[woodtrapper]

Just got back from the show and what a treat it was.I checked the weather before we left Banner Elk and was a little worried snow on the way home.We made it home safely and enjoyed our day.It was great to see some of Bart's work in person.I was hoping to meet some members form this site but no one had their WCI badges on.Joking aside, I probably talked to a few members and did not know it.I did take the advice of some of you about "mallet chisels" and bought some Ashley Isles from Little Mountain Carving Supply.I never knew of them but he was the only one carrying Ashley brand.I hope this means my carvings will improve.I enjoyed seeing Tom Wolfe, and the folks from Smoky MT. Woodcarvers.I also noticed that Lora Irish's greenman pattern is very popular.All the carvings I saw no matter what catagory were superb.But not knowing anything about carving birds and animals, I was so very impressed with the detail of feathering and fur.There is so much to know and learn about woodcarving.The bar is set high but I intend to follow and help keep this craft alive.Davy

[groozier]

I was there yesterday also. Sorry I didn't get to meet you. I had a great time hanging out with some of the guys from the board. It was great watching them carve during the carving contest. Carolina Carver (Mark Akers) took first by a slim margin over Mitch and third was won by wood-whittler (Bart). I'm pretty sure that was the right order but if it is wrong, they can correct me. It was worth the 8 hour round trip drive time to watch and see what goes on at a show and carving contest.I had gone to a show in Bluefield,Va. years ago, but was too involved in work to really get involved in something else. I had a great time and I just wish I was closer so I could carve with other people besides myself and the radio. Thanks to all the guys for just taking the time to be friendly.
groozier aka Lance Brooks

[wood-whittler]

okay i am back home and although it was great seeing and meeting everyone it is nice to be home.
woodtrapper i wished you had of asked around for some of us we would have loved to meet you. it was great talking to lance and seeing all of the gang.

lance is right mark, mitch and i did place first second and third in the whittling contest.
beleive it or not i did not take the first pic but i know mitch and mark and also rocket39 took some and also arnold so when everyone gets home i am sure we will have plenty of pics.

so like i said it was great seeing old freinds and meeting new ones.

bart

p.s a quick list of all the board members that was there.

wood-whittler{bart}
mitch
carolina carver{mark}
vacaricaturecarver{blake}
rocket39[tony}
arnold smith
jimmyb{jimmy bates}
groozier{lance}
woodtrapper{davy}
jerryk{jerry korte}

[woodtrapper]

I looked at some of the business cards to see if I could recognise any names.I remember blake saying he was going but how would I know.I think I saw Mark A because my wife bought some raffle tickets.I was there saturday to buy from the venders.I had on a bright orange carhart tee-shirt.Anyway, maybe next time I will not be so shy and start asking questions.I was amazed at the carving circle of professionals for the contest but did not stay to see who the winner was.

[Blake Lunsford]

Great show for sure!! We had a blast for two solid days down there......and Tony even got to wear the birthday bucket.....oops, did I say that?? What a great weekend of carving and fellowship! Mark, Mitch, Bart, and Arnold never cease to amaze me when they carve in those carving competitions. I decided to sign up for the one yesterday and realize how difficult it is to produce a quality piece in two hours.....not that my pieces are ever quality! Anyway, if you ever get a chance, go to this show! It was great! Davy, I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to meet you. I'm sure we will have a chance to meet if you come next year!

Blake

[Mitchell]

Davy - it's a shame we didn't get to meet you. I really enjoyed meeting Rocket39 and Groozier - I appreciate you guys making the trip down.

It was also good to see old friends and have a little time with them also. It seems to be busier each year and is difficult to really just sit and talk.

[Mark N. Akers]

Davey:
I really feel bad that we didn't get to meet you,please come up and introduce yourself at the next one.The members on the board did very well in all the competition they won the following awards:
Arnold Smith - Caricature Carvers of America award
Bart -Best of Tom Wolfe class
Mark -Best of Santa's
a big congrats to all that competed for the first time,and repeat competators.
All in all the Charlotte show was a big success,even got to share in a Birthday,but we will say no more.If I left any one out please post it as I can't remember all the awards.
Enjoyed meeting all the members,its nice to be able to put a face with a name on the board.

[Ashbys]

Well Done All,

Sounds like you had a great time and good to know everyone made it back safe !

Grats to winners of ribbons , but sounds like you all were winners !

Ash

[Mark N. Akers]

Here's a few pictures of the carvings mentioned in the earlier post.

[Mitchell]

Arnold's Golfer (that he has posted pictures of here before) is on the right. That's what won the CCA award.

Bart had a very nice hunter there to the left.