The Artist Preservation Group Newsletter

Gettysburg Show

2009-06-28T11:30:00.001-05:00

...make your reservations as soon as possible...don't wait!

APG "Bucks"

2009-05-18T12:43:00.006-05:00

Most of us are familiar with Wendy's Bucks, Hardees Bucks and the like, especially if you've ever been involved with some type of fundraising effort. The APG is announcing the latest in it's fundraising efforts by making available "APG Bucks". The APG Bucks will work like this.

APG Bucks will be sold in increments of $5. For every $50 woth of bucks sold you will receive $5 worth buck bucks free. That's an additional 10% tp spend at the following.

The APG Store.
Raffle tickets.
BBQ and drink tickets at the show.
Admission and registration at the Show.
Membership and renewal fees.
APG Auction
Any service or product provided by the APG.

This is a great offer just in time for a Fathers Day gift. Why not use them for a birthday and other special occasion gifts and help support the APG.

For more info or to purchase APG Bucks contact Mike Stelzel at infomikeapg@aol.com

Unique Donation

2009-05-15T10:50:00.004-05:00

The APG has announced that they have recieved a piece of the original Gettysburg Cyclorama for auction at the 2009 Gettysburg Miniature Show.

The 5 1/4 by 8 1/2 piece of the painting was donated to the APG by Ms. Susan Boardman, Leadership Program Coordinator for the Gettyburg Foundation after a chance meeting with Historical Artist and Contributor Keith Rocco and APG President Mike Stelzel in Gettysburg on 9 May. Ms. Boardman is also a co author of the book The Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama. A History and Guide.

The portion of the painting donated is actually from the sky area of the painting and was removed by conservators in 2006. " Part of the conservation plan included restoring the sky that was lost, removing the bottom added-on portion and over paint, and restoring the diaorama. Some smaller sections of added-on canvas (which was the originally the sky area in the 1880s-90s) were removed and used for patch material. This is piece of it, removed by the conservators during the summer of 2006."

This unique collectors item will be offered for sale during the Gettysburg Show as part of the miniature/art auction on Aug 8 at 2pm. Ms. Boardman also contributed an autographed copy of her book which will be included in the auction with the portion of the painting. Ms. Boardman will also be speaking on the painting during Keith Roccos seminar on Aug 8.

For more information on the artifact or the APG Show contact Mike Stelzel at infomikeapg@aol.com or visit the APG website at artistpresetrvationgroup.com

APG Show Award Announced

2009-04-11T13:31:00.002-05:00

The Artist Preservation Group is unveiling their awards for the 2009 show. I'm making this announcement because the awards for the show will be a bit unique. Taking a lead from the Long Island guys with their awards package of a drawing by Greg DiFranco we've copied that idea but with just a little different twist. Renowened historical artist Keith Rocco has very generously offered one of his images to be used as an award. The image, Confederate Color Bearer, falls in line with the 2009 Alabama Flag Project. Although not specifically an Alabama Color Bearer, Keith's painting is an excellent representation of what any Color Bearer may have looked like. The image has been printed in an 8X10 format, all prints will be signed by Keith, and awarded with a card denoting Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Certificate levels. The prints are suitable for framing and will be a collectors item for the winner. This print will only be available through the APG as an award.

Pickett at Gettysburg

2009-04-06T12:44:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine recently turned me on to this little gem on George Pickett at Gettyburg. He found it on the Horse Soldiers website. Nice image of Pickett drawn on the spot at the battle in a slouch hat! Not the way we are used to seeing Pickett. I'm attaching the text from the site. You can own the original for only $50,000. I'm told he also did one of Jackson in 1862 wearing a slouch hat. I'm trying to find that one.

Enjoy!

MAJOR GENERAL GEORGE E. PICKETT "AWAITING THE SIGNAL":BATTLEFIELD PORTRAIT BY COLONEL A. R. BOTELER
Without question one of the most important pieces of eyewitness battlefield art to emerge from the American Civil War. Major General George E. Pickett, "Awaiting the Signal," signed and dated at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863 by Col. A. R. Boteler, executed within hours, or moments, of Pickett issuing the fateful order, "Up men and to your posts! Don't forget that you are from old Virginia!", that would result in one of the greatest and most tragic clashes in American military history, forever to be known as "Pickett's Charge."

