[decoycarve]

I didn't place at all this year at the Catonsville Arts Festival but did get my mug in the Times Paper again. I guess getting your name in the newspaper and its not an obituary is a good thing.
I think Ash did pretty good at the Carrol Carvers show. Come on Ash Fess up!
Goody

[Ashbys]

For a first show, I did ok.

Carroll County Maryland had thier annual show this past weekend. I wanted to try a show for a couple of reasons, first I wanted to see more carvings, and I wanted to see how my work would do. It was a very good learning experence for me.
Many of the people involved with the show work at the Ward Nationals, and the first person I met was Gary Stenger. I was amazed at the speed of which information came from him. I entered 2 carvings , Stonewall and Lincoln.
Since I had never entered a show before taking Gary's advice I entered as a novice. I took 1st place in division with Lincoln and 2nd with Stonewall. Lincoln also won 3rd in overall class.
To give you an idea of the class competition, 1st of class and 2nd in class went to the same carver who also won 2nd best of show. His carvings were excellent. He had a 5ft tall in the round carved woodspirit , competly painted where his beard curled around and turned into oak leaves, an excellent carving.(best in class 2nd best of show) His second carving was a smaller version of the first, but with the same very clean work. (2nd in class)
The overall winner(best in show) was an exceptional carved female wood show decoy. The work to me was outstanding.

After the show , I was told and asked to compete in 3 additional shows, as my work could possibily win best over all in a larger show. Not sure I understood that, but the invitation to attend was a welcomed surprise.

Ash

[Anthony Filetti]

...thats some good news guys, I admire both of your works and look forward to seeing more...

...Hey Ash, I don;t remember seeing Lincoln posted here, did I miss it???

[Ashbys]

Thanks Tony ,

I finished Lincoln a few weeks back and the full pics are in the gallery.

[Thor]

Oh Ash! I'm thrilled for you. Recognition does have its perks.
Congratulations, and you deserve. Now, please don't get big headed on us and leave us in the dust.
Thor

[Ashbys]

Can't happen Thor , !

I nailed my hat to my head to hold it on and keep the swelling down .

Besides if Goody had not started this thread , I would have said nothing.

Ash

[squbrigg]

Congratulations Ash!!! That is great news. I hope you do enter your work in the other shows, it can't hurt your confidence at all. For a new carver, your work has taken quite a leap forward, and with some shows and the experience they bring, your skills will improve even more. Having your skills recognized is a great motivator. Well done.

Bob

[AlArchie]

Wonderful results for wonderful carvings! (and carver)

Congratz on all!

Al

[Coffeeman]

Congrads and great job on the Lincoln relief, very beautiful.

Competitions are fun and its wonderful to see all the carvings up close, I learn so much just from viewing the other pieces, i get real pumped up with tons of ideas.

Again, great job to you both......Bill