Teddy Bear Artists Invitational 2005

Probably I need not tell you how TBAI is like. The event got its reputation. But if you are also new to the world of teddy bears, I would like to share my first time experience, which is wonderful. In 1991, Millie Gage was approached by the executive director of Ross Park Zoo, the 5th oldest zoo in USA, to display some of her artist bears when the endangered spectacled bear arrived. Millie brought together 10 teddy bear artists to put up a small show in front of the new spectacled bear exhibit. That began the fundraising to help Zoo running. Over the years, the event developed into a quality show limited to 55 artists. I am much honored to be chosen by Millie but we do not have the chance to meet in person. Millie passed away on May 31, 2005. She was surely a person with strong will and great character. Everyone missed her. More than once, Cindy Malchoff, the chairman of TBAI, said Millie will be watching over us. I believe fellow participants all wish to continue her legacy. Each year the exhibitors have to create a gallery piece, according to a specific title, to enter the People's Choice Award. Gallery pieces are for sale. 50% of the income is donated to the Zoo to benefit the Endanger Species Program. There is always a special bear auctioned for the same purpose. Including this year, over UDS 120,000 have been raised for the animals. The event started on Thursday night when all artists and collectors were invited to a complimentary cocktail party. Each artist displayed one of their work as an introduction. We were all excited when the director of the Zoo brought out a special guest, a little fox. The poor girl was pretty scared in an unfamiliar environment especially after the talk when the crowd gathered, all wished to pad her. I could feel her trembling when I touched her. She is so soft!!! On Friday morning, all participants can choose between a talk by Denis Shaw or a winery tour. After lunch we had a few hours to set our tables. By then all the gallery pieces were displayed. This year's theme is 'Classic Literature'. Besides busy at our own table, we were also thrilled to see other's creations. Collectors are not allowed in until 5:00 pm. They all arrive punctually and started to vote for the awards. Every piece is full of character. It was terribly difficult to pick the winner. I walked around 3 times but still could not make up my mind to cast my vote. There was an one hour presale afterwards, allowing the jury to define the result. Collectors were so excited to search for new friends that they hardly want to leave for dinner when it was time. Dinner was arranged strictly in Millie's way. Artists and collectors were put together, stranger to each other, so as to make new friends. Another issue that Millie always insisted is the dessert. She always worked with the chef to decide on the highlight of the meal.


	<< The flower arrangement went to the person with the closest birthday and Donna Nielsen was the winner. Isn't the dessert attractive? >>
Result was then announced. Cindy emphasized that the competition was tougher year after year. The People's Choice Awards went to Francisco Carreno Stewart's Romeo & Juliet and Dolores Austin's 'The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh' (miniature). Let's also see the other entries.
	Winners of the People's Choice Awards << Romeo & Juliet The Complete Tale of Winnie the Pooh >> (Under 8")
	<< Laure Weltsch's 'Uncle Wiggily's Story Book' won second prize. A beautiful big rabbit. This is my Gallery Piece. The Hunchback of the Notre Dame.











With the activities in previous days, everyone make some new friends. The routine show and sales day looks more like a gathering. Though the scale of the show is relatively small, the diversity made it very colourful.




I was looking look forwards to visiting the zoo after the show for two reason. Firstly, this is my first time there. I wish to see the origin where the show began. Secondly, the BBQ is waiting for us. Probably nobody ate lunch during the show. Everyone was starving upon arrival and asked the chef to cook for us rightaway. During the short period while food was under preparation. I got to chance to browse around the zoo.
It has a very nice wooden carousel which was specially stayed open for us. There is a warm story behind the carousel. Between 1919 and 1934, George F. Johnson (1857-1948), shoe manufacturer and great benefactor, donated six beautiful carousels to Binghamton's local parks. Johnson’s commitment to recreation was always more than just good business. He felt carousels contributed to a happy life and would help youngsters grow into strong and useful citizens. Because of his own poor childhood, “George F.” believed carousels should be enjoyed by everyone and insisted that the municipalities never charge money for a magic ride. Now, into their eighth decade, these magnificent machines still spin from Memorial Day to Labor Day at no charge or for an admission of “one piece of litter.” The zoo is small and rather old but the animals are very relaxed. It is like going to someone's home, not entering an amusement park.

Travelling 26 hours to get to a show is not too encouraging but this trip turned out to be worthwhile. I had a wonderful weekend and cannot wait to be there again next year. The theme of TBAI 2006 will be 'Salute to Sleuths Mystery Weekend'. If you happen to be around New York State, do come and help us solve 'the Teddy Bear Crime of the Century!'.