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10th anniversary of the Western Design Conference in Cody,
Wyo., was celebrated in high style, says executive director
Pam Neary. "I'm thrilled with the way everything went
off", Neary says. "It was one of the best, ever!
"
An estimated 2,000 people attended the exhibit at the Riley
Arena during the four days of the conference Sept. 18-21,
with another 500 attending the fashion show at Cody Auditorium.
A reception at the arena hosted about 300 people.
Neary says she has received positive feedback on the conference,
and plans are already underway for the 2003 event, which will
likely feature a new venue for the fashion show. Additionally,
an advisory committee has been established to oversee the
fashion show, as the designers "feel so strongly about
increasing the awareness of the show, and they are so supportive
of each other, they want as many people as possible to participate."
Recognizing the economic opportunity afforded designers who
participate in the conference, the advisory committee plans
to offer a scholarship to allow "up and coming"
artists to attend the show, Neary says.
A judging panel of three, headed by legend Manuel, selected
the four fashion award winners, including Fashion Designer
of the Year, 'Desert Diva' by Sherry Holt of City of
Industry, Calif. A separate judging panel of five selected
the furniture and accessory winners, including Best of Show,
Many Tears of Durango, Colo., for 'Beaded Pride', and
the Switchback Ranch Purchase Award, which went to Anne Beard
of Lexington, Ore., for her 'Chair and Nesting Footstools'.
Sales of exhibition pieces and fashion were on track, Neary
says. "I've heard reports of numerous custom orders taken
during the show. One sees the benefit of exposure from this
show, whether its sales off the floor or six months from now",
she says. Exhibitors acknowledge the sales often come after
the event.
"We base our business on contacts made at the Western
Design Conference", says Quandary Design owner Greg Race
of Leadville, Colo. He estimates about 90 percent of his business
is related to the Western Design Conference and ensuing exposure
and interest from media around the country.
A perennial award winner, including the prestigious Switchback
Ranch Purchase Award in 2001 and 1997, Race received a new
award this year, Best Adaptation of Materials for his sleek
and sophisticated sofa table that incorporates the blade from
an old lumberjack's saw.
New exhibitors also value the conference for its inspiration."This
conference has really been an influence on me", says
newcomer Richard O'Haire of Clyde Park, Mont. The first-year
exhibitor says he attended the conference in 1994 with a friend
who told him, "One day, you'll be in this." At the
time, O'Haire was working for a railroad, but dreamed of one
day entering the Western Design Conference with examples of
his lifelong woodworking craftsmanship. "I used to make
lamps and things, and as a kid we'd build forts and furnish
them with twig furniture." A lodge built by his father
was also outfitted with western furniture.
Major sponsors for the Western Design Conference are Mountain
Living, Log and Timber Style, American Cowboy and True West
magazines. Dates of next year's event are Sept. 24-27. More
information about the conference may be viewed on the website,
www.wdcinfo.org, or call 888-685-0574.
