Winter Arts & Sciences Faire
Winter Arts &
Sciences Faire

January 8th - 10th
2010
Brandon Rotary
Camp

1915  Camp Florida
Road, Brandon, FL
33510
Winter Arts & Sciences Faire


Kingdom Minister of Arts and Sciences:
Countess Dulcia MacPherson
(mka) Elizabeth Brooks
artsci@trimaris.org

This Winter Art/Sci competition is the first in which the new levels of Novice, Journeyman,
Artificer, and Masterwork will be employed. To learn more about these levels, view
documentation guides, and download entry forms go to the new Trimaris Arts and Sciences
website.

Art/Sci Faire F.A.Q.

What does it mean to enter Art/Sci as a Novice?

Novices are entrants who are new to Art/Sci Faires, new to the art or craft they are entering, or
both.  Novice entries are designed to allow entrants to learn about the process of entering
Art/Sci and to learn about their art/craft by receiving advice and constructive commentary.  
Novices are judged on a 40 point scale and have lower documentation requirements than
other levels of entry.  The Novice Documentation Form will guide novice entrants through
providing the necessary documentation.  Novices are also judged on simpler criteria than
other levels of entry.  Judges look at the following aspects of a Novice entry:  the overall
historical authenticity/appearance of the entry, documentation, and the workmanship or skill
involved in creating the entry.  Novice entries are not eligible for calculating the Champion of
the Arts or selection to be a Gulf Wars Art/Sci Champion.  Novice entries do count toward
calculating the Patron of the Arts.  You can enter the same category multiple times as a
novice but it is expected that you will enter in progressively higher levels of entry as you
develop your knowledge and skill in your art or science.

What does it mean to enter Art/Sci as a Journeyman?

Journeymen are entrants who are more experienced in their art or craft than they are at doing
research and writing documentation, or they are more experienced at researching and writing
documentation than they are at the art or craft they are entering.  Journeyman entries are
designed to allow entrants to develop their experience and skills by receiving targeted advice,
feedback and constructive commentary.  Journeyman are judged on a 60 point scale and
have lower documentation requirements than the Artificer and Masterwork levels, but higher
documentation requirements than Novice entries.  The Journeyman Documentation Form
will guide Journeyman entrants through the process of expanding their documentation.  
Journeymen are judged on the same aspects as Novice entries, plus two additional
aspects:  the authenticity of the materials and/or the appropriateness of the materials used in
the entry, and the authenticity of the methods used and/or appropriateness of the substitute
methods used in the entry.  Journeyman entries are eligible for calculating both Champion of
the Arts and Patron of the Arts, but may not be selected as Gulf Wars Art/Sci Champions.  You
can enter the same category multiple times as a Journeyman but it is expected that you will
enter in progressively higher levels of entry as you develop your knowledge and skill in your
art or science.

What does it mean to enter Art/Sci as an Artificer?  

Artificers are entrants who are experienced in both their art/craft and in the art of research and
documentation, and have approximately equal skill in both areas.  Ideally entrants at this level
will also be experienced in the process of entering Art/Sci.  Artificer entries are designed to
test the skill and knowledge of the entrants while provided detail oriented advice, feedback
and constructive commentary.  Artificers are judged on an 80 point scale.  Documentation is
similar, though more detailed, to that required at the Journeyman level.  Entrants are provided
with a guideline to follow in creating their own written document, rather than a form to fill out.  
Artificer entries are judged on the same aspects as Journeyman entries, with the addition of
two new aspects:  the complexity of the entry (measured in comparison to the maximum
complexity possible for an entry of this type) and the creativity shown in combining and
blending multiple historically accurate elements to create a unique but authentic item.  
Artificer entries are eligible for calculating the Champion of the Arts and Patron of the Arts.  
They are also eligible to be selected as Gulf Wars Art/Sci Champions.  You can enter the
same category multiple times as an Artificer.

What does it mean to enter Art/Sci as a Masterwork?

