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This post to draw attention to the Internet, Letterhead "Lurkers" out there.....come on...you know who you are....You don't post, but click and read the postings and would like to participate in a meet but are intimidated.... Brothers and sisters of the brush, squeegee, whatever, I have been there! It's a normal thing, it's OK...! Did you ever wonder WHY these certain people are always project leaders? Because they "GET ER DONE!" It's almost a family thang, and we invite you to join, WallDogs are a great way to meet new people, and learn at the same time....Won't you join us in Beautiful Algoma Wisconsin June 22-23?
I'll bet you the Project leaders would be more than happy to cuddle you up and put you in line to help paint their wall....PROJECT LEADERS Can I get a HELL YEAH???? BUTLERS? CLARK? DIAZ MAFIA? NANCY B? CAM? ANDY & LAURI? ADAM & SARA? DALE? TOM & KATHY? ANYONE ELSE?
We want your imput, we want YOUR Involvement, We want your NEW BLOOD, We want YOU, yes YOU< to be a new Project Leader someday..!! We'll be right there with you!
Behind the scenes of Walldogs are simple...we have Walldogs meets that we are lining up every year as per request from towns interested! You can be THAT Project leader!!!
-------------------- Mike Meyer Sign Painter 189 1st Ave n P.O. Box 3 Mazeppa, Mn 55956
We are not selling, we are staying here in Mazeppa....we cannot re-create what we have here....not in another lifetime! SO Here we are!!!!!!!
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No need to be intimidated! I remember how badly I was at first though. Get to a meet, all you need is the ability to hold a paint brush in your hand, whether you are the one who can paint wonderful faces or the one that blocks in large areas, there is a place for you. It's about learning and meeting new friends and leaving a lasting legacy in the community that hosts you. Having met Dave and Susie Butler, Bill and Jane Diaz, Michael Clarke, Nancy Bennett, Adam and Sarah May, Andy and Laurie Goretski and Dale Manor, I'll guarantee you will feel comfortable and welcome in no time at all. These are warm, down to earth, non pretentious, fun folks and I sure wish I could be there, but I have my hands full with planning our meet! Maybe next year!
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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...I remember meeting DAVID and SUZY BUTLER at at their first meet in 1997, at PAUL SOLES huge gathering in Cleveland. David said he didn't think he was good enough to be a Letterhead, and didn't think he'd be accepted!!!
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Thanks Kelly and Billy, that's a coupla great responses! Here again are some Algoma pictures to get you in the right frame o'mind....Barb, if you will......
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I was really intimidated by Gary Anderson when I met him at Lodi. His reputation precedes him, and I had no idea what to expect. He turned out to be one of the nicest people in the world. He let me work on his mural and even sent me a personalized thank you in the mail afterward. I was absolutely blown away. He is one of many, many awesome people I met at Lodi.
For those who have been afraid to go to a walldog meet, don't be! I had never worked on a mural before I went to Lodi.
My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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There's something extra special about a Walldog meet - working with a bunch of fun people and then admiring the results of a blitz weekend with fitches flying. It's a feeling you will cherish forever and it's a great way to show the public just who we are and how the magic happens......
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Well said mike meyer (the "real" mike meyer)
I too know just how daunting going to a meet is having been to many and also having hosted one here in australia, but it is a very satisfying thing to even just go to a meet and either watch or better still join in to a project. I have never meet anyone who hasnt had a fantastic time at a letterhead meet. Lurking here is one thing but going to a meet is just great. like mr Nike said.. "just do it!"
I would have never had emagined getting the opportunity to go to a meet on the other side of the globe let alone get to be project leader at a international meet thanks to this site and mike meyer who we got down to our meet in australia the year before. Now i'm a self taught signie who hasnt done the trade and live a two horse town way out in the bush and i still manage to get to meets so whats your excuse! NO dont make excuses... just get to one and if mike and the above mentioned are there it will be a blast. I treasure every letterhead / airbrush artist/ pinstriper / cartoonist etc etc i've had the pleasure to meet and chat too. You have no idea how many of my heros i have had the opportunity to meet thru letterhead meets.
I hope to meet many more too.
cheers mates!
Rod
-------------------- Rod from, EAST COAST AIRBRUSHING "Airbrush Art & Graphics" Nambour; Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Australia E.mail: rod@rodticklesigns.com Web: www.rodticklesigns.com Posts: 635 | From: Nambour, Sunshine Coast, Queensland | Registered: Dec 1998
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And I'll be meeting a whole bunch of my heroes too Rod when I am in Moose Jaw in July.... got my tickets and am meeting up with Bushie and driving to Duncan Wilkie's place and on to Moose Jaw and Kelly Thorson and all the guys I've only known here on the bullboard, now I get to meet them in person.....can't wait!!! Hey Mike, if its ok I'll make a trip to Mazeppa and try and fix your jukebox.... going to drive through to south Dakota after the meet....
