Mike Cruz
07-21-2012, 7:50 PM
Wow... Let me start by saying that I am disappointed. Really. I'm almost speachless... No, I'm not speachless. I have LOT to say about this. And I hope it reaches those in my area. There HAS to be talent in this county!
My county, Washington County in Maryland, does NOT have a county fair. We are...rural. We have a county AG Expo. Of that, I am actually kinda happy.
But, when looking at this year's "schedule" (something I've never looked at...usually go for the food ;) and to see the baby animals) I noticed that there is not only an adult (19 and over) woodworkers section of the Arts, but also a woodTURNER'S section. I was actually pretty stoked! I thought, "I've gotta go see this." I was 1/2 joking with my wife that I need to go check out the "competition" before I would consider entering anything of mine. So, it was placed on my calendar that on the 21st of July at 5pm, the woodworking AND wood turning pieces would be on display for the public.
I showed up at about 5:15, admittedly a little nervous and anxious. I made my way to the building where the "adult" arts were held. Many beautiful photos, painting, bakery, etc. I found the woodworking section... My heart SANK! There were maybe 10 or so items. At least 5 of which were from ONE woodworker. And only ONE of those 10 pieces was a turning. A very simple bowl. Something that would have gotten a bunch of attaboys here on the Creek. Nothing that would have elicited ANY "wow"s. While there was one piece that had some pyro (wild animals) on a stool/bench, even that was...okay. I mean NO disrespect to that artist. And I AM very glad that he contributes/contributed. My point is, rather, that this county HAS to have more to offer. I mean, I am a resident here, and I did not enter anything. So, there MUST be more, like me, that turn, create, build...just that aren't participating.
My hope is that this reaches some other Washington County,MD residents that turn, create, build with wood. I hope that next year, WHEN I submit my entries, we will fill an entire section...not just the end of a table.
And for anyone else out there that lives in a different county and/or state...PARTICIPATE in you county fair/expo/whatever if they have an adult woodworking/wood turning division of their arts section.
My county, Washington County in Maryland, does NOT have a county fair. We are...rural. We have a county AG Expo. Of that, I am actually kinda happy.
But, when looking at this year's "schedule" (something I've never looked at...usually go for the food ;) and to see the baby animals) I noticed that there is not only an adult (19 and over) woodworkers section of the Arts, but also a woodTURNER'S section. I was actually pretty stoked! I thought, "I've gotta go see this." I was 1/2 joking with my wife that I need to go check out the "competition" before I would consider entering anything of mine. So, it was placed on my calendar that on the 21st of July at 5pm, the woodworking AND wood turning pieces would be on display for the public.
I showed up at about 5:15, admittedly a little nervous and anxious. I made my way to the building where the "adult" arts were held. Many beautiful photos, painting, bakery, etc. I found the woodworking section... My heart SANK! There were maybe 10 or so items. At least 5 of which were from ONE woodworker. And only ONE of those 10 pieces was a turning. A very simple bowl. Something that would have gotten a bunch of attaboys here on the Creek. Nothing that would have elicited ANY "wow"s. While there was one piece that had some pyro (wild animals) on a stool/bench, even that was...okay. I mean NO disrespect to that artist. And I AM very glad that he contributes/contributed. My point is, rather, that this county HAS to have more to offer. I mean, I am a resident here, and I did not enter anything. So, there MUST be more, like me, that turn, create, build...just that aren't participating.
My hope is that this reaches some other Washington County,MD residents that turn, create, build with wood. I hope that next year, WHEN I submit my entries, we will fill an entire section...not just the end of a table.
And for anyone else out there that lives in a different county and/or state...PARTICIPATE in you county fair/expo/whatever if they have an adult woodworking/wood turning division of their arts section.