Circus Magic 2009

Last year, I became a clown, Sir Toony Van Dukes. February 20-22, 2009 I continued my clown education by attending my first clown convention, Circus Magic in Williamsburg, VA. I drove down Friday morning and got there in time for the Face Painting pre-convention workshop which began at 9:00am.

The theme of the convention was Back to the Future. One of the vendors came with a Delorean and a group of balloon artists created a balloon replica of the car.

Delorean

Balloon Delorean

Delorean

On Friday, I attended the Face Painting Pre-Convention Workshop given by Gary Cole from Snazaroo USA. Gary began with a general lection on face painting including safety, types of paints, brushes, and sponges. We then had a brief hands on period where we could practice basic sponging and blending colors along with line work. The rest of the class was devoted to Gary showing a variety of faces.

Face Painting Pre-Conference workshop

Gary Cole painting a butterfly mask

Gary Cole painting a Panda face

Gary Cole painting a Spiderman face

Gary Cole painting a Shark face

Gary Cole painting a cat face

One of the Dealer rooms

Friday night, they had a Dealer Show where the dealers had a chance to do a trick or two and tell a little about what they brought to sell. During the show, COAI Clown of the Year, Bob 'Bunky' Gretton was covered in streamers.

COAI Clown of the Year, Bob 'Bunky' Gretton, covered in streamers during the dealer show

Friday night, I signed up for the American Clown Idol competition. I didn't really know what I would do, but decided that since there were only a handfull of others in the competition, I had a fair chance of winning. I called my act juggling. I had a bit of inspiration overnight and did a few jokes before juggling.

Sir Toony Van Dukes before the American Clown Idol competition

Two of the clowns in the American Clown Idol competition

The clown who won the American Clown Idol competition

Banquet

Silly Willy

Mike's attempt at a light auguste with and without white

Top