-------------------- John "sarge" Serjeant Executive Director of "Hardly Normal Signs" sarge.signs@bigpond.com 3 Balyando Drive Nerang Queensland 4211 Australia 61 07 5578 2495 Posts: 255 | From: Nerang, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Aug 1999
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Russ, Nancy, Sonny, Rod, Sarge...Thanks and right on! Sonny,and Rod, you guys hit it on the head, because you have lived it like I have, all we are trying to do is make people see what it is they are missing...! It truly changes your life.
Sarge, you know you are welcome here anytime, but the Jukebox is in Nebraska on loan to Karl Reeder for however long he wants, and that's another 5 hours south! Make sure you stop in Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument and see Tim Peterson and Mike "Griz" Moore! Because after that it's flat corn fields for days!!
So come on borad folks and grab a brush..it's Summer time and Walldogging is in the air!!!!
-------------------- Mike Meyer Sign Painter 189 1st Ave n P.O. Box 3 Mazeppa, Mn 55956
We are not selling, we are staying here in Mazeppa....we cannot re-create what we have here....not in another lifetime! SO Here we are!!!!!!!
I just returned from Mass Mayhem 7 and enjoyed a weekend with some incredibly talented Pinstripers and Makers of Signs. I still feel a bit intimidated by panel Jams and striping meets. Pinstriping is something I just haven't worked at getting a handle on. But there were a lot of people there that would have helped me out at the drop of a hat and many who did just that! The Host of the event, Gary Cole, handed me a 00 dagger...and said have at er!
It can be the same way at Walldog meets. the first one I went to I ended up being a stand-in project team leader! Talk about jumping in with both feet! I try to hit as many Walldog meets as I can.
The people at these meets, including the Project Leaders, are the nicest, most talented people you'll meet. I have had the opportunity to work along side many of them and have enjoyed every moment. A couple of times I've got the Mainstreet tour with Mike Meyer at "the wheel" of the rented scissor lift!
I agree with all who have posted above...If you can possibly make it to a Walldog event...DO IT....it'll change your life forever! You can either stand around and visit, or grab a brush and dig in! I usually have a few boxes of brushes and you can help me on any wall I'm working on!
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Wisconson is a little off the path for me, but how do these things get initiated with the city? I'd like to talk to my city about a walldog meet. Is it grant money or,...who funds it?
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Looking at a blank wall before you start a mural is one of life's most intimidating things... especially when you first start painting.
I remember the first time I flew into the United States to do a mural by myself... back in the mid 80's... and got into a strange city, thousands of miles from home. A MASSIVE 100' blank wall taunted me but I was determined to beat it... and amazingly only 9 days later it was DONE! I had fun too!
A hundred murals later I tackled my first Letterhead project as a leader... and it was just as daunting. Although the wall was much smaller (only 60' this go around) the task was to do it in only three days or less and to lead a team of Letterheads, most of whom I had never met before.
No fear though for the group standing around me were eager and I had a plan. I was determined to include everyone who wanted to help, no matter what their skill level or experience. In the next two and a half days we did the seemingly impossible... and had a blast while doing it.
Since that first Letterhead mural in Cornwall I've been privileged to lead a couple more... one in Mazeppa a couple of years ago which was a blast. Wonderful memories made there!
The last one was down in Lodi and was an incredible 5 days of fun in the sun. Over 100 people helped on the mural I led there. Hopefully all who did discovered that mural painting is fun... and painting a mural is all about putting one brush stroke on at a time... before you know it a mural graces a wall where it was blank a short time before.
I encourage everyone to take in a mural meet... introduce yourself to the project leaders and then pick up a brush and start slinging some paint. Its not hard, you'll meet some of the greatest folks in the world, and you'll laugh and learn at the same time.
Remembering some mighty fine mural meets in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8739 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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Oh Yes What there all say'in......I went to my 1st one last year at Jacksonville,Ill.Met Bill and Jane,The 1st nite Bill had me work'in till 3 in the morn.. The whole thing was a great time,had me and Velma not went we would not have gotten to meet John Jordon,What a great guy,Quick with a joke,he was just super.Oh yes then theres mike clarke,and Mr Meyer,And Cisco.....And Dale ya better get those tunes ready for Velma,And Im sure theres a pic or to of me become'in a walldog..... hope to see ya there in Algoma......... Bernie
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Your life will change as you know it...your passion will be hit with nitro and you'll be in overdrive the whole time...1st meet for me was Banff, not only were there great projects going on but great seminars...I had always wanted to do gold, read lots, but was afraid to try it...was watching them gild a fire truck when Bill Riedel came an stood beside me we talked and I metioned why I was watching, he grabbed me by the arm and the next thing I know we were sizing gilding and engine turning...Thanks to Bill gold has been a big part of my business since...What ever you wish to know, wether hand lettering, painting mural, gilding, there will be someone there that knows and is willing to help you learn hands on...It just doesn't get any better than that... Tea Mike?