Alexander Robinson Boteler was elected to the First Confederate Congress, but alternated his legislative work with military service. A descendant of Charles Wilson Peale, Boteler was, among other things, an accomplished artist. He was instrumental in the design of the Great Seal of the Confederacy and illustrated several books before and after the war. A large collection of his Civil War portrait work was purchased by the Military Historical Society of Boston in 1887. Boteler's Confederate military career began with his appointment, with the rank of Colonel, to the staff of Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, who was a personal friend. Subsequent to Jackson's death at Chancellorsville he was, for an interim period, including at Gettysburg, on Lee's staff, and served through 1864 on the staff of JEB Stuart. From November 1864 to the end of the war he was a member of the Military Court Department and was with Lee's army at Appomattox.
His penchant for sketching battlefield scenes is well documented and there is a well known incident of Jackson querying Boteler about the subjects of his work. Pickett is depicted in this 5.75" x 8.75" gouache leaning against a tree with his arms folded in front, in the midst of a grove of trees. A number of dismounted officers in various uniforms are visible in the background with their horses. Pickett wears a double breasted frock coat with general's insignia clearly visible on the collar. His sword is suspended from a belt with an unidentified rectangular buckle, and his boots, with spurs, extend well above his knees. The characteristic curls of his hair roll down to the collar of his coat. Most significantly he wears a wide brim slouch hat with a small unidentified insignia on the front, whereas tradition has previously held that he was wearing a general grade officer's kepi at Gettysburg. Additionally, unlike the traditional description of Pickett being "filled with excitement" at the prospect of beginning the assault, his demeanor is clearly that of a man steeped in thought, doubtless contemplating the importance of the drama that is about to unfold. "Awaiting the Signal Gettysburg July 3, 1863" in ink script at the bottom. Boteler's signature with A. R. inside the two loops of the letter B is at the lower right. Doubtless executed in the field by Boteler as a pencil sketch and subsequently finished by him as a gouache. The image is on an old archival mount with a further pencil script ID at the bottom of the mount, "No. 21 Gen. Pickett, by Col. A. R. Boteler, of Gen. Lee's staff."
An incredible piece of Civil War battlefield art.

Keith Rocco Sketch

2009-03-19T18:44:00.003-05:00

Wanted to pass this along from our friend Keith Rocco.

He's donated this pencil sketch for our auction at this summers show. The drawing can also be seen in his latest book on page 234. He's been gracious enough to donate the original for the auction.

Enjoy!

2009-03-08T20:09:00.001-05:00

Since my last posting 2 things have come in regard to the APG show.

First the awards time has changed. The awards ceremony was originally planned for Sat night immediately after the BBQ. We've now moved to 1pm on Sunday afternoon. Hope that doesn't affect any ones flights.

Second. John Jefferies has notified me that the vendors tables are going fast. To keep anyone from being disappointed or left out, I strongly encourage anyone planning to come to the show as a vendor to contact John and book your table(s) ASAP. You can reach him at birchtreejohn@aol.com or call him at 516-379-4464.

We will also be posting more info on the competetion ie catagories, judgng times etc, very soon.

Stay tuned.

Thanks,

Mike

2009-03-07T13:14:00.002-05:00

Sorry it's taken so long to get something new posted here. Lots of things are happening with the APG and it's sometimes hard to keep up.

First and most importantly we have a DRAFT of the show schedule. I'll post it here but keep in mind times can be subject to change.

Keith Rocco, Ron Tunison, and Terry Karselis have all agreed to donate pieces of their work as raffle prizes in addition to the GPS and Shep Paine book. We'll post pictures as soon as we have them. Raffle tickets are now on sale for the raffle. If you're not familiar with the raffle the 1st place winner will win a custom bust sculpted and painted by Matt Springer. Rules for the raffle are on our website at artistpreservationgroup.com/raffle.htm

You can also now book your room at the Wyndam directly from our site. Go to http://www.wyndham.com/groupeventsnew/mdtge_artist/main.wnt If you are arriving before Aug 5 or staying later than Aug 12 should contact the Wyndam directly to receive the special show rates.

