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Jim Dunning is the guy that did Ben & Ashley's wedding photos. So far he has just taken the dogs that the local artists in town have done. He was just here and promised to take shot over the whole event. So for the next few days, go to his website, click on the Walldogs at the bottom and you can see what's going on. He did and awesome job at the wedding so look for some great shots. http://jimmydeez.zenfolio.com/
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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There's more every day! Keep checking. He posted last night this morning...
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Jane - congratulations on bringing together the best in the country. Great things are ahead.
Tremendous photos. I'll stay glued to the monitor.
Tell the folks there that the short, bald guy from Texas wishes he were there with them. Harrass Dan and Jay a little for me - just to remind them of what they are missing.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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-------------------- Nikki Goral Image Advantage Signs 4050 Champeau Road New Franken, WI 54229 920-465-4500 "Finish every day and be done with it. Tomorrow is a new day."-Ralph Waldo Emerson Posts: 928 | From: New Franken, WI (East Green Bay) | Registered: Jun 2007
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""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3485 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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Even when you sweat Judy,you look adorable. Cat, I could hear that brush screamin' over here in Oregon. Cisco...we're gittin' old.
Jack
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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I feel like I was just there. That photography is amazing! The painting was wonderful, but when I saw pics of those I either know or wanted to meet, that got me right in the gut. Know what I mean?
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Looks like an absolute blast and those pix are fantastic. Is anyone else like me? From my first meet in 1994, there are people who just "look" like Letterheads. You see them at meets and expect to see them at every meet. After a while, it's like a big old family reunion. You have the grandpa (Bill R) and the eccentric bearded uncle (Dave B) the family jokester (Bill D) the doting aunt (Cat) the somewhat crotchety brother (Mike M) There is even the "pervert" (Steve S) hahaha I can only imagine how fun that Hollywood Squares game was to observe and listen to. Kinda have the blues today, that would have been a great meet to attend. Love....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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I've been looking at the photos too Jill. We had to cancel at the last minute. With the high temps and humidity, us people with Heart Failure, are taking a real risk. My medical insurance is no good in the US, and gasping for air is no fun.
I especially regret missing the Jam. For years, Doug Allan and myself have been talking about getting together. Over the last few Months, I've been practicing. Even learned Fever just for Jane. Sonny even took time to call and encourage me:(
There's a lesson here. Having poor health in your later years is a real pain in the butt. Many of my problems could have been prevented by handling hazardous products with caution, wearing spray masks, and a healthier lifestyle.
We've been attending Letterhead meets since 1983. In my opinion, they are the very best learning tool available. Nothing beats working along side your hero. Along the way, we found a love affair that has been a major part of our lives.
Letterheads is changing. Many of the early participants have disappeared. Some have passed on, and some have just lost interest. I really hoped that this website, and our dedication to attend as many live meets as possible, might serve as some sort of motivation to keep things going and growing.
I have to face the music. My days of running thru airports and 24 hour drives are no longer possible. I'm a very lucky guy. In 1994, they only gave me a few years to live at best. Despite all the doom and gloom, I'm still here 16 years later. The Letterville years have been the best years of my life.
It's not over, but it is changing. We've had a ball hosting several small meets, and having Letterheads drop by our home the last few years. I love it and hope more of you show up to spend a day or week with us. It's not fancy, but you'll get lots to eat and have some great laffs. Ignore the webcams in your room!
We're so proud of all of you.
BTW. That pretty blonde gal Kelly Hall started her sign career in our shop. Don't believe a word she says about me.
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
thanks to Doug Allan for showing up right on time to take all of the pictures to make this little clip possible...thanks to Dan Sawatzky for teaming up with us and thanks to all who helped on the Chautauqua wall and thanks to Bill, Jane and co. and thanks to our fine host family (Mike and Dee Ingles) and thanks to Patty, Dan and Don (our assigned assistants) and thanks to the city of Pontiac...what a swell time we all had!
-------------------- david butler butler signs syracuse,indiana david@davidbutler.com Posts: 188 | From: syracuse,indiana,usa | Registered: Feb 1999
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cool deal David... I'd say it worked out well. Great idea!
Steve, the jam was so fun! I'm sorry you missed it. Thanks for your part in networking so many of us together in the first place. I'm at the airport in LA, & have a big Chamber of Commerce event on Tuesday, but after that I'll try to upload a youtube video of Dan's toast to you and Barb!
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Doug, Dude, you really Rock! What a great drummer you are. It was great to meet you and visit a while. I can't express what a rush the last 4 days were. I'm ready to go again and do another JAM too!
Sign-cerely, Steve
-------------------- Steve Luck Sign Magic Inc. 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 (618)466-9120 signmagic@sbcglobal.net Posts: 870 | From: 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 | Registered: Dec 2004
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Got home only to watch this great photographer capture the great emotion this meet instilled in us. For those who didn't attend, checked these out and see the love in going to Pontiac. Thanks to all that was a part of this great event.
