Carving Shows

Below is a list of carving shows that I'll be attending this summer. If you happen to get to one, please feel free to stop by our table and try out some of our tools. If you go the the Louisiana New Orleans Show in August, SMC Enterprises will be attending. SMC will Also be at the Livonia, Michigan show in mid September.

If you'd like to suggest any other shows that you think I should attend, (in MN or surrounding states please), feel free to drop me a line.

Lake Country Wood Carvers
13th and 14th of June, free admission to the pulic

Contact Information:
Richard Skauge
Box 384
Lake Park, MN 56554
Phone 1-218-238-5713

This show is on the 13th and 14th of June, starting at 10 am at the "Lake Pavilion" at the corner of Washington Ave & West Lake Dr. Detroit Lakes, MN 56501. Table fee is $20.00 per table, and you will probably need to bring your own table and chairs. Otherwise you can use the picnic tables that are available from the adjacent park. Let them know if you require power, and bring a long extention cord if you do.

This show isn't a competition, but a place for woodcarvers to sell their art to the public, and chat with other woodcarvers. Demonstrations on wood carving techniques will be given by Dennis Forsell, Larry Longtine, Dick Skauge, and other select artists (6 or 7 in all, last about an hour each). A gift exchange also takes place near the end of the show on Sunday.

It was a good show last year. We impressed many people with the capabilities of the Safe Air, and introduce many carvers to our new 16 gauge heavy duty cord. This year the mammal and caricature carvers there are sure to be impressed with the new hair burning pen (recently developed by me), and the new "Super Safe Air" dust collection system (1430 CFM) that I will be demonstrating. Of course there will be several other tool and wood vendors there, (mostly hand carving tools), that are sure to have just the thing you need to satisfy that carving fetish.

The 1998 Northern Nationals Competition
Wildfowl - Fish -Hunting Decoys - Mammals - Interpretive Sculpture
Will be held at the Days Inn next to the Mall of America on the 24th, 25th, and 26th of July

Vendor Tables/booths: Brian Grott, 17107 Cedar Crest Dr., Big lake, MN 55309 at 612-263-3390 ($100 per table, free passes). This is also the guy to contact if you need a brochure, registration forms, or any other information about the show not listed here.

Mail-in entries should be shipped to: Ardis Poquette, The Hadley companies, 11001 Hampshire Ave. S., Bloomington, MN 55438. Contact by phone: 612-943-5243. Entries must be "received" by July 22nd and must include registration forms (include your name, complete address, phone number, and total amount enclosed) and fees (as well as return postage).

Seminars. Three world class sculptors will be there giving a class (or lecture) on the 24th from 1:00pm to 8:30pm (Floyd Scholtz - 1pm ~ 3pm, Michael Arthurs - 3pm ~ 5pm, Jude Brunet - 6:30pm ~ 8:30pm). All three seminars are yours for only $65.00 per person. Class size is limited to the first 50 paid registrations received. Send your registration form with your check to: Tom Flemming, 13868 Woodbine St. N.W., Andover, MN 55304. Phone 612-323-1791 with any questions

Days Inn: Call 612-854-8400 for reservations, and to get the special $79.00 "contracted rate" make certain the reservationist understands that you are attending the "Northern Nationals Competition sponsored by the Minnesota Decoy & Wildfowl Carving Club". Do not call the 800 number for Days Inn, as they know nothing about this special rate. Contracted rooms are limited (207 total). This hotel has several very nice amenities, including a heated pool, and complimentary transportation to the airport & the Mall of America.

Entry Fees
Show membership required - $10.00
Each registered competitor will receive passes for him/herself and one guest.

Class					First entry	Additional

Junior (16 & under) 			Free				Free
Novice						$10.00			$5.00
Intermediate					$20.00			$5.00
Open Class					$35.00			$10.00

If your ANYWHERE near Bloomington, MN you MUST get to this show! (its the law ;-) Many top artists will be attending, including two very prominent wood carving magazines covering this year's show. Stop by our tables and try out our line of quality carving tools. Last year's show was excellent, and this year looks to be even better. This 'is' the BIGGEST show in Minnesota, and getting bigger and better every year.

I am thinking of attending the Oshkosh, WI show next year at the end of April. Any feedback on this particular show would be appreciated.