Eyeing Masterpieces and Dodging Storms: Highlights from Calontir’s 2024 Kingdom Arts & Sciences Competition
Hey there, friends! Do you know the senses of a great craft competiton? The kind you hear the hum of conversation. The scent of slow-cooked meat. And the sight of beautifully crafted projects. It could only be Calontir’s Kingdom Arts and Sciences Competition. It is one of my favorite events of the year! This time, the event was just a few hours’ drive from Lonely Tower, which made it especially convenient to attend!
The site was packed, with a huge turnout. The great hall was alive with the vibrant energy of artisans and judges talking about the wonderful, diverse creations. The buzz of conversations and judging made the space feel even warmer. Thankfully, the meeting rooms, vigil chamber and privy stayed nice and cool.
This year, more people brought those big tri-fold presentation boards. They did block the view across the room a bit. However, they really added to the overall entry displays.I snapped several pictures of the entries. And, I took some close-up shots to capture the variety, texture and detail you’d have seen if you were there.
A&S competitions are such a fun time to show off all the hard work we’ve been putting into our projects. But it’s not just about showing what you’ve made. It’s also a chance to get feedback about your projects. Or maybe just have some great discussions with friends. It does not matter where you are on your creative journey.
One thing I always enjoy is the display table, which features entries just for show. It’s a chance for folks to share their work without the pressure of being scrutinized. Just maybe Their Majesties will take notice when they make their walk-about. Plus, it’s a way to get your work some attention and boost your wordfame!
And can I just take a moment to talk about lunch? The Shire of Lost Moor outdid themselves! The aroma of slow-cooked meat filled the hall, and we had two delicious options. They also served up green beans with bacon. There was homemade macaroni salad, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and even a fresh salad. Everything was offered buffet-style for a free-will donation. For gluten-free folks like me, they proudly provided cheesy biscuits. They were so good!
After taking in all the amazing entries, I found a seat on the edge of the stage. As I looked around, I realized I was looking directly at “My Lady Mother” from the blogging world! She’s the one behind the blog Rosalie Langmod: Medieval Life in Clothing. So, I went over and introduce myself. Though she was multitasking at the time, we had a brief but lovely chat.
One entry that absolutely stole my heart was the HL Roxelana Bramante’s intricate German dress. It also had a perfectly crafted necklace and a velvet hat. They made it seem like I was stepping back in time.
HL Astrid and I left a bit early to avoid an approaching servere storm. We didn’t want to risk driving through heavy rain and wind. It’s a good thing we left when we did! We managed to get her unloaded at her house before it hit. I still had another 40 minutes to go to get to my house. I spent half of that time driving with my flashers on. Otherwise, I was pulling over to wait for the worst of the storm to pass. It was quite the adventure!
Sunday, the next day, I saw on the Calontir Kingdom group page some exciting news. Roxelana was named this year’s Kingdom Arts and Sciences Champion! She beat out at least seven other entrants with her incredible German dress. The one I loved!
Roxelana’s other two entries were her “Flight to Egypt Baskets” and a wonderfully unique “Reliquary Sheep Shrine.” Have you ever seen a reliquary sheep shrine? Neither had I, until last weekend!
Events like this always remind me why I love being part of the SCA. Have you had any moments like that lately? Those little reminders that keep you motivated?
