The people from SAW have obviously worked hard once again to put the EXPO together. I know everyone would like to see more vendors participate but in these tough times I'm sure it's just too expensive for them to travel. Many of the vendors you know and love were there hawking their wares. Seyco, Ocooch, RJR Studios, PS Woods, Kathy Wise, Judy Gale Roberts and Bushton Manufacturing were keeping busy talking to customers and hopefully selling a few products.
The last time I attended the EXPO I spent all my time taking pictures and videos. I felt like I missed the chance to talk to so many people. I decided that Saturday I would just walk and talk. Boy did I do a lot of both. Attendance was actually pretty good. I lost count of how many people came up and introduced themselves. I enjoyed talking to all of you that I met. Thanks for taking the time to say hi.
Judy Gale RobertsI wanted to attend all the seminars but just could not get to them. I was able to make the Judy Gale Roberts class. Judy was one of the first 10 inductees into the woodworking hall of fame and is considered to almost single handily have brought intarsia back to the United States in the 70's. Her class was well attended. I would estimate around 50 to 70 in the class. She lectured on intarsia basics. Using a slide show she walked us all through a project from beginning to end. Judy is a very engaging speaker and stopped often for questions. There is no way to teach that large of class a hands on skill but she did give everyone an excellent introductory to what it takes to get started in intarsia. I enjoyed the class and hope to attend the followup class tomorrow.
One of Judy's beautiful intarsia pieces.Judy had her booth set up selling patterns and displaying several of her pieces of art. You have to see her work in person to understand just how skilled at this craft she is. I was awe struck.
Jim Stiek's natural edge cutting.I promise I will get pictures and video of the EXPO tomorrow.