THE 2ND R. JOHN WRIGHT DOLLS CONVENTION and separate TRIP TO BENNINGTON, Vermont, was held from June 2-5, 2010.
The special excursion - "Green Mountains" - on June 2nd included luxury coach transportation from the Desmond Hotel in Albany, New York to Bennington, Vermont - approximately one hour away. There, visitors were given a tour of the R. John Wright workshop, design studio, and showroom where rare pieces were available for purchase. A catered meal was held on the R. John Wright property in a huge tent overlooking Vermont's lovely green mountains. Titled "The Red Clover Luncheon", the event culminated in the presentation of a delightful R. John Wright souvenir doll - The Red Clover Fairy™ - in honor of Vermont's state flower!
Visits to other Bennington destinations included a production tour of the famous Bennington Potters; a trip to The Covered Bridge Museum - the only museum in the world devoted entirely to covered bridges; and a visit to the historic Park McCoulough House.
Limited to 200 attendees,The 2010 R. JOHN WRIGHT DOLLS CONVENTION - "Storyland" - took place from June 3-5 at the Desmond Hotel in Albany, New York. The theme encompassed the magic world of children's literature. Special programs included <I>"Japanese Dolls and the Stories They Tell"</I> presented by Alan Scott Pate, the leading authority on Japanese dolls, and "Kewpies - From Stories to Playthings" presented by Rose O'Neill expert, Shirley Karaba. There was a wine and cheese gala opening for the salesroom which featured the 'Best-of-the-Best' dealers of antique & collectible dolls and doll-related merchandise. For RJW animal collectors, there was a special mouse event and to fit the "Storyland" theme, ticketed Wizard of Oz™ and Alice in Wonderland events! The main convention luncheon which was attended by all, featured a German-style meal and the unveiling of the brand new RJW "Max & Moritz" dolls!
Complimentary movie screenings were also offered with theatre seating and free snacks. All meal events featured special favors, centerpieces, and door prizes. There was a competitive exhibit with awards and an exciting salesroom featuring top collectible and antique doll dealers which was open to the public on Friday. The Convention's final banquet featured a delightful program by Co-chair Loretta Nardone "Every Picture Tells A Story" and the eagerly-awaited convention souvenir doll named "Margaret" was presented to each fully-registered guest. Margaret came holding a custom-printed hardbound miniature book featuring the art of Jessie Willcox Smith.
The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center - the site of the RJW Convention
A view of one of the Desmond's charming restaurants
John with Convention Co-chairs: Loretta Nardone (seated), and Shirley Karaba
The hotel courtyards are filled with natural daylight
The Desmond provides a classic New England environment
The first day featured a trip to the RJW Facility in Vermont
The front lobby and RJW Showroom
Attendees examine dolls inside the RJW offices
Guests mingle with production workers inside the RJW factory
Lillian Wright explains production procedures to a group of visitors
The RJW Design area awaits visitors
John and guest pose in the design entryway
The tent on the RJW field on the picture-perfect day
Susan flanked by her two lovely daughters, Emily and Lillian
Guest assembled inside the tent for the 'Red Clover' luncheon
RJW staffers Amy and Bobbie with Graeme Miles from the UK
Guests open their special "Red Clover Fairy"
The Carmel Doll Shop display in the RJW Salesroom
The RJW Salesroom filled with wonderful dolls and toys
Just one corner of a dealer booth in the exciting RJW Salesroom
Salesroom Chair Diane Hoffman (R) with Judene Hansen and a darling SFBJ boy
Another display of tempting merchandise from Sondra Krueger Antiques
Each event had specially printed tickets
Left to right: The Mad Hatter(John), March Hare(Graeme), and Alice (Susan!)
Guests open the Alice in Wonderland event souvenir
A happy guest shows off her Alice "Gardener"
Angela Mitchinson conducts the shoe-making workshop
Angela Mitchinson conducts the shoe-making workshop
Lillian Wright mounted the fabulous Special Exhibit
The exhibit displayed RJW dolls and the illustrations that inspired them
The Max & Moritz luncheon featured German-style cuisine
Festive centerpieces for the Max & Moritz event
The Wrights w/program presenters Michael Canadas, David Robinson and Max & Moritz!
The Max & Moritz category in the Competitive Exhibit
This outstanding entry received the judges' blue ribbon in the Lenci category
This pristine Lenci (circa 1925) received the RJW Best in Show ribbon!
The Wizard of Oz breakout event featured glowing centerpieces by Lillian Wright
Guests are thrilled with their Lullaby League dolls
Guests play "Mother Goose Jeopardy!" at the Little Maid Breakfast event
The ballroom during the final "Storyland" banquet
Emily Wright draws a winning ticket for a door prize
Lillian and Graeme present another of the exciting door prizes!
Chair of Judges, Julie Blewis, announces another winning ticket
One very happy collector and "Margaret" - the 2010 Convention Souvenir doll