We've had some question about tours prior to Aug 7 and after the 9th. If you are interested in something please let me know and if there is enough interest we can arrange something. There may be a fee involved as we may need to hire a licensed guide. Call or write 540-343-2241 or infomikeapg@aol.com

Hats off to Bob Langenberg and Jim Marshall. They raised almost $2000 at a reception they had in Montgomery, AL for the flag project. APG members under the supervision of Matt Springer and John Lea raised over $2500 at the Atlanta Show. $500 of that money came directly from the Atlanta Club as their annual donation. Another special mention should go to Jon Harbuck. His Little Round Top vignette sold for $1000 to a collector. All of that money goes to the APG. Thanks to everyone that manned the table, sold raffle tickets, memberships, and kits. Thanks to the Atlanta Club for their hospitality and donation as well.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the MFCA Show. Be sure to stop by the table and say hi.

Regards,

Mike Stelzel

DRAFT Schedule as of 03/6/09

Friday 7 Aug 09
8-11 Vendor Set up
11-6 Registration Display Opens
10 am The Myths of Gettysburg. Park Guide. High Water Mark 60 min.
4 pmThe Wheatfield and Rose Farm. Licensed Battlefield Guide TBA 60min.
7:00-9:00pm Vendor's Cocktail Party Wyndam Hotel.
TBA Seminar
TBA Seminar
Saturday 8-Aug 09
9-12 Registration
900 Vendor Room open
1000-1200 Uniform and Artifact Exhibit. Greg Goodell NPS. Visitors Center 40min (3 presentations) **
TBA Seminar
TBA Seminar
2:00 Auction
4:00 Little Round Top. Park Licensed Battlefield Guide Little Round Top 60min
4:30 Vendor and Exhibit room close
6:30 BBQ ** Awards will be presented immediately after the BBQ (nlt 8pm)

Sunday 9 Aug 09
0900 Vendor and exhibit rooms open
1000 Pickett’s Charge Tour Park Guide. Virginia Monument 2 hours1300 Show Closes.

Tours and Presentations.
Friday 11:00 Myths of Gettysburg- High Water Mark. Learn what's fact or fiction about the battle. Presented by the National Park Service Friday
4:00 The Wheatfield- TBA. This tour will focus on the fighting on the second day at the Wheatfield and Rose Farm. Included will be an examination of period photographs. ** Presented by a Licensed Battlefield Guide

Sat 10:00 Uniform and Artifact Exhibit Visitors Center. Greg Goodell Curator for the Park will present some of articles from the parks collection not on display. Greg will also speak about the collection and the history of some of the artifacts. Because of limited space in the curatorial space we will have 3 groups of 20 for 40 minutes at a time. ** Greg Goodell.

Sat 4:00 Little Round Top- Little Round Top. Learn about the fighting on Little Round Top scene of the 20th Maine's heroic stand. ** Presented by a Licensed Battlefield Guide.

Sun 10-12 Pickett’s Charge. Learn the facts of the infamous charge including the participation of the 5th Alabama and its colors. Be prepared to walk 1 mile from the Virginia Monument to Cemetery Hill and back. Old shoes are recommended especially if there has been recent rain. The ground can also be wet in low spots even during dry weather. Group will meet at the Virginia Monument NLT 1000. If you choose not to walk back to your car after the presentation arrangements should be made to be picked up on Cemetery Hill. Directions: From the entrance to the Wyndam Complex turn left and follow Route 30 through town to the ... follow road to the Virginia Monument on left. Park in designated area. Approximate travel time 15 min. Presented by the National Park Service

Seminars

Historical Art- Capturing the Past - A 40 minute slide show by Keith Rocco and past historical artists. Keith explains the method that both he and artists such as Remington, Meissonier, and Detaille used to create this genre of art. Keith Rocco 40 min TBA **