Masterwork entrants are artisans who areery experienced and skilled in both their art/craft
and in the art of research and documentation, and have equal skill in both areas.  Entrants at
this level should also be very experienced in the process of entering Art/Sci.  Masterwork
entries are designed to be a real test the skill and knowledge of the entrants.   Advice,
feedback and constructive commentary will be highly detailed and specific.  Masterwork
entries are judged on a 100 point scale.  Documentation is more expansive than that
required at the Artificer level.  Entrants are provided with a guideline to follow in creating their
own written document.  Masterwork entries are judged on the same aspects as Artificer
entries.  Masterworks are the highest level of entry in the Art/Sci Faire and are subject to the
most intense judging scrutiny.  Masterwork entries are eligible for calculating the Champion
of the Arts and Patron of the Arts.  They are also eligible to be selected as Gulf Wars Art/Sci
Champions.  You can enter the same category multiple times as a Masterwork.

What is Complexity and how is Complexity judged?  

Complexity is a measurement of the amount of time, care and attention to period detail given
to the entry by the artisan.  Because the ultimate goal of an artisan entering an Art/Sci Faire is
to create an item that is so authentic it could have been made in period, one of the first things
the judges look at is the steps the artisan took in creating the entry.  The documentation
accompanying an entry tells the judges how a period artisan created an item like this.  It also
tells us how the artisan created the entry.  By comparing the two, the judges are able to see
how many period steps the artisan used in creating the entry and how closely they followed
the period methods.  In addition, the judges can see how many extra steps and/or extra detail
the entrant put into the entry.  An entry need not be complicated or involve multiple parts in
order to receive a perfect score for Complexity, however projects that adhere very closely to
the steps and methods used in period will tend to score higher than other entries.

Do all of my entries at Art/Sci have to be at the same level?  

No, all your entries do not have to be at the same level.   You can enter as many categories
as you want, at as many levels as you feel comfortable entering.  The only thing you cannot
do is enter multiple items in the same category.

So I can enter multiple categories within a single subdivision?

Yes, you can enter multiple categories within a single subdivision.  Your entries can also be
at different levels of entry within a subdivision.  You can only enter one item per category
though.    

What about group projects?   

Group projects are allowed in Art/Sci.  You may enter the same category as part of a group
project and as an individual project.  You may not enter the same category in multiple group
projects, but there is no limit to the number of group projects you can enter in a single Art/Sci.  
In other words, a performer may enter a vocal solo and a vocal ensemble (group project) but
can only be in ONE vocal ensemble per Art/Sci Faire.  The same individual could also enter
an instrumental ensemble and a combined (voices and instruments) ensemble at the same
Art/Sci Faire.

Is there a limit to how many entries I may have at a single Art/Sci Faire?

Currently there is no limit to the total number of entries you may have at a single Art/Sci Faire.  
You may not enter any category with more than one individual entry and one group entry.

Is it better to enter a lot of things at Art/Sci, or just a few things?

It’s usually better to enter to limit your number of entries.  There is no prize at Art/Sci for the
person who entered the most items.  The goal of Art/Sci is to learn about your arts, get
constructive feedback on your projects and grow as an artisan.  Most people can really only
do their best work and give their attention to a few things at a time.  Ideally you shouldn’t enter
more categories than you truly have time, attention, and a passion for.

Why do I need to have documentation?

The short and simple version is this:  Documentation allows the judging panel to understand
the purpose and background of your project.  It also tells the judges what you know, and what
you don’t know, about your art/craft and project.  This allows them to help you learn new
things instead of repeating information or advise that you already know.  It’s also possible
that you have learned something about your art/craft or project that your judges don’t know.  If
you don’t document what you did and why you did it, the judging panel may not have enough
information to give you good feedback on your project.

What do I need to include in my documentation?

Again, the short and simple answer:  Who, what, where, when, why and how.  Answering
these basic questions goes a long way towards providing basic documentation.  There are a
lot of articles available on the internet that can provide a lot more detailed information on how
to develop good documentation for advanced entries, but all good documentation answers
these basic questions.

Does my documentation need to be typed?  

No, it does not need to be typed.  Make sure that it is legible though – Don’t use fancy fonts or
calligraphy.  If you are handwriting your documentation, it’s best to stick to blue or black ink.  
Other colors may be pretty, but they can be hard for some people to read.

What format or writing style do I have to use in my documentation?

You may use whatever writing style you prefer.  APA, MLA and all other writing styles are
acceptable.  Just be sure that you use same style throughout your documentation.

Why should I pre-register my entry for Kingdom Art/Sci?

