Mine was Don Copland and Cheryl's down in Signcraft country. I was unsure, never having been to a meet before, so I brought my grandaughter Racheal for guidance. She was my co=pilot, at 11.
The trip was so good, we did it again in SC a year or two later. That's when I taught her how to read a roadmap.
We left Florida late on a Friday, and sang our way all the way to SC...past the Okefanokee swamp and everything that's not around,with all the country songs on the radio, and more...but we had to hold our noses and make skunk jokes while going through Jesup Ga.
Well, that's one memory.
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
Mine was at Mister J's home in NJ around 1989, I went there with Mark Klein who was visiting with Steve Berman at Chromatic. There was every icon from the Jersey crew, AJ, Russ Mowry, Glen Weisgerber to name a few as well as Nelson Medina who was introduced by Russ to the crew in J's living room as possibly the best straight line striper in the country as I walked through the door into the conversation and said ' I hope ya not talking bout this country ' and the rest is history
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
Larry Whan's Banff Meet was mine. It was a large gathering, filled with first timers and ol' masters. I met a lot of my chat pals face to face for the first time...
Dan often tries to tell me as a younger man he was very shy and low profile. Right...
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
My first was at Bruce Bower's shop in 1997. I also went with trepidation but soon felt comfortable.
Everyone was welcoming and helpful.
After that we started attending meets all over the place.
ALL were exellent experiences!!!
If anyone hasn't attended one...Do yourself a huge favour....take the time to do it!!!!!!
Posted by Jeff Ogden (Member # 3184) on :
I like Glen's work...he"s original and I hope to meet him one day.
Not to say anything negative...I don't believe in negativity..
You could show me alot Joey,,,stay strong, and keep smilin'. I'll try to do the same.
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
LOL Duncan...I didn't go to the meet in Banff..but thanks for the pics..I have met most of those there at one time or another.
Letterville and Letterheads have brought a lot of people together over the years. Thank you Steve and Barb for the cyber and real time opportunities you have provided and promoted!!! Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
My first meet was at the "Painting The Barn" meet in Batavia, NY circa 1988.
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
Mine was at Ricky Jackson's around 1986 - changed my life.........
Posted by Susan Banasky (Member # 1164) on :
Duncan...I can't beleive you were at Banff....that was also my first meet(1998). Is that Sonny Franks, Donna, Janette in your photos? I was too shy and in awe to talk with many people...constantly wiping the drool from my chin at all the talent...Sorry I didn't know you sooner, sorry I wasn't more observant to the faces there, I was so focussed on all the learning....My eyes were opened wide...and that meet changed me forever better. Thanks to all Letterheads in body and in spirit (especially Barb and Steve)
Posted by Catharine C. Kennedy (Member # 4459) on :
My intro to meets was Mike Z's Mass Mayhem in 2003- my jaw dropped when I saw pinstiping done! That was a group loaded with talent and kindness to a rank begiiner- definitely life-changing!!!!
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
Mine was the Zoo meet in Cincinnati in 1994. I had started corresponding with Mike Meyer in 1993 and he totally lit a fire under me. I rode out there with my husband. I had never really travelled anywhere as an adult.
The meet literally changed my life. You know the feeling, walking into a room of kindred spirits who do what you do and think like you think. Who are willing to teach and share. I bought my first Mike Stevens book. I braved the panel jam area and got my brush wet, even though I was terrified.
However, every time I talked to anyone, the husband accused me of wanting to do more than talk. So my joy was overshadowed by his bullsh!t. We rode home in silence. However, the meet made me feel not so alone, and I gradually got the guts to get rid of the hubby. And since then, I have travelled the world and made a lot of good friends. I have even hosted a meet or two. Love....Jill
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
My first meet is outlined in my write-up about it.
Wow, ... 1998! Letterheads on MainStreet.
Posted by George Perkins (Member # 156) on :
My first meet was the International in Memphis in 1984. Quite an eye opener. Bob Behoenuk, Ken Millar, Mike Jackson, Alton Gillispie, Al Zanetti, Vince Balesteri...quite a lineup!
edited to add....Jeff, you would enjoy meeting Glen...a super talent, unique individual and just a nice guy
[ July 20, 2009, 09:51 AM: Message edited by: George Perkins ]
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
My first meet was in 1997,Jay Allen's Walldog meet in Rockford,IL. I met my first dixie letterhead,Sonny Franks,at the airport on the way to the meet. Once I got to the meet I felt I was with friends since I knew many letterheads from the chat. I have attended as many meets as I could including two in the UK. Judy
[ July 20, 2009, 10:02 AM: Message edited by: Judy Pate ]
Posted by FranCisco Vargas (Member # 145) on :
Mine was in San Jose CA, Product Sign Supply back sometime in the 80's I remember meeting Rick Glawson, Rick Sacks, Rich Stebbing, Gary Rhodes, well quite a few others. It was fun then and it's still alot of fun now...
