Charlotte show

[brent]

There were some really super carvings at this one. Also, the usual vendors.
Seemed fairly busy around 1:00- 1:30 while I was there.
The thing that really gets me is how much the show has fallen off over the years. When I first started going, it was held at the school. The center was full of tables with the tables ( almost all of them) full of carvings.
Then, there were the vendors......they were on the perimeter and shoulder to shoulder. It would be so nice to see that kind of show again. I'm not trying to take anything away from it now, but it was really more fun to go and spend all day trying to see all of the "stuff".......excuse me, "wonderful stuff" that used to be at this show. Oh well, like the song says..there are places I remember,all my life though some have changed, some forever, not for better, some have gone, some remain.........

[Big John]

This was only my second show in Charlotte, but I was also disappointed in the difference from last year to this year.
I brought the family this year and we were there from about noon till 1. Perhaps it was lunch time, but still thought it was kind of slow.
Saw a few WCI folks walking the floor, picked up a few files, but nothing earth-shattering.

[toycarver]

I think sometimes shows have too many vendors and then the vendors are competing for sales. If a vender does not get enough sales, it's not worth the trouble and expense of setting up a booth. Sooo, you get few venders in the following years. Kind of a bummer how that works.

[johncarves]

Charlotte had 4 less registered carvers this year than last year. I did not hear a count on the number of carvings in competition. But I would surely guess that it was down.

Considering the unemployment rate in North Carolina & South Carolina, coupled with the recession, I think they did a fine job with the show. I know of quite a few well attended art shows in this area that cancelled thier 2009 show and have not yet announced a date for 2010 yet.

So I thinkk it was a remarkable show (and I have attended this show since 1986).

[Mitchell]

Just got back myself.

I thought the club did a good job and even though the location is not the best, I actually felt that the walk-through traffic was good. This show has traditionally been attended by just the carvers and friends... There seemed to be many more new faces looking at the carvings. This was a big plus.

The number of carvings seemed less, but I do not have enough info to confirm that. As John mentioned, the number of carvers attending was not significantly different than last year. The bird carvings seemed more reduced than previous years.

One vendor did not show that was there last year. There was another that participated (different product line) that had not been there before - Thanks Dave.

There were a few kinks, but overall I think the show was successful.

I'm sure there'll be more posts later.

[Blake Lunsford]

I just returned also and felt as though it was a great show! I came out after the carving competition this afternoon and the gym looked almost full. I couldn't tell if it was mostly the carvers there to pick up their carvings or if it was a mix of carvers and walk through traffic. I thought it was a great show considering the economy. I also thought that vendors did a great job and seemed to have plenty of business to go around. I do like the other location better, but still seemed to be a very successful show. I will post some pictures later!! Also, it was a pleasant surprise to get to see Peter Ortel and his wife at the show. They drove down from Myrtle Beach for the day. A lot of fun for everyone!!

Blake

[mtngoat]

I got back last night, while it is only my second time attending the show, it looked a very successful show. The carving contest was a lot of fun, everyone from the experienced to the beginner participated. I got to meet some of the folks here, and saw some I already knew. I was even able to get my brother started carving. So I say it was a pretty good show.

goat

[fpace]

Another great show considering all that has been mentioned. I wouldn't miss it for the world. It was great to catch up and touch base with everyone after a year. Great seeing you all again and meeting some new folks as well. I am always amazed at the talent represented by all the carvings in the show. Great work and congratulations to all the winners and participants!

Carve on...

[Bartster]

another great show, it is always fun seeing all the great carvings and most of all getting to spend time with some of the best friends i could ever have,love you guys,i was real suprised at the amount of folks that atteneded, it was packed for the most part both days,if anyone lives close to this show and has never attended you are really missing out,anyway good to see everyone and got to meet some new folks also.


bart

[Thor]

The show was well run, so organized, not crowded, but chock full of friendly faces, and I had a wonderful time. It was like a family reunion with all of the WCI forum members.

I also spent about twice my designated budget on tools and a new honing system, and came away inspired and happy.

I have never been to the show for a comparison, but I don't know how much better than that it could have been.
Thanks for all the hard work from the Charlotte Woodcarving Club members. I will plan to be back again next year.
Christina