[Steppes] Elfsea Defender A&S and Laurel's Prize Tourney

[Patrick Cuccurello]

> What is the Laurel's Prize tourney all about?

Laurel's Prize Tourney is a opportunity for the Arts Community of the
Kingdom of Ansteorra to show their work in a noncompetitive atmosphere.  It
is a "Body of Work" type of venue, meaning you can have anything from your
first piece, to the last thing you have worked on.  You may display
everything, or only those things that you would like feedback on.  Basically
you set up your table (if you were at Steppes Artisan there were many fine
displays there), and the Nobles, Peers, and Populous move around to see what
everyone is doing.  Many will stop to talk about something they see that may
interest them, or provide pointers on something they have done in the past
that was similar.

This is also not necessarily a tourney for just those people who have been
doing something a very long time and have a great deal to show.  This is an
excellent opportunity for those new to the Arts to bring their things out
for display and receive guidance on.  It is a great way to meet people
interested in the same things you are and get some help on those tough
sticking points.

The Laurel's move from table to table talking to people about their work,
what they would like to see in the Arts Community, and provide what guidance
they can if the works are in a area familiar to them.  They also will hand
out small prizes to encourage those artist whose work impresses or appeals
to them.  Please don't feel bad if a Laurel stops by but fails to give you
an in depth critique of your work.  You are probably working in a
area/medium that they are unfamiliar in.  Believe it or not, most Laurel's
are human and can be uncomfortable giving guidance in an area they are
unfamiliar with and possibly look foolish<<grin>>.  Most of the time we are
perfectly happy to make fools of ourselves in our areas of expertise without
branching out into new areas <<grin>>.  Normally, when that happens, the
Laurel will then give a "heads up" to a fellow Laurel that works in that
area to stop by.

LPT is a relaxed atmosphere without the pressure of competition.  It is
mainly for those Artists who do not like the competition format of other A&S
Competitions.  It is also there for those who do compete to have an
opportunity to polish their work with direct feedback from the Ansteorran
populous and the Laurelate.

This is just my opinion on the subject.  As with most things, your mileage
may vary depending on which Laurel you happen to speak to <<grin>>.

Petruccio