We are pleased to present photos from this year's exciting and memorable Convention. The following pictures were taken from June 20th to the 23rd at our facility in Vermont and at the Desmond Hotel & Conference Center in Albany, New York. Enjoy!
The Desmond Hotel front entrance
The convention salesroom at the Desmond Hotel
The festival tent on the RJW Meadow in Bennington
The Cafe´ Bears welcome attendees to "Bear Country"
A "Bear Country" table set with gift bags
Fragrant greenery and soft breezes
Jaimie, Benjamin, and Susan Wright
Elder son Arthur gives the invocation
Attendees await the drawing for door prizes
Graeme Miles assisted by two lovely ladies
"Benjamin" bear is viewed by his new owner
The real Benjamin holds his new bear!
A table at the "Tulips & Windmills" breakfast
The RJW centerpieces are felt tulips in authentic Delft pots
The Special Exhibit: "Dolls Around the World"
Most of the dolls in the display were loaned by Loretta Nardone
A Steiff boy from John & Susan Wright's collection
Lenci pair from John & Susan Wright's collection
"The Canals of Venice" dinner in the Fountain Area
Wine, flowers, and tasty Italian cuisine
Guests Angela Brunjes and Caroline Nicholson
Dining along the canals
Michael & Roberta Barnard pose in front of the Venice backdrop
Younger daughter, Emily Wright in Venice!
Attendee Angela Brunjes
Susan and Emily join Roberta Barnard
Award-winning dolls at the Dynamic Dialogues
Every table had a designated topic
Each presenter brought dolls for discussion
Reference books & photos provided more information
"High Tea in England" was held in the King Street Courtyard
Guests enjoy the classic piano accompaniment
Delicate sandwiches and delicious pastries
Many attendees wore hats for the occasion
John & Susan's lovely daughters
A group of guests enjoy a spot of tea together
At John & Susan's table
Guest Ann Leis with the Wright daughters
Pamela Simpers and her prize-winning "Best Hat" complete w/working clock!
Gail Wilson conducts one of her popular workshops
A display of Gail's remarkable dolls
A beautiful lit diorama featuring the World of Hitty
At the African Ndebele doll workshop
Attendees are instructed by Emily Wright
RJW associate, Mary Ann Toto, helps out
During Emily's Felt Pincushion workshop
Attendee Marsha Sherman finishing her Ethnic Felt Pincushion
Happy guests with their completed projects
Guests in costume "International Masquerade" Luncheon event
Contestants parade before the judges
There is something for everyone!
These marvelous mimes won the "Best Pair" award
A trio of RJW associates make their appearance
An African mother complete with babe
Mary Jane Cultrona in costume
Winner of the Best Costume award - Nancy Joyner!
John (Mandarin) and Susan (Spanish) in costume
The "Japanese Lanterns" ticketed dinner event
The sushi station - the bird is carved from a radish!
Guests partake of the sumptuous buffet
The tables featured candles and orchids
Guests include Loretta Nardone(L) and Jean Kestel(R)
Presenting "Meiko" - the event souvenir doll
Roberta Barnard matches her souvenir perfectly!
Lovely ladies prepare for the final banquet!
Outside the ballroom, the Rythms of Africa provided entertainment
John and Susan join the cocktail party
The Wright clan pose in the courtyard
Lillian Wright greets attendees
Amy Cannistraci(L) and Philip May(R) at the head table
Linda & Darrel Knibbs admire the souvenir doll
Ruth Fraser with "Bon Voyage" the souvenir doll
Convention Chair Lillian Wright with Michael Barnard
