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I just got back from the walldog meet in Danville here and as I sit with all the cool stuff going on in my head that I got to be part of and all the names I now have personalities and faces to go with them(and hopefully brothers and sisters of the brush who will remain friends for a very long time to come) I figured a new topic might prolong the "rush" and delay the letdown when getting back to the "real" world might help for those who were there,and to share with those who weren't.Here is mine,..
I had just finished painting "Uncle Joe's " picture 10 foot tall and Bill Riedel offered to and or was persuaded to paint the small 2 foot portrait on the magazine cover,...The gentleman that he was he asked if this would bother me,..to which I replied hell no it would be quite an honour to have my work displayed beside his,...besides I really didn't like the idea of having to paint that old politician twice,....I got a great lesson looking over his shoulder and got out of a job I didn't really want to do,...You Rock Bill,..when I grow up I wanna be just like you
Sonny,...where's that scotchbrite?????
[ August 09, 2010, 12:52 PM: Message edited by: Tim Barrow ]
-------------------- fly low...timi/NC is, Tim Barrow Barrow Art Signs Winston-Salem,NC Posts: 2224 | From: Winston-Salem,NC,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Timmy, So glad to see this post started. Too many memories, and then the sadness that it's over, seemed to go too fast. Timmy....you are the man. I am so tickled that I got to meet you, work with you, boss you around....laugh with you, and become your friend. Thank you. As far as memories, ah it would probably be Friday night with the ladies and then the fun we all had at our little campsite downtown. I hope to work with you, and Sonny and all again. Daughter Kelly had the best time, and laughed today when I said we were now friends on Facebook - watch for her to send out that friend request to you! Bill Reidel - what a wonderful talented gentleman. Okay, this is getting too long, and I can hear you (Timmy) say...get on with it girlfriend. Thanks to all, Carol Kaufmann
-------------------- Carol Kaufmann Watseka Sign 1801 N State Rt 1 Watseka, IL 60970 Posts: 33 | From: Watseka, IL | Registered: Jan 2002
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One of my favorite memories are those photos of Carol, Sunset, Alicia and Judy that I will keep for blackmail! hehehehe You notice how Kathy and I avoided getting in the photos....a word to the wise for the future! And I think my proudest moment was being the MOM of the project leaders instead of the the wife!
-------------------- 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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The Danville Walldog meet was truly a memorable one for me. I got to ride down with Kelly from Chicago instead of being alone in the car so it all started three hours before I had planned. Kelly and I have been friends for many years but not often had one on one time. Thanks Kelly!
We arrived in time to catch the end of the banquet and was honored with a massive cake to celebrate my 116th mural. COOL! I never did get to sample the cake...
Then it was off to the wall to get things rolling for real. Danville was ready with everything we needed and more. So many folks rolled up to help out on my mural including Steve Luck, Doug Haffner, Nancy Bennet, Judy Pate, and others... my mind is still all fuzzy from the long trip home.
We laid out the mural in record time... and I even got to bed before it was too late.
The next morning as I recovered from jet lag we kicked things into gear. The Danville crew once more waited on us hand and foot as we put our hands and minds to the task of painting the walls. In between endless visiting and plenty of hugs from friends seen only on occasion we blasted on the base colors and started in on the line work of our mural. Progress was rapid.
And the backpacks started arriving for our little challenge. Jay arrived late on Thursday.
Our wall faced due south and we all got a great suntan as we worked. Being project leader kept me pretty tied to the wall with the exception of mealtimes and a walk around as it got dark. The local came out in droves and a few were even put to work on our wall.
By Friday morning we were within sight of the finish. If we had pushed it we could have been done by morning coffee but I didn't want it to end. I encouraged many of those who had been helping me to go and paint with others who still had lots to do. Jay climbed up the scaffold and painted beside me in the afternoon but he was mostly busy with a secret project he was confident would even the 'score' between us at long last. We wrapped up the mural just before supper.
Duncan and his crew were doing a great job on his mural but needed a few more hands to get it done. Friday, I spent a little of the morning and the afternoon helping out on his wall. I think we surprised him by doing the small scroll lettering with Judy Pate, Cat and I blending our styles to get the job done. Kelly and Susan did a wonderful job on the pictorial. I never got to see the wall with the panel in place... I look forward to seeing pics.
Saturday night was the auction and I knew Jay was about to try and get me good there - although I didn't know how. When the auction started the first piece was unveiled and it was a beautiful paining of my Phoebe... It brought instant tears to my eyes. It was based on this picture...
The bidding was fast and furious while I sat there shaking my head in disbelief... THAT was my picture! The joke was on me of course and I was called up to receive the painting. I was forced to concede second place to Jay once again in our little CHALLENGE. The pile of backpacks numbered well over 60 and was still growing when i left. Danville was the clear winner. I was merely along for the fun ride~
The painting I will treasure forever! THANK YOU Jay! I will post a picture in the next days.
Thank you to everyone in Danville for a memorable event!
-grampa dan
[ August 09, 2010, 02:30 PM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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I was just sent a photo of the painting (and Jay)...
