Art/Sci FAQ

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.

Do you have additional questions that weren’t answered here? Send your questions to the Kingdom Minister of Arts & Sciences!