-------------------- Pat Welter Masterhand Signs and Designs Unity, Saskatchewan.Canada Posts: 1304 | From: Unity, Saskatchewan.Canada | Registered: May 1999
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Earl Grey Pat, can Ruth gimma splash of Milk too please? Thanks!
This post is an excellent example of what founded Letterheads. Pat yourselves on the back...Dawud, I will gladly try and anwser your questions...WHo funds these things? Usually a city Econ. Development, or City COuncil, or a private Group. We really don't care who funds it, but please FUND IT! We require meals, lodging, material cost re-imbursted, and cover each Painter's cost as if they were working at there shop, wherever they are from. Some of the early WallDog events were done for pretty much nothing with the host losing his ASS....been there, don't want to go back.
It's a win, win deal, we have to educate these towns what we do, and who we are. Some towns people think we travel town to town year' round, like gypsy's painting towns. Wow. Get a clue people, but they don't know. We have to tell them. So, if you wish to do a meet, call or email me and I'd be glad to help you get the ball rolling.!!! It's a huge undertaking, and it is ALOT of work. But the reward is life long..!!
Keep Greed and Politics out of it and you will have smooth sailing....Don't ask how I know this.
Let's Paint!!!!!
-------------------- Mike Meyer Sign Painter 189 1st Ave n P.O. Box 3 Mazeppa, Mn 55956
We are not selling, we are staying here in Mazeppa....we cannot re-create what we have here....not in another lifetime! SO Here we are!!!!!!!
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Bernie, you left out the newbie swearing in ceremony...I have GREAT photos of that! Any of you who can make it, you WILL have a good time!
Mike makes a good point about having a meet in your town. Who WOULDN'T want this group coming to their town, painting murals all over! We get asked about it all the time. But when you start working on all the details, it is a bit daunting! It can be done, just not for FREE like some towns think!
[ May 21, 2007, 12:45 PM: Message edited by: Jane Diaz ]
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Lurkers, what a great way to learn, some of the best teachers in the trade are at these meets. There are people at these meets who have all sorts of skills and are only too happy to share them with you. My Dad convinced me to go to my first major meet, Mazeppa Muster 99, I had a ball. I got to meet a lot of famous or infamous signpeople and got to share some great times of learning and fun, all I had to do was 'give it a go' Jump in and get your hands dirty, maybe get a bit of paint on your clothes as well and be prepared to have fun. At the last meet I went to I got covered in paint, isn't that right Bushie, I still don't remember everything that happened at that meet.
-------------------- Paul Jordan Jordan Signs http://jordansigns.com.au paul@jordansigns.com.au Australia "We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing" George Bernard Shaw, I think. Posts: 166 | From: Caringbah, N.S.W., Australia | Registered: Nov 1999
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I talked on the phone with Mr. Paul Jordan last night and it was great to swap old stories about his Dad, John and the great Letterhead times we have shared...There are many more good times to come...Also got a Email from Velma Lohmeyer from Kansas...they were on the fence about coming to the meet...not anymore, they realized the Great time they had at Jacksonville Illinois last year, and they WILL BE IN ALGOMA!!!
I have Official Jacksonville Calendars and brouchures from the people in Jacksonville to hand out in Algoma!! They did an excellent job and set a standard for how Wall Dog Meets can be done SUCCESSFULLY!!!!!!!
Speaking of SUCCESSFULL...the artwork was shared with me via Emails from Dave Petri and Man-o-man are they some beautiful pieces! Hats off to the project leaders!
-------------------- Mike Meyer Sign Painter 189 1st Ave n P.O. Box 3 Mazeppa, Mn 55956
We are not selling, we are staying here in Mazeppa....we cannot re-create what we have here....not in another lifetime! SO Here we are!!!!!!!
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I thought I would humbly petition for support of the upcoming "WallDog Wave"-"a wall mural painting festival" (as I describe it to the residents of Algoma). But after reading through all of your responses from Mike Meyers' bold pitch, I got so choked up I don't know what to say now. I will say this... you are all the best bunch of people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. A lot has happened since last August and I don't mind telling you that this is biggest challenge that I have ever attempted and more than once I felt all alone in battling the obstacles of "greed & politics" to attain WallDog serenity. Of course I realized I was never really alone with all of this overwhelming support just a click or phone call away. From Adam & Sarah Mays' dreamlike appearance in Algoma to Mike Meyer being wisked to the council chambers just seconds after his arrival in the great city, to the acceptance of project leader committments by some of the great ones in the business, I just knew this was going to be a very special event. I will do everything I can to make this years gathering fitting enough to "go to the dogs". Thank you all for your wonderful support. I've got to go set up scaffolding now and get the walls ready with a fella by the name of Donny Weirick of Great Lakes Painting...