It allows the Kingdom Minister of Arts & Sciences time to recruit judges who are
knowledgeable about your entry.  Some categories have a lot of people who are
knowledgeable enough to be good judges, others have very few.  Pre-registering your entry
helps the Art/Sci staff make participation in the Faire a more rewarding experience for you.

What if I pre-register a project but don’t finish it in time?

Pre-registering a project isn’t a contract.  If your project isn’t finished, save it for the next
Art/Sci Faire.

Why do written work entries need to be submitted so far in advance?

It takes a lot of time to read and evaluate written works properly.  Reading, comprehending
and evaluating one moderately long written work can take a couple of hours for each judge.  
Imagine being asked to review several written works at an event!  Depending on the topic of
your entry, the judges who are best suited to review your paper may also have a large
number of other entries to evaluate.  Even if there is enough time to spend a couple hours on
each written entry, the judges will become tired and will not be able to concentrate as well
after reading the first entry.  When you submit written works in advance your entry receives the
level of attention that it deserves and you get the best feedback possible for your work.

What are the Arts & Sciences awards in the Kingdom of Trimaris?  

Argent Estoile:  The Order of the Argent Estoile is bestowed for excellence in the Arts or
Sciences in a specific area of endeavor.  The Argent Estoile is often the first Arts & Sciences
award presented to an artist in Trimaris.  Recipients of the Argent Palm may place the initials
“OAE” after their name when signing official letters in the SCA.  If you would like to
recommend an artist for the Argent Palm, simply write a letter to the Crown explaining why
you think this individual is deserving of this award.

Bard’s Laureate:  The Order of the Bard’s Laureate is bestowed upon individuals who have
served as Poet Laureate, Troubadour Laureate, Masque Laureate or Jongleur Laureate by
winning one of these Laureate competitions.  Recipients of the Bard’s Laureate may place
the initials “OBL” after their name when signing official letters in the SCA.  This award may
only be earned by winning one of the Trimarian Laureate competitions.

Golden Galleon:  The Order of the Golden Galleon is bestowed for exemplary service as an
event head cook or autocrat.  This award is frequently presented in recognition truly
outstanding feasts.  Recipients of the Golden Galleon may place the initials “OGG” after their
name when signing official letters in the SCA.  If you would like to recommend someone for
the Golden Galleon, simply write a letter to the Crown explaining why you think this individual
is deserving of this award.

Trade Winds:  The Order of the Trade Winds of Trimaris is bestowed for enduring and
exemplary service in the Arts & Sciences.  This award comes with an Award of Arms if the
recipient does not already hold that rank.  Recipients of the Trade Winds Trimaris may place
the initials “OTWT” after their name when signing official letters in the SCA.  If you would like
to recommend an artist for the Trade Winds Trimaris, simply write a letter to the Crown
explaining why you think this individual is deserving of this award.

Silver Trident:  The Order of the Silver Trident Trimaris is the premief Arts & Sciences award
for the Kingdom of Trimaris.  The Silver Trident is bestowed for excellence in any Art or
Science and exemplary courtesy.  This award comes with a Grant of Arm is the recipient does
not already hold that rank.  Recipients of the Silver Trident may place the initials “OSTT” after
their name when signing official letters in the SCA.  If you would like to recommend an artist
for the Silver Trident Trimaris, simply write a letter to the Crown explaining why you think this
individual is deserving of this award.

Order of the Laurel:  The Order of the Laurel is a Peerage Order and the highest artistic
award given throughout the SCA.  The Order of the Laurel is a polling order.  The current
members of the Order vote on worthy candidates before recommending them to the Crown
for elevation.  The Crown then decides whether or not to elevate a candidate into the Order.  
Members of the Order are expected to be very skilled and knowledgeable in at least one
medieval or renaissance art or craft.  All Peers are expected to be knowledgeable about the
SCA and to demonstrate the courtesy and skills worthy of a civilized court in SCA period.  
Peers are expected to be obedient to Corpora, the Laws of the Society and Kingdom Law.  
Members of the Order of the Laurel are encouraged to swear fealty to the Crown and are
expected to show respect for, and support, the Crown.  The populace may recommend
worthy candidates for the Order of the Laurel by writing a letter to the Secretary of the Order.