Maine Teddy Bear Show Review

Back Road Events - Upscale Artisan Teddy Bear Shows In New England

"The Maine Show Shines"
by Anna Vey, Underground Bear Factory
Printed in Teddy Bear and Friends Jan/Feb 2007 Issue

To say that the Maine Teddy Bear Show, held on August 12, 2006 at the Coastal House in Wells Maine, was a reincarnation of the former Kennebunk Show would be so far from the truth. Artist and show producer Daphne Blau, of Back Roads Bears, brought this “first” show to new heights in every respect. She took her background in sales and marketing, combined it with her knowledge of what makes for a wonderful show experience and poured her heart and soul into having this show develop its own identity.

Before the actual date of this juried show, all the artists received a packet of beautifully designed postcards to send to their customers. The day of the show we easily found our way to the Coastal House on Rt. 1 in Wells. From the moment we stepped inside the doors we were greeted with smiling faces and hugs, not to mention the hot coffee and donuts while setting up. Each of us received one of the specially designed “Maine Teddy Bear Show” canvas bags, bottles of water and our name badges. Right from the beginning the feeling in the room was, “what a beautiful setting!” Bright natural light filled the space and brought even more smiles to our faces.

The doors opened and the collectors were there in line. They had found us! And they were as happy to see us as we were to see them. Daphne had set up door prize drawings for the adults of $25.00 gift certificates to be used toward the purchase of an artist bear. The children were not forgotten; they had their own door prizes of special show teddy bears. Demonstrations by Anne Cranshaw, Pat Wright-Buckley, Jacqueline La Rochelle and Ellen Bonney were scheduled on topics such as bear making techniques and how to care for those special bears. The artists were also able to submit their favorite teddy bear or “friend of teddy” into a contest where attendees voted for their favorites. There were four categories: Jacqueline LaRochelle’s real fur horse Mavin took First Prize in the “Friend of Teddy” category, while Donna Lee Palomba’s Alecia won First Prize in the “6 in. & over Dressed” category. Splash by Anna Vey received First Place in the “6 in. & over Undressed” category and daughter Andrea’s needle felted Dreamer received not only First Place for the miniature category but also Best In Show. Ribbons and gift certificates to Edinburgh Imports were awarded.

Long time show attendee, Louise Hackett, who lives in New Hampshire but vacations in Maine, commented that she loved the “new” show. “I hope it continues” she said, “and this is such a perfect place.” The artists themselves look forward to keeping the show going. Karen Searl of Karen’s Treasures stated “Even if I don’t sell one bear, I’m still going to do the show next year.” Vicki Stephan of Raspbearies echoed the same sentiment, feeling that that whole experience was so “professional”, she is also looking forward to the next show. Diana Lee Palomba of Timeless Expressions, will definitely be returning, she stated “This was my best show all year!”

As the show ended and we packed up, the overall sense was that we had been a part of a new era of bear shows. This show featured the artists and their designs in the hopes of once again bringing back the serious collectors looking to obtain quality handmade bears. Kudos to Daphne Blau, from all of us, for a show well done!

	Andrea & Anna Vey The Underground Bear Factory		Demonstration by Anne Cranshaw e. willoughby bear co.
	The Coastal House Sales Floor Busy! Busy!		Happy Shoppers at The Paisley Bear
	Sue Fitzpatrick Heirloom Teddy Bears Accepting an Award		Best in Show "Dreamer" by Andrea Vey

Back Road Events is a division of Back Road Bears
Daphne Blau, Events Coordinator I events@backroadbears.com I 603-938-5356 I 53 Circle View Drive I Newbury, New Hampshire 03255