-------------------- David C. Petri Flying Peach Custom Paint Green Bay, WI 54302 cell 920-246-7821 Posts: 79 | From: Green Bay, WI | Registered: Jun 2006
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Call it what you want Mr. Bendel, we look past the "Name Dropping and Name Calling", we just want people like yourself to see what we have seen, what we have felt, and what we want to unselfishly offer to you..a "LURKER". I will not retract the word "Lurker" for it is the correct term needed here, (Typed with a smile), We do have a common goal. I think Sauk Rapids is pretty darn close to Algoma compared to Carinbah New South Wales, but if Mr. Jordan could find the time, I damn sure bet he'd be right there painting beside us all!!!!!!
Please put the Golf Clubs aside for a weekend and come and see what we are talking about Mr. Bendel, or any other "Lurkers" out there...
YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!!
Very much respect to you Mr. Bendel!
This post WILL stay positive and progressive no matter what!
-------------------- Mike Meyer Sign Painter 189 1st Ave n P.O. Box 3 Mazeppa, Mn 55956
We are not selling, we are staying here in Mazeppa....we cannot re-create what we have here....not in another lifetime! SO Here we are!!!!!!!
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Wow! I can feel the energy already! The artwork for Algoma is awsome and we are going to have a good time! Dave Petri, thank you for your efforts(in advance). Dave reminds me of one of those "Worlds Strongest Man" competitors; He would pull a bus to Mazeppa for us in the name of Letterheads! You are doing great work dave! And as for the Canadians, I love Canada and the Moose Jaw meet will be spectacular. wish we could make it, Kelly. Please post all of the details so we can experience a little from affar! I know it isn't close to being there but this website keeps us connected! Thanks to all who are carrying the torch! Andy Goretski
-------------------- Lauri Goretski Custom Murals N6334 HWY 107 TOMAHAWK WI 54487 CustomMurals1@aol.com Posts: 127 | From: Tomahawk Wi | Registered: Apr 2003
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To me the combination of sharing and learning is an orgasm for days!
It is an honour to be asked to be a Project Leader in Moose Jaw. My Mural Style is different. Don't laugh Si ... you always say I can't work in more than two colors ... SPEIA! Sorta "Big Airbrush". If I can pass on the technique it will make my day.
But I want to learn too. I am in awe of many of you here and will suck your brains dry over some splashed paint and couple of beers!
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Hi Laurie, Thanks for the kind words....I'm sorry to hear you and Andy won't make Moose Jaw, I've been meaning to get a special invitation of to you guys. I was going to have my son Cris take Andy on a wildlife tour and show him the hunting areas. A lot has changed since I was in Mazeppa, our area is now plentiful in moose and antelope as well as mule and white tail. I hope someday you'll still make it this way. Great Mural concept BTW...they all look great!
Have a great meet....like I said, I wish I could be there. I'm hoping you'll all be so caught up in the dog fever you'll decide to reunite in Moose Jaw.
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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Thank you Mike. I intend to meet you personally one day & look forward to it. I respect the trade immensely & want all levels of talent & all bus. sizes to feel comfortable here as I do.
Algoma eh? We may just see you there. Bring your clubs Mike! I'm not really that good, I just hit it far & straight once in a great while. What's your handicap?
-------------------- Michael R. Bendel Bendel Sign Co,. Inc. Sauk Rapids, MN Posts: 913 | From: Sauk Rapids, MN | Registered: Jul 2005
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Don't know what or why ther eis the term handicap in Golf. I have some old sticks from Dave Correll,, he gives away his clubs after winning a major tournament.
See you in Algoma!
-------------------- Mike Meyer Sign Painter 189 1st Ave n P.O. Box 3 Mazeppa, Mn 55956
We are not selling, we are staying here in Mazeppa....we cannot re-create what we have here....not in another lifetime! SO Here we are!!!!!!!
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Hahahaha Sounds like me & you Dave are taking on Mike & one of his hockey buddies!
If we win Dave...... will you give your clubs to me?
We pulled a prank on a buddy last year in Laughlin NV. I brought along an old crappy iron. After one of my bad shots... I took out the "bad" club & snuck over to their cart & pretended to take the "bad" club from his bag & yelled... "take that you sandbagger" & threw it way into the water! It was hilarious, you shoulda seen his face.
-------------------- Michael R. Bendel Bendel Sign Co,. Inc. Sauk Rapids, MN Posts: 913 | From: Sauk Rapids, MN | Registered: Jul 2005
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