Arcola Walldog meet

[Craig Sjoquist]

Well here are some pictures for those who are interested I start adding some in of what I got, there are others if wanted can put in links to.

Myself I was never so welcomed, the town rolled out the red carpet for us, and the enjoyment of meet & working with others was just plain a great time by all.

 

[Craig Sjoquist]

These were taken Sunday early morning some just had a bit to do others finished.

 

[idsignsil]

Craig these all look great. I grew up over by Arcola, but have not been through there in a long time. I am sure that the place looks amazing now

 

[Craig Sjoquist]

A few more this are all hand painted by 145 Walldogs that showed up plus townspeople that joined every one of these has stories,

The town rolled out the red carpet for us, it was amazing adventure.

 

[Craig Sjoquist]

In this set I helped on the Average Joe doing all the larger lettering upper left area.
What was so moving Joe was there to see and cutting of ribbon which the whole town showed up for the ceremony

 

[HillSignDesign]

Thanks for sharing. I wanted to go this year, but had conflicts. Planning on making it to Kewanee next year though. There are pictures on flicker posted in the newbie forum also. I noticed your name on the back of someones t-shirt.

TW

 

[lexsigns]

those are gorgeous! I have got to get to one someday! Looks like so much fun!~

 

[signage]

bet you had a blast!

 

[Atomic DNA]

I had a great time. Got to see some old friends, make new friends, sling paint and drink some beer! Actually, a lot of beer.

 

[GAC05]

Looks like some real talent got together there.
thanks for posting these up.

wayne k
guam usa

 

[BigfishDM]

Great stuff man looks killer thanks for sharing!

 

[piccadillysigns]

Beautiful work by everyone involved.
Thanks for sharing

 

[Jillbeans]

Looks like you had a blast, Craig.
I love seeing something like this come together, just glad I'm not the coordinator.
Everything looks so nice. This was one not to miss, wish I could have been there.
Love....Jill

 

[Craig Sjoquist]

Ok here is a some more just to temp those that like to paint on walls and join next year.

For years I never really put full effort to go, why I do not know. Knowing full well that signpainters, walldogs are family no matter what country or who, 5 countries that I know of people showed, Aussies, New Zealand, Canada, Scottish, Americans not sure how many states.

 

[Craig Sjoquist]

Those above a sign and many other different ones welcoming us.
A outstanding panel for auction for charity.
Projecting Wednesday night here from a PC projector as you see sharp, talk about easy.
Mike Meyer painting while it is projected.

 

[Craig Sjoquist]

Ok that last group was Cornbread honoring the project leaders'
Elvis painted this.
Cornbread's bottle cap table.
Another panel painted figures mostly painted while being projected at night.
Some awesome art sculptures seen.

 

[Craig Sjoquist]

Ok this set above was one of the 3 bands that played the evenings.
Next 3 are Andy G corn simply awesome.
The town just before everything got going the town made so many things and did so much to welcome us it was unreal.

 

[Craig Sjoquist]

Above is the Woo hooo the Lawn rangers parade.
Another evening of fun, food and Music.
Closer view of what the town ladies created they were all over town plus red white & blue ones.
Sponsors banner look at that a town of 1-1/2 sq miles.
Provided a great camp site Electric, water, hot showers 2 blocks away of course rest room.

 

[Craig Sjoquist]

Ok above just one side of those away from home defending our freedoms just we can enjoy this.
Some house just shows the love they have living there, like many others did all kinds of stuff.
Here is the one of the kids wall work in progress on the town horse stable they also had a public rest room across street wow.
Another night of fun, food, music.
Saturday night Pizza party after initiation of newbies Ha ha was just to funny great time, then the karaoke started more talent came out of people.

 

[Craig Sjoquist]

Above
Dedication of Average Joe wall the town and others sat quite while the story was read proud moments indeed.
Dave C. teaching us how to quickly fade a wall the guy is a miracle worker he also designed and painted the faces on Average Joe wall outstanding project leader.
There is David B. wall and group so much talent working together.
Those Tents, water, ice, equipment everything needed to get it done was there at moments notice just awesome.

These last 2
The young kids even had some great fun on a warm day the laughter and screams lol
Another group of talent finishing it all up on a outstanding wall.

My story is personal after jumping on a bus carefully watching my bicycle as it got transferred each time, well in Nashville confusion happen I placed it in front of bus I was to take next. then all of sudden while lining up bicycle was moved they claimed to correct bus, I went looking when aloud get on bus when they claimed bicycle will be about 3 hrs ahead instead.

After a few days of walking all over town in Arcola I was set to go home cause the fun was out of it for me and limping badly.
The Walldogs got together searched out the the town Bicycle man Carl and got me a bicycle to ride, then when event ended arrange to be shipped to Orlando.
Arriving without in Mattoon 14 miles away only thoughts I had were to get to Arcola, A lady Walldog never meeting me before offered a ride, getting to campsite another Walldog offered a spare tent, without bicycle walking a couple miles to buy one in Mattoon was not what I was thinking.

Now not sure what ya all think but to me this is what life is all about, we are all human, Walldogs surely proved that we are all family AND A TEAM and this is what makes life worth living, finding your challenges, dealing with friends and family, enjoying as much as ya all can.

Thank you for a great time and all. see ya in Kewanee.