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
Cisco, Jack Wills took me to their home here is Grants Pass where many panels adorned their walls including yours, it was awesome
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
Mike Jackson's Oklahoma Bash. I think it was autumn 1981.
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
Susan, Yes, those folks are there as well as some others you probably know from the Board... Si, Mike Lavaley, Samazon, Lazy Edna, Judy Creed, Jackie Hoffs and of course Barb and Steve. These were all Chat regulars, of course there we many others at the meet... Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Duncan... I was and still am very shy. In the picture above I am merely demonstrating the correct way to prestretch rubber gloves prior to putting them on. Lazy Edna was such a good sport! It was part of the concrete carving demonstration our team gave there.
My first meet was in NewMarket Ontario in the early 90's. Our family was painting murals in Welland and Russ Kelly talked us into going to the meet which was a couple of hours north.
I was intimidated beyond belief at that first meet but instantly knew I was among friends. I have kept in touch with many of these folks through the years and look forweard to seeing them each time I get to a meet.
-grampa dan
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
Mine was the "hogtown" meet graciously hosted by Robbie and Janet Rucker and my good friend Jeff Ogden. I learned some cool stuff including Dusty Yaxley's awesome v-carving techniques with his home-made chisels and was fortunate to meet wonderful folks like Judy Pate, Roger Dinofa, Ricky Jackson, Don Coplen, Amy Brown, Cheryl Lucas and Sheila Ferrell. Then we had a good picking party Satuday night. I would like to attend another when time and finances allow.
[ July 20, 2009, 03:22 PM: Message edited by: Wayne Webb ]
Posted by jimmy chatham (Member # 525) on :
mine was jacksonville, fla. next was 1st dixie meet hosted next dixie meet.
Posted by John Byrd (Member # 825) on :
Pensacola, Fl in ...89? Mike Sheehan's shop Classic Sign & Mirror.
Posted by Sam Staffan (Member # 4552) on :
"Pontiac 2009" Etched in my memories forever
I am sure Initiation is due to hit me somewhere in the future if I get to another one. Posted by Jeff Ogden (Member # 3184) on :
You're already initiated, Sam.
Welcome to the club.
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Well, mine was way back there in June, 1982, in Boise. I tried to find the group photo that was taken in Noel Weber's back yard and it was nowhere to be found.
It was the first one that the orginal group held that included invitations to some of us "outsiders". It was simply a mind blowing experience and none of us were ever the same again.
Posted by Julie Bertrand (Member # 1605) on :
Letterhead Safari at the Cincinnati Zoo, 1994 where I finally came face to face with some of my sign heros for the first time... D.Butler, V.Balistreri, J.Cox.
Posted by Joe Cieslowski (Member # 2429) on :
Mine was in '95, 3 miles down the road. "Megabytes and Mahlsticks" I had no idea what I was getting into. I was pretty much outa signs then, just doing my decorative relief carvings and an occasional sub job for Phil and Tony Ghi (they were the hosts).
I had no idea who anyone was nor did they know me. It was amazing....Nancy and Noella, Mike Fredric, Howie Nisgor, Karen Souza and so many more.....all are now good friends.
I'm sure I couldn't count the number of meets I've been to and/or helped host.
I've been very fortunate throughout my life and I count the "letterheads" as a most special blessing.
Joe,
Makin Chip$ and Havin Fun!
Posted by Amy Brown (Member # 1963) on :
Pat King's Duck Soup in McCalla, Alabama just a few days after the 9/11 tragedy. We couldn't decide if we should go or not. We had some real hotel adventures that haunt me to this day (basically I can't stay in cheap hotels any longer!).
Posted by Harris Kohen (Member # 2139) on :
My first adventure was The International swine meet in Moowaukee August 2001. I wenton my own and met all kinds of people including barefooted girls, pink haired girls and alot of my signmakeing/pinstriping heroes from the magazines. At first I was somewhat afraid to even touch a brush to paint but after a few hours people talked me into it. At that meet I met so many wonderful people, most of which I call friends and I even got to take home some panels made for me as well as because someone didnt have room for one on the plane.(Its on my kitchen wall) I also got some of the famous pinstripers to do a group panel for me and its proudly displayed in my kitchen gallery too.
