2014 Conchologists of America Convention Mini Shell Show

2014 Conchologists of America Convention
Mini Shell Show Categories
1. Best Neptunia lyrata (Gmelin, 1791). A single shell or variation within this group that best
epitomizes the shell depicted in the COA logo. It can be from the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans.
2. A Single Beach Collected Shell. The entry must have been found washed ashore on a beach. It
can be very fresh dead. Source = any beach in the world. It does not have to be self-collected
3. Carolinian Province Collection. A group of shells in a single case no larger than 24” x 24” (61 cm
x 61cm). If it is a single shell it must be entered in Category 4. The shells must be collected from
the portion of the Carolinian Province from Cape Canaveral to Cape Hatteras and cannot include
specimens of species living there but actually collected from outside the Province. Can be selfcollected, traded, purchased, etc.
4. A Single Salt Water Shell. A single specimen, any source, from any ocean.
5. A Single Fresh Water Shell. A single specimen, any source, from any fresh water source.
6. The Single Most Anomalous (Freak) Shell. A single shell that departs from the norm. For
example we look at it and wonder how did that thing even live? It looks like another species!
Who knew?
7. Sailor’s Valentine. It must be no larger than 10” x 10” (25.5 cm x 25.5 cm)
8. Shell Photograph. A single photograph of a live mollusk(s) or shell specimen(s). The photograph
that is beautiful in composition as well as recording mollusks and/or their shells is the goal.
9. Craft/Art Using Shells. (Not a Sailor’s Valentines). All crafts using shells, made by the entrant.
The entry cannot exceed 10”x 10” (25.5 cm x 25.5 cm) of table space
10. Craft/Art Depicting Shells. Entries can be sculpture, jewelry, paintings, drawings, stitchery etc.
made by the entrant. No actual shells can be included in the entry. The entry cannot exceed 10”
x 10” (25.5cm x 25.5cm) of table space.
Rules.
1. Entry forms must be received by July 31, 2014. Entries received after that date will be accepted
at the discretion of the Mini Shell Show Director.
2. All shells and exhibits must be property of the entrant.
3. All photographs and/or art work must be created by the entrant.
4. No exhibit or content therein can be for sale at time of the show.
5. All exhibits must be displayed on tables.
6. You must select a category for each entry. One exhibit cannot compete in multiple categories.
7. You may enter as many categories as you qualify for.
8. You may not enter one category more than once.
9. The exhibit qualifies for an award only within the category in which it is entered.
10. The exhibit must fit within a table front edge space of 10” (25.5cm) with the exception of
Category 3 which is limited to a single case no larger than 24” (61cm)square.
11. The tables being used have space up to 24” deep so if a single shell entry is larger than will fit in
10” (25.5cm) take this into consideration when planning the orientation of your entry.
12. Entries can be any height though the Shell show Committee has the authority to reject an entry
that is unstable to the risk of toppling over.
13. Any backboards, pictures or props must be self-supporting/standing.
14. The exhibit(s) must remain for the duration of the show.
Logistics
1. No electricity is available.
2. Set up time is Tuesday August 12, 07:00 – 09:00
Note: During Set up the Shell Show gallery will feature tables where shell clubs that want a table can sell
items, handout promotional materials, etc. Once set up is complete at 09:00 the shell club tables will be
closed and not reopen for the reminder of the convention. The gallery will then have no other function
than for the Shell Show.
3. No exhibit can be set up prior to the official set up time.
4. The judging is Tuesday, August 12, 10:00 – 12:00
5. The Show is open between Tuesday, August 12, 12:00 – 17:00 (5 PM) and Wednesday, August 13
08:00 – 13:30 (1:30 PM)
6. Show strike is on August 13, after close of the Business Meeting at 15:15 (3:15PM) All exhibits
must be removed from the gallery no later than 16:00 (4 PM)
Security
1. Though the Show will have Shell Show Committee members watching it during times it is open
the Shell Show Committee strongly recommends that entrants display all shells under domes,
cases, or similar protection as additional insurance against inquisitive hands.
2. The Shell Show gallery will not be open during lectures and the Oral Auction. When the Show is
closed the doors of the gallery will be locked and no one will be permitted to enter the gallery
for any reason.
Note: The Show will be open during the ½ hour program sessions breaks at 10:15 – 10:45 and
14:45 – 15:15 each day
Awards
Certificates of Award will be placed with the winning exhibits at time of judging.
Winners will be recognized and receive their trophy(ies) at the banquet.