Mitchell,
I have to agree with you on your selections, both carvings showed great creativity on the carvers part, I wonder how much Mop-N-Joe was inspired by Marv K. either
way all the carvings showed wonderful growth.

I did not know he was inducted, and you are right he surely deserved it.

It is my hope that not only will I be able to have some entries into next years competition, but that I also can attend the workshops like I had planned this year! :-/

I have not attended any of the workshops in the past, but have heard that they were very much applauded. Heck, just meeting some of those guys would be a treat.

That being said, I at least hope to be able to attend some next year. I know not to try to plan something like this so far in advance. I'd really like to be able to attend. I have friends in the area, so I would have a place to stay; the trip is less than three hours - not too bad. If I keep thinking of all the positives, surely I can figure out a way to get off of work!!!

[JimmyB]

HI Mitch,
Just happened to find this list looking for info on Dave Stetson.
Great work at the CCA this year. Want be long till your rubbing elbows with the big boys....... Mark A. had a few nice pieces also. If you need any small basswood pcs. just let me know.
Jimmy B. Lexington, NC

Thank you Jimmy - on the compliment and the offer. I do need to drop by and see you. We need to work on some rough out ideas.

Hi Ho:

I received a letter about the competition and they will most likely continue with the same format for next year. This year was different in that the categories were expanded from 10 to 16. Although they do not differentiate between the level of carvers, there are different categories within which you can select how to place your subject.

Don't be discouraged by the level of competition. As I have stated earlier, they 'reward' creativity as well as carving ability. The competition is key to having carvers stretch their potential IMO. Also, it's nice to have someone you haven't heard from in a long time to call from out of the blue to say they saw your carving on display!

As a note, members of the CCA are not allowed to compete, but do have carvings on display.

Mitchell,
So have you started on next years entries?

Not yet Rocket!

I did not start this past year until one month before. I would like to get more time to carve something a little more complicated. I do have some ideas.....however I will most likely come up with lots more and forget the one's that I have now - until it's too late.

...I know about memory loss, I've been trying for a memory upgrade for years! Actually I've started an idea book where I write the ideas down...so as to remember them later.

...am i daffy or is the carving 'Flat Top Test' have it's hands mounted incorrectly? (...sorry as the better half would say I'm completely anal when it comes to detail... :-/)...

[Colin_Partridge]

Your right his thumbs should be facing the front of his body but maybe he has his wrists turned. I guess that what makes it a caricature.
Colin

...I was kinda wonderin' if he had done that on purpose...