There is much talk about how I allegedly don't play by the 'rules' in my CHALLENGES. Jay is a BAD man, a worthy 'opponent' and someone who also plays by his very own rules. While we declared a truce in Danville I believe it may NOT be over....
THANK YOU again Jay! I can hardly wait to have the painting in my hands!
-grampa dan
[ August 09, 2010, 03:22 PM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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I have always said that at each meet it just can't seem to get any better, but it always does. There were memorable moments all week end long. Getting to see Tim again after working together in Kentucky years ago, getting to paint the portraits of Dick VanDyke and Donald O'Connor, painting the portrait of Joe Cannon on the Time magazine cover, talking to so many Letterhead friends who I've known over the years, and meeting Grundy and Fair the first time. Getting to spend time with the Diaz clan, the Durhams, the Butlers and the Boss of murals, Bill Heug. The crazy girls from California, Sunset, Judy Grossman and Alicia the mud flap girl. I have to tell you we were rescued from Chicago airport by these girls. Now here is something important to remember, Alicia claims that she is a good driver because she has been in many accidents. ???????? Bill
-------------------- Bill Riedel Riedel Sign Co., Inc. 15 Warren Street Little Ferry, N.J. 07643 billsr@riedelsignco.com Posts: 2953 | From: Little Ferry, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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P.S. I have to mention people like Grandpa Dan and Jay Allen along with Doug Allen all the way from Hawaii serving everyone with coffee imported from the island of Maui. Sal Cabrera working with Dave Butler and Bill Heug. I am too old to remember everyone, but I just hope all enjoyed the whole thing as much as I did. Bill
-------------------- Bill Riedel Riedel Sign Co., Inc. 15 Warren Street Little Ferry, N.J. 07643 billsr@riedelsignco.com Posts: 2953 | From: Little Ferry, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Great thread, Timi - unfortunately a lot of my memorable moments were with you and we can't post that kind of stuff here.
One that comes to mind was when Bill Riedel was painting amid my shuffled blues, rock n' roll, reggae, and western swing when this song came on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJWA0fUM7-4
He looked over at me and said, "bless you". After that, I played a few Mozart sonatas until Bill's wonderful lady friend, Rondi, and Sunset needed some more dance tunes.......
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Just more great memories as with all meets . . . My fave moment being the 'crowning' of Queendog Nancy Bennett by the Mayor . . . and the placement of her very own diamond(?)-studded tiara on her head. Happy Birthday on Thursday of this week, Queendog!!
Bill Reidel rocks like someone 30-40 years younger . . . and David and Susie Butler once again set a benchmark for how to treat their painting crew - and their fellow Walldogs. You two are amazing with what you bring to the mix.
ALL the project leaders truly stretched themselves . . . and employed some very creative ways to present their murals - most notably Dale Manor and Mike Meyer for breaking the rules by 'breaking the borders'.
No more mentions of names for fear of insulting a friend - new or old. Whatever you get out of these Walldog gatherings is directionally proportional to what you put in to them . . . For me, more great memories to smile about.
And then there's Grampa Dan . . .
-------------------- Jay Allen ShawCraft Sign Co. Machesney Park, IL jallen222@aol.com http://www.shawcraft.com/
"The object of the superior man is truth." -Confucius Posts: 1285 | From: Machesney Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Let it be put to rest now that I "don't paint".
Grampa Dan . . . I must admit that I spent an excessive amount of time in my hotel room finishing the painting of Phoebe - and missed a lot of the meet with my buddies as a result - but I was hellbent to fulfill my promise to you . . .
"But this time . . . different story . . . I'll be bringing a project that will leave Dan's mouth agape, he will bow before this creation as it represents something that is so near and dear to him that he will have tears in his eyes and love for me in his heart . . ."
Well . . . though he vowed repeatedly that he would "never" bow to me - he did just that, he bowed to me . . . with a tip of his cap, as he stood on stage. I also hear that he was 'leaking' slightly as the bid was going higher during the auction!!
He paid me the ultimate compliment when he said "You don't play fair."
Et Tu Brute? A real compliment from the Master himself . . .!!
Sorry to miss so much of the activities and comaraderie - but I was 'on a mission' . . . and 'Mission Accomplished' . . .
I have to admit that it took some brass cojones to allow public critique of my very first canvas painting of any kind . . . It is not my forte' - nor am I experienced at pictorial painting. But I can posterize and paint to a line!! After working for the last 9 months with Bill Hueg on our Lincoln Highway murals, it has apparently worn off . . . and as Dan always does, I stood out there 'on the wire' all alone - and I did something new and out of my 'comfort zone'.
He pushes me to me my best - and that is ALL either of us care much about - facing 'fear' in our work by challenging ourselves. He's a worthy 'opponent' - but we're actually on the same 'team' . . . That's pretty much what we're trying to do with our 'challenges' . . . spur on newfound inner creativity. It is a personal philosophy and 'mission statement' we hope all Letterheads and Walldogs have in them . . .
I am proud to say that this man has become one of my very dearest friends now . . .
