I had not been to Branson before, but have a similarly large 'tourist' town not far from me and this was what I expected. While I found a lots of similarities, I believe the location for the Event Tent and the marketing made for unique and natural fit. As evidence, there was steady traffic from before opening through 6pm each day. I met with an interested and engaged crowd over a partially rainy Friday and a beautifully sunny Saturday. Saturday afternoon slowed slightly, which was a natural break for the show artists and organizers to mingle, share and take in the weekend. Traffic continued right though the close of the show.
While not a direct artist I was welcomed all the same, made fast friends and learned more in two days, as I had in a months time. I met personally with serious collectors, Artists, as well as locals just getting started in Marble collecting. All smiling faces, interesting and engaging conversations and as welcoming as if I were a local. Everything I had heard about the community second hand, was certainly there. It was a pleasure to share a part of the WAG hoard here, and I am pleased to meet each person directly that has taken on new ownership of this part of the collection. The event was predominantly Artists, with a few supporting vendors across 40 booths. There was also a local pet rescue, a food drive for the local Pantry as well as Glass Demo area and several Food trucks.
As I understand, the Branson area has both artist residence and a very strong Marble hide and seek community. They went above and beyond to assure this first Festival was successful. I don't think I have seen as many knowledgeable and welcoming volunteers involved in an event, All following the energy and love from Organizer Cherry Ussery. As a vendor, support was easy to find, as friendly as could be and ready help. The Branson Development group as also always available and seemed to be enjoying the event as much as the attendees. Signup was easy and all my newbie questions and concerns were quickly addressed.
I had so many great complements on the Doug Ferguson and Ralf Wald Collections, as well the Sabina Boehm and Paul Petura marbles were a hit. The Andrew Groner cubes and Pyramids were favorites of many and the crazy Calvin RAZ Sugita Marbles with frogs, dragons and such were well appreciated. All these Artists and more will be available here in my store shortly.
As with many different types of Art and artifacts, Art Glass Marbles have a way of finding their owners, albeit a purchase, and chance encounter, or a tricky hide out in a nearby quarry (see World Elite Marble hunters on Facebook for more on this, as well as my next post*). I was witness to this personally with more then a handful of Marbles this weekend and am glad to have shared in the weekend with so many others.
So, another big thank you to all involved, you have started a fantastic Festival and community with this event. Congrats and here's to 20 more to come!
*I will have to have another post on the Hider community and event, as its that involved and awesome.