-------------------- Tom & Kathy Durham House Springs, MO Posts: 654 | From: House Springs, MO | Registered: Apr 1999
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Peggy and I just rolled in after a 12 hour drive and the adrenaline is still pumping. I'll post a lot of pics tomorrow along with some commentary, but I just have to mention a few highlights:
We had a toast to the Shortreeds, Nancy Bennett, and a very moving tribute to Renata Guzman by Jay.
The "mural wars" were all we expected and more.
The New Orleans style mural funeral was a hoot.
Sunset Regall cruising around town with the mayor on her Harley.
Doug "Animal" Allan and Mark Yearwood trading licks on drums at the jam.
A 90 year old WWII mechanic who worked on the Corsair planes we painted - the "311" on the big plane was from the old photos he brought over to show us.
The unbelievable bidding war on Gary's maquette (it went for over $5000)
The phenomenal guitar Grampa Dan made for me.
The ambidextrous Eric Skinner blending sky colors with a brush in each hand - at midnight in the dark.
Late nights shooting the breeze in the artist tent.
The fantastic support of all the people in Pontiac.
And most of all, the incredible Diaz family - they really know how to throw a party.
I have tons more to share with you, but I haven't slept in almost a week.............
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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-------------------- Sam Staffan Mackinaw Art & Sign 721 S. Nokomis St. Mackinaw City, MI dstaffan@sbcglobal.net Posts: 1694 | From: Mackinaw City, MI | Registered: Mar 2004
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I stopped in on wednesday for a quick visit. I just wanted to grab a brush and hop on a mural. But my step-daughter was geting married in Grand Rapids, MI, so my husband and I had other plans. Hopefully I can go to another Great Wall-Dog event. I sure am grateful for the pictures.
-------------------- Signs by Alicia Jennings (Mudflap Girl) Tacoma, WA Since 1987 Have Lipstick, will travel. Posts: 3814 | From: Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 1999
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Alicia, I'm so glad you came by and I finally got a chance to meet you, but it's probably a good thing you couldn't stay - all the guys would have been staring instead of painting......
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Oh Steve...I kept it clean..you whern't there to defend yourself ! I just let people know how upset you and Barb where for not being able to attend. I'm so glad I made it to Pontiac. I met so many fantastic people!!! And many thanks to everyone who let me help..Cisco (your my hero), Dale and Carole just to name a few. Thank you Diaz Family, and the McCoy family. Thank you Derri for the ride and the great time and Sam for letting me hang with you. Oh ya...and Russ Kelly for letting us bring your dog home....
-------------------- Kelly Hall Keltech Signs Fergus, Ont. Posts: 38 | From: Fergus, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jun 2001
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Looks like a great meet! Hats off to the Diaz family for keeping the Letterheads alive and well. The Jeopardy gig had to be a riot... I'd love to see a video of that with the cast of characters in the celebrity boxes including Mike Meyer and Mike Clark. Great photos! Thanks for sharing.
-------------------- Kurt Gaber Chippewa Falls, WI Thank You Letterheads for being a part of both Brush Bashes in '02 & '06!
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Kurt! We missed you. It was so much fun I'm still laughing.
I hope to see you on the next one.
-------------------- Cornbread or Scott Lindley CSL Studio 114 North Vine Street Mt Pulaski IL 62548 Posts: 249 | From: Mt Pulaski | Registered: Jun 2009
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Well I just got home tonight, All I can say is WHAT A BLAST!!! The Diaz Family are the GREATEST! And thanks to Kelly Hall who helped me thruout the whole painting. I think you're my hero, you were Fabulous! Also Dale Manor the midnight painting owl and chick magnet. Sam Staffan interested in buying a bridge thanks man you're dynamite! Also the great "danger, stranger"...Victor Drapal from Chicago love u man, Eric Skinner the Blend Master from Canada you're a hell of a guy and artist! Deb Fowler, glad you stopped by. To all of you and site managers, Thank You!!!
-------------------- aka:Cisco the "Traveling Millennium Sign Artist" http://www.franciscovargas.com Fresno, CA 93703 559 252-0935 "to live life, is to love life, a sign of no life, is a sign of no love"...Cisco 12'98 Posts: 3576 | From: Fresno, Ca, the great USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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David, that was a great clip of Doug and Mark! Thank you.
-------------------- Judy Grossman JG Signs & Designs 226 W. Jackson St. Sonora, CA 95370 Posts: 207 | From: Sonora, CA, USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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here's some more: http://gallery.me.com/allpro1d#101053 http://www.sportsshooter.com/members.html?id=6871 And we talked to Jim Dunning today. He will be taking finished shots of the murals, a few at a time, so watch his site in a week or so. We still have some to complete and when they are done he will take those. We had a meeting last night with the whole committee and went around the table and spoke our piece. We are all wiser and tired (and all have a nice tan for some reason) but we all really enjoyed the experience and miss all our walldog friends!
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Received the photos I'd ordered- and they are awesome!!!!
-------------------- Catharine C. Kennedy CCK Graphics 1511 Route 28 Chatham Center, NY 12184 cck1620@taconic.net "Look at me, Look at me, Look at me now! I't's fun to have fun, But you have to know how!" Posts: 2173 | From: downtown Chatham Center, NY | Registered: Feb 2004
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