Creative Woodworks & crafts 2003-01, страница 57
Subject: Scroll Saw Picnic, Stevens, PA The granddaddy of them all There comes a point in our lives when something inside us tells us that it is time for a change whether it is a move, a job change or just slowing down. Well, such a revelation has happened to our old friend. Dale Whislcr. No doubt most of you folks arc familiar with his name, but for those of you who are not, let me explain. Dale is the grandfather of scroll saw gatherings. His first scroll saw picnic began in a small park near his home in Stevens, Pa in 1993 and was born out of his desire to bring like-minded folks (such as we) together. Dale pulled together a number of vendors who were willing to chance an unknown venture in an unknown location with unexpected results. Talk about an ability to sell an idea, this guy is something else. The original concept was for the event lo be a family picnic with all the trappings, where everyone was to bring a covered dish, a favorite project or two and a willingness to share their knowledge. In the back of Dale's mind lurked a thought that if the event grew, there was the possibility of forming an organization or club. He considered that if there was a magazine such as Creative Woodworks <6 Crafts as well as scroll saw projects in other magazines, that there must be more, a lot more that could be done to promote our woodworking niche. Well, he was right. He put the cauldron on the hook and lit a lire. Now we have an international organization the Scroll Saw Association of the World (S.A.W.), and a growing number of "scroll saw picnics" cropping up all over the place. Pennsylvania, Illinois, Tennessee, California, Sweden and where else is anyone's guess. Dale tried his best to keep everything at a personal level so that his vision would endure, but as with any good thing, some details have to be modified lo keep up with the requirements of growth. Not only that, but with a serious health set back, Dale came to the same realization that we all must lace sooner or later: you can't do it alone, and the result of this is now the Pennsylvania Scroll Saw Picnic hosted by the Tri-County Scrollcrs. Dale, ol' buddy - ya done good! Yes, there are others that will help you carry on your dream, and help it to grow. I had the pleasure of speaking with J .ucille Brooke and other members of the Tri-County Scrollers. They report that the Uale Whisler "Best Of Show" Winner, Mike Irish of Gaylord Michigan. picnic will be moving to a new location, most likely inside, with more than adequate parking. This year's picnic, however, was still held al the original venue. When wc got there, we had to park in a barnyard because the picnic grounds were full. What a sight! Is that a sign of things to come, or what? To all of you planning on attending next year, you have some time to get your project ready for the S.A.W. contest, save up a few dollars for those show specials, and get ready for a good time at Dale's 10th anniversary shindig on June 14 and 15, 2003, at the Lebanon County Expo Center, Lebanon, PA. The S.A.W. contest Speaking of the contest, hats off to the S.A.W. staff for once again managing a 300-pound gorilla. They nol only set up the display, but break down the entries into appropriate categories as well as the level of each contestant's abilities, all without stepping on anyone's toes they leave that to the judges! T hate to beat a dead horse, but judging is getting progressively harder with each contest. The quality level of the work being entered in all categories is incredible. Quality, however, it is not a matter of size, although full size furniture, huge clocks, and plaques are cyc-catehers. ft is the degree of accuracy in scrolling, joining and finishing that determines a winner. Does an original pattern enter into the decision? Yes, but for me, only as a tiebreaker. Is that fair, you ask? 1 don't know, but 1 feci originality should have some merit in the final decision if the work is equal in all other aspects. So why am I rehashing this stuff? Because, there are a whole lot of new scrollers reading this magazine and they are eager to lean) how they can improve their work so they can gel a chance at a ribbon and all the associated prizes, and that brings us to this year's "Best In Show" award that went to Mike Irish of Gaylord, Michigan. I have to be careful, as he has a brother thai is also a frequent winner who will remain unidentified for now, and it would not be the first time that I confused them. Sorry about thai Grover! Or, is it Mike? Seriously though, Mike and Grover exemplify the best in woodworking talents and good sportsmanship, but then, they are the rule not the exception in our crafting community. The "Scrollers Choice Award" went to Richard Gillespie with his original seascape that also took first place in the "Intarsia, Complex"' catcgorv. V and winner of "Scrollers Choice." Creative Woodworks & Crafts January 2003 • 57 |
