Flower & Garden Show – Sept/Oct 1999

This year we will be doing something new and interesting at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in February. In past years, we have had one of the larger gardens on the main floor, which is always a big hit with the show’s visitors. We have also had an Educational Booth on the sixth floor. In fact, one year, we actually won an award for the Educational booth, which was great because we had no idea that there was any kind of award.

This year, we hope to once again have our educational booth and we need someone to put together a design for the booth and execute it. To do this, a person will have to pick out appropriate sculptures to fit on pedestals set among plants. New this year, this is a great opportunity to educate the public to effective uses of sculpture in the home and garden.

Last year, upon seeing our solitary booth, one of the coordinators of the show was aghast at the fact that it was our only exhibit. After she raved about how well the booth was done, I explained that if there had been more room, we could have demonstrated how sculpture could work in a home setting, both inside and outside. I mentioned that the public needs to be taught that certain stones work best outdoors while others disintegrate in sun and rain. The lady grabbed me by the hand and pulled me across the building, to point over the ledge to the lower entrance hall. “How would your group like to use those two 8′ x 16′ vignettes next yearfor that purpose?” (Can you tell that we are one 01 her favorite groups?)

Well, guess what I am doing until February???? I am assembling furniture, gravel, benches, archways, rugs and a variety of both indoor and outdoor pieces for those vignettes. Send me pictures of your work so you can be represented. As I am setting up an enviromnent, I may refer your piece to the booth if it doesn’t coordinate with the sofa! (joke)

It doesn’t matter if you have ever exhibited before. In fact, this is a great way to see the Flower and Garden show, not only when it is open but also to observe the amazing process those gardens go through from start to takedown. Of course, it also means some work is involved. I am requiring that anyone who shows in the vignette, must stand a watch handing out brochures, help set up or help take down. Sculptures will be delivered to the show by their owners. At this point, don’t worry about pedestals. We need people to get involved in networking and to get to know one another better. There is no better way than to help with this show. Newcomets, if you don’t feel you want to share your work yet, then share yourself!

I need to know right now if you can help! Call Nicky Oberholtzer at 206-248-2813 or e-mail meatnickobie@hotrnail.com.