Airbrushing Techniques - Chris Mrosko 60 min TBA **

Shepard Paine - Vignettes and Diorama Composition **

Bill Merklin - Converting figures. 60 min TBA **

Matt Springer- Sculpting and Painting The Hancock Bust

** Sign Up required.

Hardtack & Coffee

2008-11-11T04:36:00.001-05:00

Cedar Mountain Battlefield

2008-11-01T10:29:00.002-05:00

I had the pleasure of visiting the Cedar Mountain Battlefield last weekend while traveling home from Northern Virgina and a visit with my youngest daughter. The battlefield is just south of Culpepper, VA on route 15. 150 acres of the site has been purchased by the Civil War Preservation Trust and along with the surrounding farm field presents a beautiful view of the terrain as it would have looked like during the time of the battle in Aug 1862. Dispite a few homes in the area much of the field is intact. Here's the link. Enjoy!
http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=4448
Check out this view.
http://www.usa-civil-war.com/Cedar_Mountain/cedar_mtn.html

2008-11-01T10:23:00.002-05:00

Winner is Announced!

The winner of our Fall Membership Drive has been chosen. Kevin Tucker is the lucky winner and will have his choice of a painted figure from our collection or a free night at the Wyndam Gettysburg during the 2009 Show. Congratulations Kevin!

Our Membership Drive drew in over 30 new members and $1200 in donations during the months of September and October. Thanks to everyone that participated and welcome aboard to all new members.

2008-10-31T17:12:00.003-05:00

Patrick posted the link to a website that we thought was pretty neat. It's called the Gettysburg Daily and if you have any interest or plan to visit Gettysburg this site is a must to view. The li9nk is on the left of the page but here it is again. Enjoy

The Gettysburg Daily is an independent website, whose purpose is to provide at least one picture a day related in some way to Gettysburg.

http://webmail.east.cox.net/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.gettysburgdaily.com%252F

Restoration at it's finest.

2008-10-26T11:55:00.002-05:00

I received this link from our Treasurer Jack Muldoon. I think this is what we are all about. I would have loved to get involved in this project.

Enjoy!

Mike

Trailhead: PT Boat 658

Oct Update

2008-10-21T17:56:00.011-05:00

Lots of good news to report tonight. The Chicago Show was held 10-12 Oct and it was a great success for the APG. We managed to raise around $1800 through new memberships, t-shirt and kit sales, and painted miniature sales. A large amount of that money came from the sale of a donated piece by Doug Cohen and 2 pieces donated by Dutch Allen. Doug's figure of an Upson County Guard is at right. Thanks to everyone that helped out.

We also held our first board of directors/membership meeting. Most of the business centered on the up coming show in Gettysburg. John Jefferies presented his business plan for the show to the members. The show overall was great and I enjoyed every minute of it. Well done once again MMSI.

On the topic of the show. John has reported to me that we have already sold a large number of vendors tables. We had planned on a minimum of 100 tables and we have over half of those committed. In addition Keith Rocco will be setting up in one of the break out rooms with some of his original art work and prints. Keith's displays are always inspiring. The Atlanta club under the direction of David Oswalt and Matt Springer have volunteered to run the registration for us. Mike Hall along with Jon Harbuck will head up the judging. I will be doing the tours and awards. We have some great ideas on the tours and the awards will be a bit different than the norm. I'll have more on both down the road a bit. I have also just verified that Mr. Bob Bradley from the Alabama Dept of Archieves is planning on bring the flag of the 5th Alabama Bn with him for us to view. As you may know the conservation of that flag is our project for the year

5th Alabama Battalion...

2008-10-20T16:48:00.002-05:00

More Show News!

2008-09-08T06:30:00.000-05:00

I’ve got some great news to share with everyone

First. I am thrilled to announce that Mr. Sheperd Paine has agreed to join the APG as an Honorary Director and Show Chairman for the 2009 Gettysburg Show. I think everyone will agree that having Shep on board will be a huge asset to the APG in all aspects of our organization but especially with his expertise in running shows and his wide reach across the hobby. Welcome aboard Shep.

