Balticon Convention Preview
The Baltimore Science Fiction Society presents the 46th annual Maryland Regional Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention at the Marriott in Hunt Valley. Unleash your inner sci-fi fanatic to enjoy the four-day event with special guests of the genre, great works of art, creative films and interactive workshops.
Marriott
245 Shawan Road
Hunt Valley, Md. 21031
(410) 785-7000
www.balticon.org
Date: Friday, May 25 to Monday, May 28, 2012
Price: $50 to $62 for adults; $25 to $31 for children (age 6-12). See further pricing and registration details.
Balticon Hotel special: $135 per room per night
Special Guests
Date: Friday, May 25 – 9 p.m.
Location: Con Suite
The Guest of Honor this year is Jody Lynn Nye, a science-fiction and fantasy author who wrote "View from the Imperium," "Dragon's Deal" and "A Forthcoming Wizard," as well as many others. Meet Nye and other special guests, including artist and illustrator, Jim Odbert, Dr. William D. Phillips, winner of the Nobel Prize for physics in 1997, and even a Ghost of Honor, Robert L. Asprin.
Art
Early Morning Sketch
Date: Monday, May 28 – 10 a.m.
Location: Salon C
Halla Fleischer will moderate a freestyle sketching session. Some materials will be on hand, but feel free to bring your own drawing paper and pencils.
Art Show
Date: Friday, May 25 to Monday, May 28
Location: Artists Alley in the hallway outside of the main ballroom
View the work of special guest Jim Odbert, in addition to web-comic artists and craftsmen. Sci-fi and fantasy art will be sold, including charcoal drawings, sculptures, watercolor and oil paintings, handmade jewelry and live media. Please note, some works may be marked for exhibition only and are not for sale.
Live Action Role Play (LARP)
Opening Ceremonies: Saturday, May 26 – 10 a.m. in Salon D
Closing Ceremonies: Monday, May 28 – 10 a.m. in Salon D
Registration: Friday, May 25 – 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, May 26 – 9 a.m. at the bottom of the escalators
Players will physically act out their fictional characters, be it a magical wizard, daring knight or fair princess, and will interact with or against each other in the pursuit of a goal. The possibilities for characters and their abilities are endless, but much thought and preparation go behind the details of their skills, costume, storyline and even language.
Workshops
Writer's Workshop
Date: Saturday, May 27 – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Belmont Room
Even the best writers can use some practice. This workshop explores different writing methods within the science-fiction and fantasy genres. Aim to bring at least the first page of your work and an open mind to different criticisms. Contact writersworkshop@bsfs.org to register for this particular workshop. More information can be found here.
Exploring the Magic and Lore of the Celtic/Norse Gods/Goddesses
Date: Saturday, May 26 – 12 p.m.
Location: Belmont Room
Knowledgable sci-fi junkies will review the Celtic and Norse Gods and mythology. There will be a "meeting" of the characters followed by a writing exercise to let your imagination take flight.
Films
Film Premiere
Date: Friday, May 25 – 9 p.m.
Location: Garden Room
Although the premiere film title has not yet been released, you can be sure it'll be a sci-fi hit. Held within the Garden Room will be the premiere sponsored by the Balticon 46 Sunday Night Short Film Festival. Check the website closer to the convention date to see which film will be presented.
Midnight Films
Movies from independent filmmakers. Films TBA
Date: Friday, May 25 and Sunday, May 27 – 12 a.m.
Location: Belmont Room
There were so many candidates for the film festival this year, that a new event had to be created to show those that can't fit into the allotted Sunday night time frame. And who doesn't like a midnight movie? Come out late night to see some of most up-and-coming shorts in the industry.
Short Film Festival
Date: Sunday, May 27 – 7 p.m.; Doors open 6:30 p.m.
Location: Valley Ballroom
The festival celebrates recent independent films of the sci-fi, fantasy and horror genres which run less than 52 minutes. Help participate in choosing category winners by picking up a ballot upon entry.
Children's events
Kamikaze Costuming
Date: Friday, May 25 – 8 p.m.
Location: Chase Room
Master Costumer, Persus Thorndike, helps participants make fantastical hall and masquerade costumes for kids. Children will enjoy playing dress up, pretending to be those fantastical characters that they all love.
Lego Challenge
Date: Monday, May 28 – 10 a.m.
Location: Con Suite
Show your Lego talents by creating the most innovative, stackable structures a child's mind can fathom. Also, prizes are awarded to those that display huge imagination.
