Gene Maiden Tribute

 

I can't think of a better way to wrap up this convention archive than with the loving tribute to Gene Maiden by Tom Tierney. They collaborated on the Fruitland Chronicles for Cornerstones Magazine (published by Deanna Williams).

Tom's artwork graced the cover of a convention souvenir booklet that included reminiscences from friends and acquaintances. I loved reading it, and getting a better sense of the man I was just getting to know better at conventions. What a gentleman he was. 

If I missed something from the convention that you'd like to see here, let me know. Ron Fong gave me an ID for one of the banquet pictures, so I'll amend that now. Also, if you have pictures from the convention that you'd like me to post here, send them to me as a jpeg file, and I'll add them as well.

Souvenir Calendar

This was an exceptional group endeavor: Several artists contributed (more than once) to the wardrobe of the Tom Tierney calendar girl. I counted 22 different outfits. Here's a selection:

Souvenir: Darlene Jones

 

 

A beautiful interpretation of the Bellagio Las Vegas by artist Darlene Jones.

Altered Book Workshop

I still have a few more souvenirs to post, but wanted to make sure I go this in: a sample of the altered book that I made at the convention workshop led by Sandy Vanderpool and Beverly Micucci. Sandy and Beverly brought a ton of materials for us to use: rubber stamps, copies of ephemera, decorative pages and embellishments. All went toward the creation of Daphne in Paris, based on a 1920s postcard that Sandy found and that triggered her imagination and ours. Sandy's original Daphne in Paris is gorgeous, and inspired the rest of us. The result: a lovely guide to altered book techniques. 

Souvenir: Brenda Sneathen Mattox

Brenda's page from "On the Strip" illustrates another aspect of the theme park that is Las Vegas.

Souvenir: Tom Tierney

Tom Tierney's "On the Strip" paper doll rocks on at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Souvenir: Kwei-lin Lum

Kwei-lin has fun with the Las Vegas version of "Paris" for "On the Strip."

Souvenir: Marilyn Henry

From "On the Strip," Marilyn Henry's witty take on the classic Las Vegas casino, The Sahara.

Souvenir: David Wolfe

 

David Wolfe's lively contribution to the "On the Strip" souvenir.

Souvenir: Sandy Vanderpool

 

  

These two pages were part of an 8-page souvenir set, "On the Strip."  

Souvenir: Donald Hendricks

 

  

 

You can find Donald's paper dolls for sale at his web site, Legacy Designs.

Souvenir: Bruce Patrick Jones

 

 This is a six page set.

Souvenir: Ralph Hodgdon

Another six page set.

Padre Sam menu

 

Deanna paid tribute to a time-honored tradition: the Las Vegas wedding.

On the Strip menu

Cover art by Sandy Vanderpool.

Show Time Menu

Cover art by Ralph Hodgdon.

Liberace menu

The Deanna Williams specialty: conceiving the idea for clever menus to enhance the banquet theme. The candelabra is propped up on a hinge.  

Souvenir: Ralph Hodgdon

I'll post samples of some of the convention souvenirs over the next weeks. Keep in mind that many of the artists depend on souvenir sales after the convention to cover their costs; that's why I fade the colors and tag each image. If you'd like to know if Ralph Hodgdon has any more of these sets for sale, drop him a line at The Stearns, 10 Temple Place, #705. Boston, MA 02111. Many souvenirs will crop up on eBay, or at the next convention sales room.

UPDATE: I neglected to mention this is part of a 10-page set--one souvenir--in an envelope labeled "More Showtime." (Needless to say, this was not the first souvenir given out!) And this wasn't the only Ralph Hodgdon souvenir during the event. He worked overtime, and did a tremendous job.

Here's a flyer that Ralph gave out at convention, listing his many other paper doll coloring books as well as full-color paper doll sets for sale:

Remember to click images for a larger version.

Sandy and Jan

Sandy Vanderpool and Jan McKay. Thanks again to Jan for making these photos available to post here.

David Wolfe

Our terrific emcee. Be sure to check out David's paper dolls at Paperdollywood and Paper Doll Review.

David also created an online interactive paper doll website as part of an exhibit celebrating the style of Iris Apfel at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Mass. On Jan. 10, in a round-up of 2009 highlights in the arts,  the New York Times Style Section included a photo of museum visitors gathered around computer monitors to play with David's virtual paper dolls. Bravo, David!

Garth and Diana

Garth and Diana Lax, always a fount of enthusiasm, and so knowledgeable about the antique paper dolls.

Don't forget to get on Garth's e-mail list for the Kansas City convention in July. Contact him at: garth_lax(at)yahoo(dot)com

Gene Maiden's nephews

Kwei-lin Lum writes that on Sunday morning, Gene's nephews set up an exhibit and entertained the group with childhood stories of Gene and his circle of artist friends, and a plastic castle he transformed into a more elaborate toy with a moat. 

I had to leave early Sunday, so missed their presentation. But I'll be thinking of Gene on Friday night when I attend a marionette show at La MaMa in the East Village.

Ralph, Lorna and George

Ralph Hodgdon, Lorna and George Thomopoulus. If you recognize the lady on the far right, let me know. Maybe by my 10th convention I'll know everyone's name! Or maybe I just have to do more table-hopping.

Folies Bergere paper doll

A free paper doll sheet from Judy Johnson was included in our registration folder.

Pam, Kathy and me

Pamela Brittenham, Kathy O'Tierney and the Paper Collector.

Janet, Jan and Deanna

Deanna's sister Janet Puchlik and friend Jan Lauritzen were outstanding, taking over details large and small, and making sure Deanna rested as she battled the flu during the convention.

Susie, Bruce, Wilma and Marianne

Susie Trout, Bruce Patrick Jones, Wilma Goss and Marianne Anderson. Thanks to Ron Fong for the ID. Both Wilma and Marianne are from Oregon; Susie is from Iowa, and Bruce came in from Toronto.