I was also privileged to visit with Bob Langenberg and his beautiful wife Ann this weekend in Montgomery Alabama. Bob and Ann are the best of hosts and I enjoyed every minute of my stay. (Including the 3 lb bass I caught in Bob’s pond). While there we met with Mr Bob Bradley, Curator with the Alabama Dept of Archives and History. He took us to the repository were we viewed the flag of the 5th Alabama Bn, the focus of our 2008-2009 fundraising effort. Viewing and touching (with gloves and very, very carefully) this stained and bullet riddled banner was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Mr. Bradley also gave us a great behind the scenes tour of the archives which included the many other famous Alabama flags in their collection. Mr. Bradley, much to our surprise and great pleasure, offered to bring the flag of the 5th to the Show in Gettysburg! Mr Bradley is a wealth of information and an excellent speaker who goes beyond any expectations in telling the story of these this and all the flags in the repository. His presence along with the flag will be a highlight if not the highlight of the show. I can’t tell you the feeling that came over me when he made the offer. I can tell you that viewing this flag in person and listening to its story from Mr. Bradley will be a very unique and rewarding experience for everyone attending.

John Jefferies will be sending flyers to prospective vendors for the show in the next week or so. If you are a vendor I hope you will consider attending and sharing your goods with out attendance. There are some benefits for signing up early so don’t delay!

Thanks for your support!

Mike Stelzel

Membership drive starts now...

2008-09-01T06:03:00.003-05:00

The APG will start this year's membership drive on the September 1st 2008 and will continue to October 31st 2008.

Incentives for becoming a new member during this period, aside from your choice of a free gift, will be your choice of a painted figure or a free room at the 2009 Gettysburg Show! In order to be considered for this raffle, you must sign up for membership before October 31st 2008.

We will send you an application via email; send it back to us and once we've received your dues, we'll enter you in the raffle. Winner of the raffle will be notified by email during November 2009. As a reminder, dues starting September 1st, 2008 will be $40.

To become a member contact us at infomikeapg@aol.com or check out our website:

ht tp://www.artistpreservationgroup.com/membership.htm

A venue change...

2008-09-01T05:54:00.005-05:00

We've changed the location of show; our new venue is now the Gettysburg Wyndam. Visit the site here:

http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/MDTGE/main.wnt

This year's project

We've are very excited to announce that our project for next year will be the conservation and restoration of the Colors of the 5th Alabama Battalion. This flag was captured at Picketts Charge on July 3rd 1863. They came into the possesion of Joshua Chamberlain and were returned to Alabama in 1943. Bob Langenberg will head this years project. If you any questions or would like to be involved please contact us at infomikeapg@aol.com. Here is the flag we are restoring:

2008-08-09T15:00:00.003-05:00

How Can I Help the APG ?

I get asked that question alot. We started raising money by selling painted miniatures but the buyers market is small and can be hard to reach. Delivery of the painted pieces could be problematic. Shipping these things is risky at best. Delivering in person could also be a logistical problem. We still sell painted miniatures and several clubs have allowed us to put on a live auction and we try to man a table at the shows to sell the stuff in person. But selling painted miniatures isn't the only way we raise money. Here are some ideas for everyone, including folks that don't paint or collect to help.

Become a Member.
For an individual becoming a member is probably the easiest way to get involved. Membership is $35 a year with a $25 renewal. (for anyone under 18 the fee is $15 and $10) For $35 you will receive your choice of gift. Currently those choices are an APG T-shirt, personalized paperweight, or name tag. Other benefits are a 10% discount at Michael Roberts Ltd, 10% off APG Store items, and discounted admission to our show. Right now our membership is small but as it grows we hope to include other benefits and incentives to join. Just today I had some one who is in the process of starting a miniature company offer a %10 discount once he starts production.

