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Decade
of Dreams
10th Annual Gene Convention
November 11–13, 2005
Stamford, Connecticut
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"I'll Take Manhattan"
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“Decade of Dreams,” the 10th
Annual Gene Convention, found our Miss Marshall returning
to her hometown of Cos Cob, Connecticut, and nearby
New York City—where she was discovered by legendary
director Erik von Sternberg at the Regency Theater!
Gene's friends, old and new celebrated of her 10th anniversary
and looked back on the milestones of her life. The convention
was hosted at the Sheraton Hotel in the charming coastal
town of Stamford, Connecticut (only five miles from
Cos Cob!). George Sarofeen designed the exquisite souvenir
doll I'll Take Manhattan and the hairstyle was designed
by Rick Villard.
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Convention coordinator-Sandra
Stillwell, assistant coordinator-Elaine Posanka, Art Director-
Brian Bulkley. A special thanks
to Carmela,
Marcia
Friend and Elaine
Posanka for contributing pictures. Thank you Brian
Bulkley for the outstanding sketches and headers. Specail
thanks to Sandra Stillwell for text help and categorizing dolls.
Photos from Michelle in Alaska, Michael Basala, Lori in RI,
and Cindy Fesmire are greatly appreciated.
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Elaine
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Tomi
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Pudgy
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Sue
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Isabel
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Mel Odom
with the models wearing Good Bye New York, Anything
but Nice, That Extra Something, Jack Pot, Sunset Celebration,
USO, and Tango.
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Janet as GBNY
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Ann Marie wearing Mandarin Mood
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Loesje
(Tom M. in background)
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There was lots going
on that weekend including a Fashion show with people wearing
Gene inspired outfits, a Raffle, a Gene doll competition, an
auction, workshops, and extra activities like a Madame Alexander
event, and seeing the Rockettes at the Radio Music Hall!
Highlights were a a DVD presentation by
Lori Smith with a wonderful assortment of past convention pictures,
a retrospective Powerpoint presentation of Mel's artwork and
inspiration for Gene, including sketches from childhood, and
the 10 year display of Gene and friends, which included every
doll/outfit/accessory produced by Ashton Drake, as well as many
rare prototypes and samples.
It was announced at this convention
that, after 10 years, Ashton Drake would no longer be producing
Gene.
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Tommy in front of Hatboxes with
Brian Bulkley artwork on them.
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The convention dolls came in the
hatbox. Separates on discs were given at each meal function.They
formed a gift set when completed.
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image by Michelle in Alaska
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Brocade dress, Tweed jacket,black
velvet skirt,
Beaded bustier
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Outfit set - burgundy cape, jacket,
black bustier
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Last disc of separates
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accesories
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images by Michelle in Alaska
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An army of I'll take Manhattan Gene Convention Dolls |
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Yet even more! |
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The dressing crew having fun!
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The Decade of Dreams doll, an edition of 20 made for the
attendees of all 10 conventions
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Two optional purchase outfits
completed the gift set.
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The I'll Take Manahttan helper doll
images by Michael Basala
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