2010 Dayton Show - WOW!!!

[Mark Dellinger]

I was fortunate yesterday to attend the Dayton show. This was my first real carving show ever. I saw some old guys at the state fair once but it was more of a demonstration than a show. So I thought that I would give a little insight as a first timer to those here that have never been to a show.

Dayton Show defined: Overwhelminhg, exciting, humbling, and extremely encouraging

As we were driving over my wife was asking me what I thought I expected to see. I told her that I was hoping that I had not built it up beyond real expectations in my mind. I knew that there were going to be several people there from here on the forum and that they would have their carvings there so I knew that there would be some neat carvings.

As we pulled off the interstate and headed towards the show we found ourselves backed up in traffic waiting our turn to pull into the parking area. I thought to myself wow this is a lot of people. The brief concern that I had on the way over was quickly erased as we stood in line waiting our turn to enter the show. We were moved through the lines very quickly, but not so quick as to meet carvers from Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and a Merchant from Canada and immeditely you could feel the comradery that carvers share.

As we entered the center and sytematically began our trip down the rows of booths, it was as if we were entering some kind of magical world, filled with fun and excitement. I was blown away by the amount and the quality of the carvings that you are able to see. I was so impressed by the quality of the carvings and the different styles and techniques of the individuals. I have to say that the quality of the carvings did not overshdow the quality of the carvers themselves. I was able to meet many of the carvers from here on the forum, some I was able to speak with in depth others just briefly, I met many carvers that I had never viewed their work before, and all were outstanding in their attitude and conversation.

Carvers were standing behind, beside and infront of their booths talking to carvers and potential buyers. I met one carver who was showing a carving to an elderly couple and they were talking about how nice his painting was. I was just standing there listening and he could sense my interest and as they left he took a carving in hand and explained more in depth how and wht he does what he does with his painting technique. This was not really an exception as far as I could tell, because I saw carvers passing out business cards, phone numbers and emails, to all kinds of people and saying if you can't figure it out just get a hold of me.

To bring this rather lengthy post to a close, I will say that if you have never been to a carving show such as this and if you are a beginner you should make plans to go. If you are new and just starting out don't be intimidated because you will be among friends. If you can, spend both days, I was only able to attend the one day. Ask questions, take pleny of pictures, and don't forget to check out the wood, the tools, and other supplies in the vendors section of the show.

Thanks to all who worked to put this show on and to those of the WCI family that were there and helped to make this such a great experience.

Safe Carving and God Bless,

Mark

PS I have some pics that I will try to post some time soon.

[kdispoto]

I can wait to see any and all photos. You are a lucky man to have been able to attend this magical event. I hope you see many more.

[Midnight Carver]

I agree with Mark, it was really a great experience!!! While I was blown away by some of the carvings I saw (also some great turnings and scroll saw pieces), I think the real fun of the show was getting to meet some great people. I got to meet several members from this forum, I now enjoy being able to put a face along with their name, and the exhibitors I talked to were all willing to talk about their techniques.
I also enjoyed the "spit-n-whittle" area put on by WCI. They had several hour long demonstrations during the day and I watched Rick Jensen deomostrate carving a cottonwood house, and Floyd Rhadigan carve 2 charicatures. It's impressive, and alot of fun, watching a master at their work.
I already have next years trip marked off on my calander!
Thanks to everyone involved, and those that I was lucky enough to meet, for such a great day!

Eric

[Grayhorn]

Thanks for sharing guys, I could feel the excitment from your posts. I'll have to make it a must to attend such a show soon.

[draft51@aol.com]

Thanks Mark for sharing your views. I've been to many carving shows, but not Dayton, so next years a must. I would love to meet some of the people on this forum. They are all my type of people not to say that they are some of the best carvers going. Thank you Mark. fred k

[mdallensr]

It was another fine show. We also enjoyed meeting some message board carvers, and seeing some old friends for the first time since last year's show. I'll post my photos soon, maybe tonight. Mike

[Mark Dellinger]

Eric,
I was standing there watching when Rick Jensen was demonstrating. Wow, to think that we were standing that close, but yet didn't meet. Maybe next year.

Safe Carving and God Bless,

Mark

[Neil A. Ward]

ing a couple of pictures of some great carving by some outstanding carvers in so many way...

[kdispoto]

More picture - more pictures - more pictures......please

[MichelleOH]

I would LOVE for someone to post pics of the carving everyone in the second picture is looking at...it is simply awesome!