Individuals can also make a donation. We are now officially a Not for Profit Organization registered in the Commonwealth of VA. and will soon have our 5013C status. (check with your tax guy for any benefits that may be appropriate) People can also check with their employers to see if they offer any matching funds for donations to Not for Profit groups. In many case these benefits aren't known to employees. It's a great way to double your money!

Club, Business, and Organizational Support.

We've asked clubs, business, and other organizations to support us with donations. For that we link your organizations' website to ours and list you on our website. Sort of free advertising. We hope to expand the benefits of that in the future. Another idea that could be fun would be for your group to have a raffle of donated items from your "grey army" at one of your meetings. Hold a flea market at your meeting and charge a percentage of sold items. Donate that to the APG. One club just put out a "donation" coffee can and filled it up at meetings. The Atlanta Military Figure Society has offered an annual donation from proceeds from their show. In this case the club is honoring their charter to educate, support the hobby, and military history.They have also graciously offered to pay our legal fees for gaining our Not for Profit and 5013C status. There are lots of ideas. Use your imagination! If you have any ideas on how we can raise money please share it with us.

We will soon anounce plans for a membership drive. Once the dates are decided we will offer a raffle if we gain 10 or more new members. The raffle prize will be a painted miniature. More to come on that.

Of course you can help by attending the show next summer. All of those profits will go to our restoration and conservation projects.

Remember that all donations of time, material, and resources go to our restoration, conservation, and preservation efforts. No one is paid and no compensation is given for anyones work. We have some small administration costs and most of that is donated.

Thanks for your support.

Mike Stelzel
President
APG

The Gettysburg Show 7 - 9 August 2009

2008-07-27T17:44:00.003-05:00

The Artist Preservation Group invites you to join us in honoring the spirit of men like them on Aug 7-9 2009 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania at the Eisenhower Hotel and Conference Center. The APG will be hosting a miniature show and art exhibit in order to raise funds for our ongoing restoration and preservation projects. Here's a quick update on where we are for the 2009 Gettysburg Show:

- We're starting to line up seminars for the show. As of today we have Matt Springer, Chris Mrosko, and Keith Rocco. Matt will be doing is on the sculpting and painting of his 2009 APG bust. Chris will be giving us a demonstration of his superior airbrushing techniques. Keith will be giving his presentation titled "Working on a Grand Scale-Cycloramas". Several others are in the works and we will announce those when they become available.

- We have a contract with the hotel and they've given us an extremely good rate of $110 a night for double occupancy. That rate is good for one week prior to and one week after the show. We'd like to encourage folks to bring the family and make a vacation out of the weekend!

- We are also beginning to put up links on our web site (http://www.artistpreservationgroup.com/gettysburg.htm) for other attractions in the area as well as a link to the Gettysburg Visitors and Convention Bureau. For those traveling by air we will also be listing airports in the area and contact information on transportation from the airport to Gettysburg.

- In lieu of a banquet we are planning a barbeque on Sat. night. We are tinkering with some sort of a contest at the barbeque; John Jefferies is working this. Stand by for news on that. Should be fun.

- We've talked with Keven Dunne, and he's working on a event that would feature some reenactors and Picketts Charge. As soon as it's available we will post the list of events hosted by the National Park Service for those days encompassing the show. As a side note, there is no charge for these Battlefield Walks and they are excellent presentations that are given on location in the park. Mike attended one a few years ago on the fight at the Wheatfield and Rose Woods given by Scott Hartwig and it was superb. There are also demonstartions given at various locations in the park by reenactors on subjects like artillery, sharpshooters, infantry tactics, etc. We will post that info as well when available.

- Vendors are encouraged to contact John Jefferies ASAP for tables(birchtreejohn@aol.com) there is an incentive for booking early...

If you have any questions, please contact Mike (infomikeapg@aol.com), Patrick (fourkirks@aol.com) or John Jefferies (birchtreejohn@aol.com). Pete (pculos@histroybrush.com) or Kreston (kbpeckham@aol.com) are avialable for questions, too.