A few weeks later I was to venture south with the famous banner and a new friend Mike Clayton, that was to be two days after 9-11, his dad was in the hospital so I ended up driving the banner and myself down there alone, I met a bunch more wonderful people there including the likes of OP, Kissy, George P., The Jumpers, Timi, Lindian, Sonny, Amy, Jimmy Chatham, Judy Pate, Don Copeland, RT and a bunch of others along with the Special Guest, Rod Ticks who flew in from Autralia to show us his awesome airbrush skills. I even got to stay at the Hindu Hilton for a night of fear.
I drove home from there and ended up a few weeks later, at Joe Sulpys annual meet, I got to spend time with my new found friend AJ and a few of the others from the NJ and NY area.
In a period of about 2 months I got to work side by side with probably some of the best signpainters and pinstripers on the planet and I still feel humbled by the thought of it all.
Since that time I have attended more meets than I can count on my fingers and made friends with plenty of painters and stripers and I hope to attend many more before I die.
My ultimate goal is to someday give back to my family here and host a meet of my own.
[ July 20, 2009, 11:07 PM: Message edited by: Harris Kohen ]
Posted by goddinfla (Member # 1502) on :
Mine was in 1988 in Ft. Myers at Signs and Things. Trish and Vince Balistrari got married. Then came a string of Skeeter Roundups.
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
Gosh it was either at McLogans in Anaheim or the one in, I think Riverside, with Ed Roth and Von Dutch. Sometime around 89' or 90? At both, I didn't know quite what to do with myself. So I just smiled a lot.
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
Banff 1998 was my first. And I did the writeup for it for Letterheads.
SAM!!! We had a great time! Steve labeled this pic Sam & GI. haha.. good ol chat days.
Mike taught us to paint these awesome feathers. I was soooo proud of mine!
Holey moley... Dan?!?
Nettieeeeee! Colour bars anyone? haha
Great great memories!
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
Sheeesh! You people are making me feel old!
Alicia....McLogans Supply Meets were around 1980...if memeory serves me correctly! Fred Silva organized those meets. I remember he had Rick Glawson doing glass leaf on their front door, and me doing surface leaf out back, plus Herbie Martinez doing striping. Oters were demonstrating other techniques.
Fond memories!
Ed Roth's RatFink Meets were held at Kim Dedig's shop in Fullerton, Ca.
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
Donna, we haven't changed abit ... other than we're alot smarter now! hah! That was two boyfriends ago!
If someone would have ever told me I'd be sitting in my jammies till the wee hours of night playing colour bars on a chat channel, I'd of looked at them like they had two heads! hahaa
We did have some fun tho didn't we? heehee
Wonder what Lazy Edna is up to these days?
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
It's fun seeing the Banff pictures. I have some great memories of that meet: eating pizza at 4 am with Donna and Sam, lettering a fire truck until dawn with Kevin Betz, who I just ran into in Pontiac, Kent Smith jamming some gold in my hand and shoving me into the surface-gilding fray, the breathtaking beauty of Lake Louise, mooses walking around downtown, the upstairs Letterhead Lounge and Molsons galore, Lavalee's impromptu painting seminars, Suelynn's wide-eyed first timer expression, the amazing airbrush kid who worked for Larry, the first snow of the year, Jay Allen's dinner speech, Dan's energetic "Imagination Team", Bill Riedel showing a little girl how to use her granddad's carving tools - I could go on and on - that was a GREAT MEET......
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
Although I've been to Banff countless times, I missed the meet. I really wanted to go but just couldn't swing it. My brother and his family went and were all quite impressed. My niece got some cards printed up later offering Gold leaf services but she never went into that.
My brother has been building signs ever since and has done some nice Granite/Gold and wood/Gold work. I flew up to his place in Montana right after the meet and we built a Granite and Gold leaf Kingdom Hall sign and then a similar sign for his business with the drop from the slab. Both signs are still looking impressive.
Posted by Rene Giroux (Member # 4980) on :
French Kiss a Brush, Pierre's meet in 2004, Quebec City.
What a 90 degree turn in my business that has been !
Posted by Bobbie Rochow (Member # 3341) on :
My first meet was in 2002, Jill's Letterheads on Mars meet. I was told about it by an old signpainter friend of mine, who died a few years ago.
I was TERRIFIED!!!! I did bring my brushes, wanted to paint SO bad, but was awful! A Letterhead named Art, from California, gave me some hands on help & made it a lot easier for me. Anybody know who he is?
