Model Expo

Historical, Fantasy & Sci-Fi Miniature Show

Canada’s Premier Miniature & Figure Modelling Expo. Sponsored by the Southwestern Ontario Figure Club.

Model registration information coming soon.

OPEN COMPETITION

The open style competition 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 exhibitor’s 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 the 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.
  10. An exhibitor may be awarded an award for their entire display if the judges are unable to pick a single standout entry for a medal or award.

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

2026 SHOW THEME: Dueling Fates

This year’s theme, Dueling Fates, invites artists to explore the timeless clash between good and evil – not through a single figure, but through at least two. Each entry should present a pair (or more!) of miniatures locked in opposition: rivals, reflections, or forces of balance and chaos. Whether a duel between knight and sorcerer, soldier and rebel, or mech and monster, these pairings reveal the deeper story of struggle between them. Through composition, color, and contrast, painters are challenged to capture not only the conflict, but the contrast in the moment when light and shadow meet.

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. There is no provision in this category’s score for sculpting or conversion work, the models are simply judged on the painting and base.

  • Application of Paint & Construction
  • Scenic Elements
  • Composition
  • Colour Choice and Visual Appeal

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 & Construction
  • Scenic Elements
  • Composition
  • Colour Choice and Visual Appeal

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 & Construction
  • Scenic Elements
  • Composition
  • Colour Choice and Visual Appeal
  • Storytelling

WARGAMING UNIT

This category is reserved for stock, converted, or scratchbuilt historical or sci-fi/fantasy miniatures and/or vehicles collected together as a cohesive unit. Entries must be between 5 and a maximum of 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 & Construction
  • Scenic Elements
  • Colour Choice and Visual Appeal
  • Cohesion

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 & Construction
  • Scenic Elements
  • Colour Choice and Visual Appeal

FANTASY VEHICLES

is 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 & Construction
  • Scenic Elements
  • Colour Choice and Visual Appeal

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 & Construction
  • Scenic Elements
  • Composition
  • Colour Choice and Visual Appeal

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, Sculpey, Plastic styrene scratch builds, etc).

  • Application of Paint & Construction
  • Elements
  • Composition
  • Colour Choice and Visual Appeal
  • Sculpting
  • Storytelling

HOW TO SUBMIT ENTRIES

More information coming soon.