OS Shows - Two Questions
 

I have not been to too many shows, and some - not many - appear to include photography and artwork as award categories. Does yours? If not, why, and if so, what are the pro's and con's?

Any thoughts on a trophy for the best plant grown in semi0hydroponics?

semi hydroponics is a term that describes a growing method, hence if you have a trophy for best grown in semi hydro then you would need one also for best grown on wood, then best grown on cork, best grown in rubber mulch, best grown in vase of water. then we can have a trophy for best ungrown orchid too ;). planning for the future

you have to include the hard working photo guys, and girls. they spend a lot of time at most all OS functions taking pictures of our beautiful plants and flowers. remembering how beautiful our blooms were doesn't do any else any good. original artwork related to orchids is also rewarded as it should be. those 2 categories are kind of on the back room tables with the cut flower exhibits, corsages and the likes. I dont think thats indicative of the work involved, all Im noting is that it doesnt get the attention the real deal on the plant tables get.

The Mid- America Orchid Congress show schedule includes these things (see pasted info below). Since most mid western and southern shows use the MAOC schedule as the basis for their show schedule, then most shows include these art related classes. They don't seem to be very popular because they draw few entries.

Honestly, I do not think adding cultivation technique classes to a show would be of any value. there are already so many classes that the public has no idea what they are looking at and exhibitors should already be aware of growing techniques.

K. Art Entries - Orchid Related
103. Paintings, Etchings, Charcoals, etc.
104. Photographs, Color.
104A. Photographs, Black and White.
105. Other arts and crafts featuring orchids including: Ceramics, China, Sculpture, Jewelry and
Metal Art, Needlepoint, Tapestry, other than above.
NOTE: Classes 103-105 must have been created by the exhibitor.
106. Collectibles - Any type orchid related artwork, crafts or related articles.
L. Orchids in Use.
107. Orchids for personal adornment (Corsages, Bridal bouquets, Hair pieces, etc.).
108. Orchid Arrangements.

While I agree with MissMolly and RJ, someone could sponsor a trophy for growing in semi-hydro if you don't want to add it as a class. New Hampshire OS has classes for growing under lights, windowsill, HID, etc.

It's up to the society and the person running registration.

We have one for educational exhibits, too.

Yes, educational exhibits, too. Students from Crossroads Academy had one in the NHOS show and it won an AOS award. It was truly amazing what these middle school kids did. Crossroads Plant Restoration | Plant Restoration | Crossroads Plant Restoration

Howdy Ray, and Everyone

I should think that growing/cultivation awards (CCM et al) would be where s/h should/would shine -- don't you think?

Rex

Hi Ray, I have been associated with orchid shows for the past few years and especially with bonsai shows for a long time. I know how hard photographers work to get good shots. But I would hesitate to give any one photog an award. And here's why. I have also been a photographer for years and years. I shoot large cameras. My normal film measures 4" by 5". I used to shoot catalogs for orchid growing friends of mine who grew orchids commercially. I also have belonged to photo clubs and organizations. When you give out awards to folks who shoot around clubs and shows, you always are giving the award to one or maybe two people. One or two folks are always the best shooters or have the most skill with printers. If you want to reward photographers for their efforts, have a wall where they can put up their prints. Give all of those who wish to show their work a venue to do just that. But remember that it takes effort and someone to organize the endeavor. Try to include most everyone in this.

The art related exhibits can sometimes add a point of interest for the significant others who get dragged along to orchid shows, which may allow the more interested party more time to view and shop.

The semi-hydro trophy might be a good choice for a 'chairperson's choice' award, rather than a judged class. Choose from among the outstanding ribbon winners in all classes, assuming some semi-hydro winners exist. And make sure to use it to educational advantage on this alternative culture method.

Good point. I agree that there can be much more to shows if there is room. There is a lot more to our hobby that can be enjoyable to those we "drag along". My ex comes to mind. But I shudder....I mean.... I digress. Maybe there should be an award for orchids grown in bark. Or those grown on mounts of cork. Or in clay pots. Or plastic. Or....??? There in lies the problem. How big shall we make the show? I understand fully where you are coming from. But square footage is still square footage. How about we concentrate on making the best orchids we can regardless of the media. And above all else, teach those around you how "you" do it. There are many ways to get to any point along the way. I have learned a great deal reading the threads here. And my search has been amply rewarded by folks just like you. Thanks.