Summer 2007 Update

2007-08-05T14:21:00.000-05:00

We will announce very soon our next project...folks are working hard to find the right project, and this year Pete Culos is heading this effort up. Pete is tying up some of the details and we expect to make an announcement very soon about our new project. Keep watching the blog and our website.

A couple changes we'd like to share with everyone; first, in regards to artwork donated for the auction, we will no longer be limiting donations to a piece limited to the subject or time period of the project we are undertalking. We have decided that we'll accpet artwork from all periods! We are really excited about this change, and hope it broadens the appeal of the auction but also interst within the APG! Second, we will no longer be holding our auctions on EBay! The problems with that venue are numerous and the logistics for delivering items difficult and have caused some concerns, so to eleviate that stress on us all we are looking at some new options for the auction. We have several ideas in mind for venues and will announce the decision very soon.

A quick update on the 2009 Show; the contact for the Eisenhower Convention Center, venue for the 2009 APG Show should be in the hands of our Hotel/Vendor Chairman in a very few days. After it's approved we will sign it and will officially be on our way. Dave and Lee Peschke have volunteered to help us get the word out by doing mail outs, while Rodger Spahr has contacted the local tourist bureau and is compiling info on things to do in Gettysburg and the surrounding area (yes, there is more to Adams County and the local area that the Civil War ;o) ), and we are proud to announce that Mrs Matt Springer has offered to handle the registration. Paul Kelly is working on designing a website for the 2009 Gettysburg Show and we'll have a page on the site with an advance registration form that can be aded and sent to Mrs. Springer.

Hope everyone is doing well...keep checking back here for updates, and the website, too!

2007 APG Auction

2007-05-25T13:17:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone that participated in the auction!

We made our goal and the restoration process of the Fairchild artifacts will start this week. The folks at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum were very happy with what we've done.

A few pieces didn't sell and we will be offering them again either for sale on the website or at a show sometime in the near future. Keep checking back to the website and here for more updates!

The meeting with the hotel for the 2009 Show in Gettysburg went well and we will be asking for a contract very soon. Everything looks like a go right now so mark your calendars for the first weekend in Aug 2009.

The show staff is coming together very nicely. Lynnette Springer has agreed to take charge of registration for us and Kathi Myers has agreed to be our official hostess for the show.

We are looking for people to make commitments to help with organizing and running the show so if you are interested please let Mike Stelzel (usmcmks@aol.com) or Patrick Kirk (fourkirks@aol.com) know as soon as you can. The is a lot to be done and we can use the help. Some areas we would like some help in are but not limited to: Setup, Registration, Judging, Security, Awards Committee, and Show Publicity.

We've already had several discussions on how to improve our auction and fundraising for future projects. We have several good ideas and will get them on the street as soon as the final decisions are made.

The Moy painting by Keith Rocco (now owned by our very own Kreston Peckham) will become a plate in the Military Uniforms in America (MUIA) series by the Company of Military Historians. Looking forward to seeing that one.

Thanks again to everyone for your support.

Where we are...

2006-12-26T12:06:00.001-05:00

We'd like to remind everyone that we are almost a month away from the Atlanta Show...and, if at all possible, we'd like your finished figure there as part of the APG Display. We've talked with the show chairman, and like last year, we'll have a show table set aside specifically for our auction items.

We would like to have all of the auction figures centerally located on that table along with the two paintings to convey a sense of unity and focus everyone who is interested in an auction item to one central location on the show floor as early as possible on Saturday morning.

If you plan to set up on Friday night, your welcome to have your figure judged as part of your display...However, we'd like to have them all centrally located on Saturday morning. If you don't plan to be at the show on Friday night, no worries, we've talked with head judge, and they've assured us that figures on this table are apart of the show just like all the others, and they too will be judged accordingly. We'd ask that you follow the normal protocol when filling out and registering your figures.

If you plan to have your figure at the Atlanta Show, and just important, if you don't, just shoot Mike a note so he can make the plans necessary to transport them and keep the head judge in the loop in regards to ensuring all are included in the show judging plan. Mike will have constant liason with the head judge on Friday night and then again on Saturday...

