assess which piece represents the highest quality entry by that artist. That piece is then judged against the category criteria, and awarded a medal if earned. That means there could be any number of Gold, Silver, or Bronze awards per category. This system is designed to foster encouragement and growth, not loss and dejection. It also aims to remove the competitiveness present in other competitions.

BASIC COMPETITION RULES

1. All entries must be owned by and be the work of the competing artist(s).
2. The entry must be registered in the real name(s) of the competing artist(s), and if there are multiple authors of the work, all names must be represented.
3. Collectors are not allowed to enter the competition, but are welcome to display the work in their collection in the appropriate area.
4. The sponsors and organizers of Sword & Brush reserve the right to photograph any entry with a view to publication or use in any promotional literature.
5. Sword & Brush reserves the right to move entries to different categories if deemed appropriate.
6. Sword & Brush reserves the right to remove or disqualify any entries deemed to be rude or offensive, or in bad taste, and to withdraw any class if the category is underrepresented at their discretion.
7. Sword & Brush does not accept any form of entry not entered in person by the responsible artist(s) without prior arrangement, and signed letters of consent from authoring artist for the entrant to register. Mail entries will not be accepted under any circumstances.
8. Decisions by the judges are final and cannot be appealed.
9. Each participating exhibitor is only eligible for one (1) medal or award per category regardless of the number of their entries in that category, excluding special category awards.

SPECIAL AWARDS

Special awards will be given out for the following:

• Best in Show – chosen by the show judges
• Paul Kernan Memorial Award – voted by show attendees
• Theme Award – chosen by the judges for a piece that fits the show theme (see below)
• Category Awards – chosen by the judges

2023 SHOW THEME: REMEMBRANCE

This year’s theme is “Remembrance”. How you interpret the theme is up to you! Please mark on your entry form if your model is intended to be considered for the theme award.

HISTORICAL PAINTERS

This category is reserved for stock, converted, or scratch built  historical miniatures. Entries are judged against the competition standard with respect to the following criteria:

• Application of paint
• Cleanliness of construction
• Scenic elements (including basework)
• Overall quality of appearance

SCI-FI & FANTASY PAINTERS

This category is reserved for stock, converted, or scratch built sci-fi/fantasy miniatures. Entries are judged against the competition standard with respect to the following criteria:

• Application of paint
• Cleanliness of construction
• Scenic elements (including basework)
• Overall quality of appearance

DIORAMAS & VIGNETTES

This category is reserved for stock, converted, or scratch built historical or sci-fi/fantasy miniatures and/or vehicles collected together in a scene telling a story. Entries must be on a single base, and contain at least 2 miniatures/figures, in addition to any vehicles if present. Entries are judged against the competition standard with respect to the following criteria:

• Application of paint
• Cleanliness of construction
• Scenic elements (including basework)
• Clarity of story being told
• Overall quality of appearance

WARGAMING UNIT

This category is reserved for stock, converted, or scratchcbuilt historical or sci-fi/fantasy miniatures and/or vehicles collected together as a cohesive unit. Entries must be between 5 and 10 models, and do not need to be presented on a single base if not desired. Entries are judged against the competition standard with respect to the following criteria:

• Application of paint
• Cleanliness of construction
• Scenic elements (including base work)
• Uniformity of overall unit appearance
• Overall quality of appearance

HISTORICAL VEHICLES

This category is reserved for stock, converted, or scratch built historical vehicles of any variety, from the beginning of time up until present day (includes tanks, planes, boats,  tractors, etc). Entries are judged against the competition standard with respect to the following criteria:

• Application of paint
• Cleanliness of construction
• Scenic elements (including base work)
• Overall quality of appearance

SCI-FI & FANTASY VEHICLES

This category is reserved for stock, converted, or scratch built sci-fi/fantasy vehicles of any variety, it just must be an invented vehicle. Entries are judged against the competition standard with respect to the following criteria:

• Application of paint
• Cleanliness of construction
• Scenic elements (including base work)
• Overall quality of appearance

JUNIOR (14 and under)

This category is reserved for stock, converted, or scratch built miniature or vehicles of any variety. The owner of the works must be 14 years of age or younger. Entries are judged against the competition standard with respect to the following criteria:

• Application of paint
• Cleanliness of construction
• Scenic elements (including base work)
• Overall quality of appearance

CREATOR CATEGORY

This category is reserved for unique and one of a kind models, bust, figures created by the entrants.  For scratch builders and sculptors, entries must include work in progress (WIP) pictures and the final and original product.  Greens, clay, plastic styrene scratch builds, digitally sculpted 3D prints etc. are all eligible and need not be painted. 

• Anatomy/structure
• Cleanliness of construction
• Overall quality of appearance

HOW TO SUBMIT ENTRIES

Please fill out a model entry form (link above) for every model you are entering. Find an open spot on one of the display tables and set up your model along with it’s entry form. Be sure to place your model on the table according to its category.

JUDGING CRITERIA

All entries will be judged on the criteria listed in each Category Description listed above.  Each Criteria will be judged out of a score of 5 (five). 

Entries will judged based on the following grades:

• Gold: 90-100%
• Silver: 80-90%
• Bronze: 70-80%
• Commended:  >70% and/or at the Judge’s Discretion