JerseyFest 2012
Posted by John Dennett in Conventions
01
Sep
2012
​Only a few weeks back I was a guest again at yet another summer GK show in the great state of New Jersey. JerseyFest.
This time it was presented by Dave Tomarchio who is no stranger to putting on a hobby event. For a good six years Dave had held Jerseyfest in his home with a faithful following of fans attending each year till the attendance grew bigger than his house could hold.
This year brought a move to the Rider University Campus where there was plenty of room for everything.
There were vendors galore, sculptors aplenty, seminars and displays and an incredible model contest and art show highlighted by the majestic paintings of my old friend Daniel Horne who is without a doubt an amazing artist who's work needs to be seen in person to truly appreciate it.
I put on a sculpting seminar/ Q & A session which went quite well with a darn good attendance of modelers intent on picking up as many tips as could be thrown out into the room. Here I showed works in progress along with displaying some older prototypes from the 80's & 90's to give folks a chance to see and actually handle original sculptures from the early GK days.
One particular modeler upon seeing my original "Tremors" sculpture told me it was his grail kit and so I handed him the actual piece to hold and scrutinize. He seemed happy to handle the original sculpture and his enjoyment really made my day. That's just one of the great things about being at a show, meeting the dedicated fans who have purchased, built, painted or only admired artwork I was responsible for doing.
I always enjoy having dialog with anyone wanting to ask a question or share a story involving the hobby and Jerseyfest was definitely terrific gathering spot for making the community strong.
I look forward to attending the next Jerseyfest in September 2013.