About of ASFA
From our Bylaws, Article 3:
"ASFA is organized for artistic‚ educational‚ and charitable purposes concerning the visual arts‚ the subjects of which are science fiction‚ fantasy‚ and related topics‚ within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code‚ including‚ for such purposes‚ the making of distributions to organizations which qualify as exempt organizations under the aforesaid sections."
Mission Statement
ASFA is organized for artistic, literary, educational and charitable purposes concerning the visual arts of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mythology and related topics. We are dedicated to providing a communications link among our members, as well as providing helpful information and technical assistance.
ASFA's purpose is to encourage and help develop amateur artistic talent, support the efforts and needs of working artists, educate the public, encourage connections with publishers, patrons of the arts, art directors, show managers, collectors and anyone interested in works of the genre. We are also here to stimulate the public's interest in these areas of art.
What we do
- Build Community
- Share Information
- Provide Resources
- Recognize Excellence
ASFA provides support services for artists, publishers, fans, and literary science fiction and fantasy conventions (cons) around the globe. We assist in the running of art shows, mediating disputes and assisting in charity auctions. ASFA has provided member suites at large conventions such as the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) , North American Science Fiction Convention (NASFiC), Illuxcon, Lunacon, Philcon, Westercon and other regional cons to name a few.
In accordance with our Bylaws and Mission Statement, ASFA has set up the ASFA Community Network for our members in order to provide the services and information mentioned above. This community is presently under re-construction, but as with all communities it is ever-changing. The community contains forums, galleries, links and a calendar of events. We provide feedback to artists, information on convention art shows and a place to gain assistance from experienced professionals in the field. There are ongoing developments of content that will include typical art show rules, forms, updates and locations, assistance with press releases, places to find art supplies, and a workshop forum for community feedback. There is even an area for artists and publishers to seek out one another and make arrangements for work.
We are also developing an Artists registry of speakers and artisans who are willing to do panels at conventions and an associated listing of potential convention programming. We also hope to begin providing video tutorials of techniques ranging from traditional media to digital. Last but not least, we hope to begin documenting working artists in the field.
ASFA holds its annual meeting at the Worldcon every year unless Worldcon is held outside of North America, when the meeting is held at NASFiC.
ASFA also gives out the Chesley Awards, which were established in 1985 as ASFA's peer awards to recognize individual works and achievements not otherwise recognized by the Hugo Awards, during a given year. The Chesleys were initially called the ASFA Awards, but were later renamed to honor famed astronomical artist Chesley Bonestell after his death in 1986. The awards are usually presented annually at the World Science Fiction Convention and sometimes at the North American Science Fiction Convention when the Worldcon is held outside of North America.
2010 is the 25th anniversary of the Chesley Awards.
Interested in becoming involved?
None of the goals and aspirations mentioned above can come to fruition without an engaged and vibrant membership. Membership in ASFA is open to anyone with an interest in the genre (not just artists),
and includes artists from around the world, collectors, art directors,
publishers, educators and fans alike.
Join ASFA today!