I met many people who I had no idea who they were, & now looking at that group photo, I see some of you are on the BB! I am the lady the martian is looking at int he picture!
After that was Jill's Jamboree, then the Zoo, then Dixie in Georgia. I have been to a couple of small gilder's meets at Jeff Lang's, & Chuck Wago day at Big City Signs, Pat & Bob's in Johnstown Pa. And last year was Noel Weber's. I am a changed person!!!!!
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
My first meet was October 2004 In the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. What a cast of Charactors! Thank you Ray for the great memories!
And the group:
Hey, is that Gump out front???
[ July 21, 2009, 04:09 PM: Message edited by: Rick Beisiegel ]
Posted by Mark Matyjakowski (Member # 294) on :
Mike Lavallee's Pinhead Summit in 1999 . Was only a few months after I discovered letterheads... and was within walking distance of my house. Blew my mind, changed my life.
After that I got invited to Brian Briskie's Panelramma ... then Boone's... then to paint at a car show... now I can't get enough.
So I credit Steve & Barb for showing me the water, Mike Lavalle for dipping me in, Brian the Brush for throwing me in and Brian, Paul Straus and Mike Boone for holding me under.... and all the friends I've made since for keeping me afloat (creatively)
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
That's it. Everyone that was in Banff, pack up and let's meet there next week. Sonny, let's make it 4:30 this time. LOL
Posted by Marty Happy (Member # 302) on :
A 'reunion' in Banff would be a great idea! I was so very intimidated at that first meet and all I could do was silently wander around and stare at all the incredible talent. While Banff was an eye-opener the Mazeppa Meet the following year is the one that changed my life!
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
If there's a renunion in Banff, I'm in, even though I wasn't there the first time. My brother was, does that count?
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
Has anyone ever heard from Larry Whan since the great meet? Bill
Posted by Tom & Kathy Durham (Member # 776) on :
Kansas City, I think '83. A bunch of greats were there. Steven Parish, Al Grand, and more. I first met Mike Stevens there and attended a little work shop. I was so excited I slept on a friends sign shop work table so I could stay late and get there early. After reading about Mike Jackson's meet in OK. I knew these were the people I wanted to be. The rest is history.
Posted by Curt Stenz (Member # 82) on :
My first meet was in Chicago, I don't remember the year, but it had to be 20 years ago. Bob Behounek, Ken Millar, Superfrog blew in on an old Harley, and many others. It was held indoors at a Holiday Inn.
Memories that stand out was meeting and talking with one of the original owners of Wehrung & Billmeyer Gold. He was an old gentelman who demonstrated the art of hand beating the leaf.
Another was a display of 1950's era sign layouts from various billboard shops in the Chicago area. These were all hand lettered on heavy illustration board. The "Chicago Style" was very evident in these designs. I will never forget them.
Posted by Joe Crumley (Member # 2307) on :
I came across this photo of one of my favorite Letterheads.
Posted by Barb Schilling (Member # 13) on :
Mike Jackson's OK Bash Fall 1982(?) It was a real eye opener. I hopped a ride in Butch Anton's van along with about 7 students from the sign class at Detroit Lakes. I had never met Butch or anyone else on the trip, and I made my husband come to the hotel where I was meeting my ride so he could write down the license plate number in case I never showed up again. LOL!!! I had been contemplating leaving the sign biz - I was soooooo sick of red and black on white. That meet made me realize that signs can be beautiful and customers will PAY for better design! I did my first glass gilding on the HOTEL FAYE project under the guidance of Kent Smith (forever thanks mentormentormentor), saw Gary Rhodes create wonderful antique treatment for firetruck scrolling. Chided Mike Stevens for the "Bruthers of the Brush" poster - what?-no "Sistuhs?" Shot 5 rolls of film. Keith Knecht pinstriping; sandblasting and router techniques; Raymond Chapman shocards; handcarving, and so much more. My life and my career were changed forever. Thank you Mike Jackson!!
Posted by Steve Luck (Member # 5292) on :
I have to say that Pontiac, Illinois 2009 will rate way up there among some of the greatest meets of Letterhead history. I have talked to several veterans and read many posts that will agree with me. It was my first full-time meet where I was able to work the whole 4 days. I had been to Jacksonville, Il in 2006? but it was just for one day.
Bill and Jane had a small, one day informal mini-meet for us Illinois/midwesterners which I was able to attend.
I am really looking forward to attending many more in the future. Yes, it does change your life. I was thrilled to meet so many great walldogs in person and get to know them a little.
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club.
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