We'll send Phoebe's painting off later this week, Dan . . . I'll crate it up and send it off. Is UPS the easiest and most convenient?
-------------------- Jay Allen ShawCraft Sign Co. Machesney Park, IL jallen222@aol.com http://www.shawcraft.com/
"The object of the superior man is truth." -Confucius Posts: 1285 | From: Machesney Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I can't believe how fast it went this year. I worked with Dan Sawatsky on his mural and it really came together quickly. We had about 5 people most of the time and everyone worked great together. I was able to jump over to the Diaz's wall across the street to help out Friday morning.
I think meeting Mike Butler again was a "Kodak Moment" when I showed up wearing a black sleeveless T-shirt with white lettering on the front that said "I've Been Butlerized". His wife Suzie took our picture together and he went and changed from his green shirt into his faithful old black sleeveless shirt for another photo!
Working with Dan Sawatzky is hard to believe. Such a major influence and motivator/teacher that is an experience of a lifetime. Thanks Dan!
Surviving the lightning and rain storm on Wednesday night under a tent with Mike Meyer and Doug Haffner was certainly an unforgettable experience!
Meeting more letterheads for the first time is always fun. It was another great week doing what we all love and sharing stories. This smile on my face is going to be staying for a while!
I Sign-cerely miss everyone already! 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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Painting with Fireman Lester Potts on the pictoral for the mural will be the special moment that stays with me from Danville. Lester's grandfather was one of the firemen in the picture we used. http://www.wicd15.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/vid_2838.shtml
-------------------- “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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#1 Working with my sons, Ben and Joe on their first walldog project was my highlight and I'm sure Jane's.
#2 I thought the playing of taps during the dedication of Butler's mural and the toast Nancy did for Gloria Estes moved me the most. Not many dry eyes out there/
#3 Listening to the high school theater kids sing along to songs Adam May was playing at their wall. Incredible harmony and a fun time.
But as far as with you, Timmy (ya hoot). I came close to peein' my pants when you told the story about almost losin' your manhood when you fell into the Kudzu & .... ya..ya..ya..yer..yer..yer..f..f..f..f..fired!
-------------------- Bill Diaz Diaz Sign Art Pontiac IL www.diazsignart.com Posts: 2107 | From: Pontiac, IL | Registered: Dec 2001
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Some of my favorite memories from Danville involved dealing with the locals. Meeting/working with Mr. Colleen, the old president of Star Fireworks was for sure one of the highlights, but I also really enjoyed when some of the students from the local college came by and got to help out with the mural plus get a few credit hours in the process. I'm also very proud of the fact that I painted about half of the text on the side of our mural (that was one of the more challenging parts of the whole project). There is alot of great memories, and I really enjoyed getting to meet alot of new friends and seeing alot of old friends and family.
posted
Getting a call from Michael Clark asking me to work with him was the start of a my memorable trip and then to be able to take the Balloon ride was sure on the top too.
But the little time spent joking and laughing with Carol Kaufman Preshish!
-------------------- 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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All the walldogs for coming to Danville to help put some very big smiles of the faces of the people of that hard working community.
[ August 09, 2010, 09:29 PM: Message edited by: Scott Lindley ]
-------------------- 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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From the start to the finish. Seeing old friends, meeting new ones. Working with Sonny and Carol, helping out at the Butler's wall (an excuse to watch Bill Hueg paint) and of course swapping lies and drinking beer. Thanks again to Danville and the brush you gave me, Timmy. Can't wait to do it again.
-------------------- Tom & Kathy Durham House Springs, MO Posts: 654 | From: House Springs, MO | Registered: Apr 1999
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It was great seeing old and new faces in Danville. Also being together with Brenda and Jenna for our first big meet was very special.
But, I think my highlight from the Danville meet was going for our very first ride in a hot air balloon!
Brenda and I had hoped to do a pre-meet hot air balloon ride for "research" purposes but were not able to line one up. While working on the Balloon Classic mural in Danville the first day or so, along comes my new friend Wendy, asking if we would be interesting in "possibly" taking a ride on Saturday morning. She said her friend Donna was a balloon pilot and would take us up at 6am Saturday morning...if we could get up and to her house. Even though we were working quite late each night on the mural, we said we'll be there one way or another! Our wonderful host family were able to roll us out in the morning and even drove us out to Donna's farm.
So the plan fell together, the weather was perfect and Donna had lined up her friend Larry to also take his balloon up. This allowed Brenda and I to go up in Donna's "Sunny Side Up" balloon and Sam Staffan and Brenda's daughter Jenna to ride in Larry's ballon.
We were there early enough in the morning to experience the whole process, weather check, set up, load and launch, The whole adventure was amazing right up to the champagne celebration after landing. So, Thanks to Wendy, Donna, her husband and the crew that helped with the flight.
On top of all this Wendy and Donna volunteered to paint on the Balloon Classic mural for quite a while. They also brought us a wonderful dinner one night at the wall.
I had to show my gratitude in some small way, so I painted both the balloons we flew in onto the Balloon Classic wall!
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Preshish!
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