I made it to the Artist Alley last year a few times and I can't draw at all
Locating a small, new, long-lasting event like this is difficult. Anyone who went to FC this year should have seen their artist lounge, out next to the main walkways and stairs, in an open area with views to the outside world. It felt much more like a social space and could not have been better placed, especially compared to last year's FC's artist lounge which was basically the same as CFz's this year.
Hinckley Island was very short of public social spaces that could be taken and used for specific things, and I haven't seen the new venue but I am hoping the artist alley/lounge can have a nicer home there.
Also, Rin is amazing and one of the most welcoming people I have ever met. It will never be an impersonal big-name clique area as long as she is running it.