If you can't get your figure to the Atlanta Show, we need all auction figures finished by then...

Any further questions, get a hold of Mike or Patrick.

December Update

2006-12-26T11:52:00.000-05:00

Upfront, we'd like to send to John Jefferies a speedy recovery from his recent hip replacement; if you would like to drop him a note, his email is: jjefferies@freeportny.gov
We continue to see some excellent figures being finished up; Matt's figure is done, and if you haven't seen it, check it out. Jon is well along the way with his 9th NY Standard Beare, and we just got word that Doug has finished his figure, and we should have those pictures in a couple weeks.
Also, Gary finished up his Fairchild portrait and Pete's canvas work is done; both are simply amazing!...
As a reminder, once you have your work done, shoot Mike a picture and he'll work with Paul to try and get those posted on the website. If you've finished your piece and Mike doesn't know, just shoot him a note, and we'll add your work to the website, and our next blog update, too.
Ken Thomas has agreed to make available free bases for those that are donating figures for out auction. To get a free base from Ken please contact Mike with your request and he'll forward it to Ken.
As a reminder, if you can't get to your APG figure at all this year, please let Mike know as soon as possible. Shoot him a note and let him know so we can update our website and arrangements can be made to return the figure(s) or pay for them and a base if you've received one from Ken Thomas.

November Update...

2006-11-29T13:50:00.001-05:00

Lots of news to pass on after the Chicago and Long Island Shows... First we'd like to thank Kreston for arranging the display of artifacts from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum at the MMSI Show. It was a real treat to be able to view in person the items we plan to restore as well as some other significant Civil War artifacts. Thanks as well to Bill Brewster for coming down and patiently standing by the display and answering questions as well as his informative presentation. And of course a big thank you to Dave Peschke for giving us the space and hosting the exhibit and talk.

Miscellaneous stuff

2006-11-29T13:39:00.000-05:00

Finally we're starting to get in some finished figures for the auction. Mark Mindeman, Bob Knee, Patrick Kirk, and Rodger Spahr have finished theirs and have sent pictures to Mike. He'll work with Paul to try and get those posted on the website ASAP.

Ken Thomas has agreed to make available free bases for those that are donating figures for out auction. To get a free base from Ken please contact Mike with your request and he'll forward it to Ken.

We'd like to have as many pieces on display in Atlanta as possible...if for some reason you can't finish your piece by Atlanta, that's fine, we need to have though, by MFCA.

If you can't get to your APG figure at all this year, please let Mike know as soon as possible. Shoot him a note and let him know so we can update our website and arrangements can be made to return the figure(s) or pay for them and a base if you've received one from Ken Thomas.

2009 Gettysburg Show

2006-11-29T13:28:00.000-05:00

Ok...here is where we are to date on the show...

We've held the 1st weekend in August 2009 at the Eisenhower Convention Center for our Show. At present we are looking to do a Friday, Sat, and Sun show.

John Jefferies has volunteered to act as vendor and hotel liaison/chairman/contact; you're a demi-god John. Thanks!

John has already booked the weekend with the hotel and is starting negotiations with the hotel for tables etc. For anyone who’ s done a show of any type you know that this is probably the most demanding of any part of running an event...

Many others stepped up in Chicago and Long Island and have volunteered to help. We'll be calling on everyone in some way as the time gets closer...so watch this space!

Mike talked with Scott Hartwig and we have come up with some ideas for tours, etc., while in Gettysburg; watch this space for an update!

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Mike.

Finance Update for November

2006-11-29T13:24:00.000-05:00

Financially we did well by selling quite a few T-shirts and all 10 of the 2nd Wisconsin limited edition figures Mike had on hand. He took a few orders for more while there and had a couple waiting on the Internet when he returned home. If you know of anyone that's expressed an interest in this figure please tell them to act quickly as Mike has a feel that they wont last much longer. Anyone who would still like a tee shirt, please contact Mike; sales of the tee shirts were good at both shows, but not to our expectation. We're sure we can sell more during the upcoming show venue.