One of the highlights of the show season here in the U.S. is the annual MMSI Show in Chicago, held each year in October. I have been looking forward to the event this year as it has been ten years since I last attended the show. I was looking forward to seeing many old friends for the first time in years as well as seeing some of the cream of the North American talent pool and I was not disappointed. Here are a few photos of the show spread out over three posts.
The show was held at the Marriott Schaumburg, west of downtown Chicago. The main hall had the exhibit in the middle dividing two vendor areas, with more vendors in the front lobby. There was something for everyone with vendors including Chuck Robinson of The Red Lancers, Sentinel, CRM, Rich Salzburg and others selling figures, old and new. Jack and Jan Muldoon were there selling flats and John Jefferies was manning his base supply as well (very nice selection of natural burl bases). Manufacturers were represented as well, with Mike Stelzel, Michael/United Miniatures, Lost Battalion, Thunderbird and others. Book sellers, Toy Soldiers, Militaria, prints, you name it, it was there to be purchased.
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Every show has it's highlights on the tables and this year was no exception. I have a number of individuals whose work I always look forward to seeing. Bill Horan had a very nice display of work, as well as Greg DiFranco. Greg had two entries (seen below) that struck a chord with me. The first was a wonderful vignette of two troublemakers entitled "Plundering The Pfalz", a wonderful grouping that was masterfully sculpted, posed, and painted. The second was an amazing drummer that was so dramatic you could picture his surroundings despite the piece being a single, based figure.
Mike Blank was in attendance and had his amazing "The Emperor's New Clothes" diorama which won this year's "Best In Show" award. Mike also displayed a scratchbuilt Knight and a stock dandy in the painters category.
Jason Whitmann once again presented an amazing body of work (shown in the photos below) which combined with years of excellence garnered him this year's "Chicago Medal". Well done Jason and congratulations!
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