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From the archive!

Fun Story about our first Art Show

Windermere Fine Art Show News!

Update (03/02/2020): The Windermere show is over and what a weekend it was! This was our first show of any kind and just to be invited to participate in this prestigious show was quite flattering. We were scrambling to get ready when we were told that we were getting a corner location. We already had our display configured for a front entry but to be given such a premium position we stepped up and made the adjustments. It had a great look, was professional and inviting at the same time.

It was two days of meeting many fine people and making new friends. There was a huge variety of fine art in just about any media you could imagine and the whole effect was quite beautiful under the giant live oaks of Windermere. Then the most amazing thing occurred, I was hastily summoned to Town Hall in the middle of the event and told to bring my floor lamp. I had just finished it the day before and it’s kind of big, not something you normally run around with. My son Hunter (a strapping young lad of 19 at the time) carefully shouldered it and trotted along behind me. And there on the steps of the Historic Town Hall of Windermere, in front of the adoring crowds, my floor lamp and I were awarded 2nd Place Overall and given a bright red Ribbon! Not just for wood working but the entire show! I was stunned! I had to say a few words, pose for pictures (with the lamp taking center stage) and shake some hands. Then I got to walk triumphantly back to my booth with my bright red ribbon, my “minion” carrying my Award Winning Fine Art, and my own personal police escort (Ha! more new friends whom I had met earlier that day at my booth). Lynn, my wife had to stay behind to tend the display, but she was lovingly watchful, as always, for my return. When she saw the parade coming down the Avenue she started taking pictures. I told my new Officer friend “pretend you’ve got me in cuffs” and I put my hands behind me. The shot was priceless…. The officers asked for a copy, I’ve been told it’s on the wall now down at Headquarters.

The whole experience was quite grand for this aging Craftsman. The idea of exposing oneself, through the work you do (in a physical form anyways) is laid bare for all to see. It is a little intimidating. Of course I am proud of my work, but I build it to please me. I make every piece as if it were for myself. It certainly makes me spend way too much time on each one, which is not a good business model, but if it’s not good enough for me, it’s not good enough for my signature. Even with all the time spent on the careful design, the aesthetic, the attention to proportion, and all of the smallest details, one never knows if others will find the work pleasing, or beautiful, or worthy. For me to be invited to attend such a prestigious event (my first ever Art Show) and to expose my work to such scrutiny, only to be honored within a few hours of arriving with such recognition has stunned and humbled me. It has reaffirmed my faith in what I’m doing and given me new energies to create more new work.

Within two weeks I was scheduled for the Mount Dora Show and 200,000 people! I was on a roll! But then covid hit and my business model went out the window. Not to mention, a week after that, I was to undergo surgery for prostate cancer. In the end the cancer treatment was successful and it all worked out.

Thanks to all who came to encourage me at the show and to all the new friends I made there. But the extra special thank you goes to the amazing lady who puts the whole Windermere Fine Arts together, Anne Scharer. She saw my work and knew I belonged there when I still had my doubts. Anne is wonderful and helps many new artists with her event, but to me personally she has meant a great deal. My profound thanks again go to Anne.

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