Origins Art Show

Origins has always been proud of its Art Show, showcasing the talents of industry professional and amateur artists alike. There’s also an officiated Exhibition, silent auction, gallery and print shop, artist signing area, competitions, and much more! (Visit the Origins Art Show in Ballroom 2)

Art Competition

Once again we will feature the Art Competition, where professionals and amateurs may compete and be judged in the following categories: Best Historical, Best Fantasy, Best Science Fiction, Best Game-Related, Best Color, Best Three-Dimensional/Mixed Media, Best Monochromatic, and of course, Best of Show. Amateurs and professionals will be awarded separate First, Second, Third awards as well as Fan Favorite in these categories and Fan Favorite Best of Show. Ballots will be available onsite and the panel of expert judges will be comprised of guest artists and industry experts.

Artists On Parade

Many featured artists will be present to talk over their pieces with you, sell you some of their work, or put together a composition on the spot of your favorite character, superhero, or villain to take home. A themed art competition will put the attending artists to the test, judging their skills and showcase their works on the spot. Attending artists will also be available to sign your purchases. The artist schedule will be posted at the entrance to the Art Show.

Silent Auction & Print Shop

Some of the Original and Limited Edition pieces will be sold along with other items in the silent auction that runs the length of the show. As well, some prints and multiple run items from attending and remote artists will be available in the Print Shop and priced reasonably for purchase. Guests can use their Origins Badge to bid on items in the auction and credit card service will be available for your convenience when purchasing.

Artists, you can download the 2012 Art Show Packet here.

  The 2010 onsite book cover art by Larry Elmore.

Origins Art College

Art surrounds and sustains the world of gaming and GAMA welcomes you to participate in the Art College at Origins with over 100 classes designed to encourage and nurture the inner artist in every gamer. There are class offerings in many mediums including animation, digital artwork, pencil drawings, water color painting, sculpting, miniature painting, photography, terrain creation and more . . .

We have classes available with some of the industry's established leading artists such at Larry Elmore, Ed Beard, Jr., Sandra Garrity, and Echo Chernik.

Whether you are an accomplished artist, a student of the arts or just want to grow your creative side, there is something for every skill level and age group. Please see the full Events Listing for the complete class list.

Buy your tickets early because seating is limited! Some of this year’s Origins Art College Events include:

Painting Minis Fast

Pretty much everybody’s been there: you have a new mini for your skirmish army or a new or improved RPG character, and you need it right away. You’re in luck, because there are techniques that can help you get a mini looking good on the tabletop in a very short amount of time, and this class will show you how to do it. The class will be hands-on, with brushes and paint you can use. A mini will be provided to take with you from the class, or bring your own primed mini.

Advanced Tips and Tricks for Miniatures

This class will cover everything from basing materials (using things found around the house), fuzzy primer fix, mold line fix after you have painted the figure, fun with superglue, the wonderful Weldbond Glue and all it can do, using inks and washes, dry-brushing tricks. This class will be mainly lecture with bases provided to take home after working on them.

Basic Drawing: Turning Your Family into Robots

Introduction to basic drawing concepts. A step by step process of breaking a simple photo down into basic shapes. Students bring 8x10 photos of friends or family (or anyone else) and change them into ROBOTS. Students should choose the number of people in their photos based on their ambitions. Students should also bring tracing paper, a black marker, pencil and letter size white copier or printer paper no more than 20lbs.

Introduction to Sculpting

An overview of the tools, techniques, and resources available for those interested in learning to sculpt. Learn the basics of putty manipulation to fill gaps, convert figures, or sculpting full figures.

Drawing Monsters

This class will instruct students in drawing monsters and other enemies for their gaming sessions.

(Visit the Origins Art College in Ballroom 2)