Cathy Wappel Memorial Miniature Painting Open at Origins
The Cathy Wappel Memorial Miniature Painting Open at Origins stands as both a celebration of artistic excellence and a tribute to a figure who helped shape the heart of the miniature painting community. Cathy Wappel, alongside her husband James, was a pillar of the hobby during its formative years in the late 90s and early 2000s. Through their passion, teaching, and unwavering support of fellow artists, they helped foster a culture of creativity, generosity, and growth that still defines the modern miniature painting scene. Cathy’s legacy is one of encouragement, community, and lifting others up, and it is in that spirit that this event carries her name.
Now entering its third year as an Open style competition at Origins Game Fair, this event is built around a philosophy that prioritizes the artist and their work above all else. Rather than ranking painters against one another, the Open format evaluates each piece on its own merits, celebrating achievement, intent, and execution across a wide range of styles and approaches. It is a system designed to recognize growth, reward effort, and create space for both emerging and veteran painters to thrive.
Led by Neil Duffey, aka Impendingduff, and a dedicated team of professional miniature painters who oversee the Origins hobby program, this competition is part of a larger mission to grow and nurture a strong, inclusive painting culture within the convention. Whether you are entering your first piece or pushing for your best work yet, the Cathy Wappel Memorial Open exists to support, challenge, and celebrate you as an artist.
Judging Criteria
The Origins Miniature Painting Open is a display-style competition focused on celebrating artistic achievement across all styles and skill levels.
This competition values a wide range of styles and approaches. No single technique, genre, or aesthetic is favored over another.
Judges evaluate how well the artist achieves their intended result.
There is no rigid scoring system. Entries are judged comparatively, based on overall quality, impact, and intent.
Core Criteria
Judges evaluate entries across the following artistic elements:
Execution
Brush control, cleanliness, and technical application. Includes clarity of forms and how effectively the paintwork supports or enhances the sculpt.
Color & Contrast
Effective use of color, value contrast, and visual readability.
Lighting & Effects
Use of light and shadow, including effects such as OSL and environmental lighting.
Composition
How the piece is arranged and presented visually, including basing and display.
Storytelling & Atmosphere
Narrative, mood, and the emotional impact of the piece.
Creative Direction
The artist’s vision and decision-making, including color choices, mood, interpretation, and any use of conversions or kitbashing.
How entries are evaluated
● Not all entries need to excel in every category
● Strength in one or two areas may earn recognition
● Higher awards require strength across multiple areas
● The highest awards demonstrate excellence across most or all criteria
Entries are evaluated based on how effectively the artist achieves their intended result, not
adherence to any single style.
Judging method
● Judging is subjective and discussion-based
● Judges are selected for their expertise and are expected to set aside personal bias
● Entries are compared relative to the strongest work in their category
Awards are determined through:
● Open discussion
● Group consensus
● Voting when required
There is:
● No points system
● No fixed number of awards per category
Judges may move entries upward in recognition level if warranted. Entries are never downgraded.
Awards structure
Awards are given as:
● Gold
● Silver
● Bronze
● Commended
Any number of awards may be given in each category based on merit.
RULES & ENTRY GUIDELINES
Categories
Judges reserve the right to recategorize entries.
Single Figure
Single model up to 53mm scale.
Large Figure
54mm scale and above, including large figures, vehicles, and monsters.
Bust
Single or multiple bust-style pieces.
Diorama
Must clearly tell a story created by the artist.
Emphasis on composition, storytelling, and presentation.
Must include scratch-built or kitbashed elements.
Scratch-built or kitbashed elements may be present in the environment, the models, or both, but the overall scene must represent an original composition created by the artist.
Pre-built display models alone are not acceptable.
Note: Large scenic bases without clear narrative or interaction between elements may be recategorized as Single Figure.
Maximum size: 12” x 12” x 12”
Unit
Must represent a cohesive group with a clear theme
Must be mounted to a single display base
Figures must be secured (glue, magnets, etc.)
Painting quality must be consistent across the unit
Loose individual bases will not be accepted
Youth
Open to painters 14 years old or younger
Judged separately from all other categories
Entry Limits & Fees
● 1 entry per category per competitor
● Entry fee:
○ $3 per entry (via official event ticket) OR
○ 1 generic ticket per entry
Entry Submission Times:
Thursday 10:00am to 5:00pm
Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm
We cannot make accommodations outside of these hours. Please plan accordingly.
Judging takes place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Non-Origins staff are not permitted to loiter in the judging area. Any entrants found loitering in the judging area will be disqualified from the competition.
Awards
Best in Show - will receive a trophy In Honor of Cathy Wappel, cash prize, and a sponsor prize package.
Best Single Figure - will receive a trophy and sponsor prize support.
Best Bust - will receive a trophy and sponsor prize support.
Best Large Figure - will receive a trophy and sponsor prize support.
Best Diorama - will receive a trophy and sponsor prize support.
Best Unit - will receive a trophy and sponsor prize support.
Best Youth Entry - will receive a trophy and sponsor prize support.
Judges Award- given to the most innovative and inspiring entry to catch the judges eye, that did not win best in its category.
Manufacturer and Sponsorship Awards
In addition to the main awards, a number of manufacturer and sponsored awards will be
presented.
● Best Cyberpunk Themed Entry — Sponsored by Monster Fight Club
● Best Warhammer 40,000 Entry — Sponsored by ImpendingDuff
Award Ceremony
The Awards Ceremony will be held at the Origins Stage-Union Station B- at 12pm on Sunday.
Entry Pickup Times
Sunday: 10:00am- 11:30am.
Pickup will resume following awards ceremony until 3:00pm.
Feedback session
A feedback session will be held immediately following the awards ceremony and will run until 3:00 PM.
This is the only opportunity for entrants to receive in-person feedback from the judges.
● Each entrant will have approximately 5 minutes to speak with the judges
● Time may vary slightly depending on demand
● Entrants may ask questions and receive verbal feedback on their work
No written feedback will be provided
Liability & Collection Policy
Entries are displayed at the owner’s risk.
Origins Game Fair and ImpendingDuff Gaming Services LLC are not responsible for loss or
damage.
Collection
Entries must be collected during the designated pickup window.
Entries will not be shipped or held.
Unclaimed entries become property of ImpendingDuff Gaming Services LLC and will be donated to charity.
Any questions or concerns prior to the con, please email Head Judge and Origins Hobby Program Lead, Neil Duffey, at Duff@Impendingduff.com