Grand Canyon Woodcarvers Show in Mesa, AZ

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Has anyone been to the Grand Canyon Woodcarvers Show in Mesa, AZ? It's February 17 & 18th. Got my application today.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Its supposed to be the big one in Arizona, I wanted to go last year but the time got away from me....will try this year...about the same time....or close, there is an art show in Wickenburg...nice show, naturally not as big as Mesa.....Rick went there one year. I was there last year. hit them both, make the trip worthwhile lolCheers

[Baldy]

It is a GREAT show with lots of carvings, suppliers of tools, roughouts, wood and more.
Come on down for a great weekend of fun, carving and the nicest people you have ever met. You will probably know many of them from other shows and events.

Dick

[Mottles]

Hi Lynn, I got my show application last week. I had planned to go last year, but the weather was so bad (March) and the two hour drive didn't seem appealing. This year it being in February hopefully the weather will be a little better. I understand it's a really nice show.
Kathy

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Okay......Put the money in the mail. On reading the applications I was a little surprised by some of the requirements. From what I gather you have to submit carvings for competition prior to the shows opening and, if your fortunate enough to win, they keep them until the show closes. Don't know if I agree with that rule. If I win something I want those carvings on my table to help with possible sales!

Anyway, looking forward to the show as it will be a new area and lots of new people to meet.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Some shows I think want the winners out and displayed so that late comers can see the winning entries....without that, they couldn't very well charge admission....I am assuming that is the reason...the shows I have gone to, you pick up any ribbon winners at the end of the show.

[dryheat]

I live in the Valley and have attended this show the last 3 or 4 years. I think they have combined 2 clubs to make a bigger show. Having only attended the Grand Canyon show and the one in either Davenport or Bettendorf, Iowa (I forget which city) I’m not a very good judge of carving shows but this one seems to be a good one. Last year they had the CCA train on display and that alone was worth the price of admission. Last year attendance was down due to, they said, the date conflicting with the seminar in Branson, MO. I can see where having your entry at your table would help with sales and such but on the other hand having all the entries together gives viewers a chance to see them together and maybe compare them and hopefully understand how judges make the choices they do.
We will go this year and maybe get to meet some of you.
Ed

[Canopener]

Lynn,
I have never been to the show, maybe this year, but those rules sound similar to the rules of Coconino County Fair up north. Quite a few Valley people are summer residents.
You submit work early so they set up show and judge. There is a tag on the work that will include your info, plus price or NFS. If some one wants to buy it, you will get their contact info and one way or another you conclude sale after show. I think Dave is right, they just don't want all the good stuff gone the first day. Hope fully this will help you.
Jim

[Mottles]

Lynn, great to hear you'll be at the show. Our Prescott Wood Bee Carver's Club will have a table there again this year. I'm so looking forward to meeting you and seeing your fine work in person.
Kathy
Just to clarify my weather report in my previous post last--it was our weather up here in the mountains that was bad. Weather in Mesa as I recall was a little drizzly.