Focus on Exhibiting
Frederick P. Lawrence, Ph.D.

This department, which focuses on the exhibiting of Scouts on Stamps, returns to the JOURNAL after a hiatus of over two years.  To new readers, we say "Welcome back!"   We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions for topics to be covered in this department.  You can contact us by email to


DEVELOPING A SCOUTS ON STAMPS EXHIBIT:
GETTING HELP FROM THE PROS

The task of successfully developing a Scouts on Stamps exhibit can appear to be a daunting one, especially to anyone who hasn't yet started.  While we assure you it's not nearly as difficult as it may first appear, we seriously doubt that we'll be believed!  You just have to try it yourself, and then you'll know what we mean.  But, rather than argue the point, we'll offer here instead a set of "how-to" tips designed to demystify the philatelic exhibit and its development.  This will be a regular feature.  We'll have at least one tip for you each time this department appears in the SOSSI JOURNAL.  Now, for our first tip.

Here's a way to get help from the "pros."  Participate in one of the exhibiting workshops put on at many of the US national-level shows by the American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors (AAPE).  There's no charge, but a show may ask you to register in advance by mail.  Look for specifics in the show announcements which regularly appear in the philatelic press (Linn's, Mekeel's/Stamps, Stamp Collector, etc.).  Take with you to the workshop an exhibit concept, outline, preliminary page layouts, or photocopies or completed exhibit pages/an entire exhibit - whatever work you've done to date.

At the workshop, you'll meet one-on-one with an AAPE member who is an experienced exhibitor at the national or international level.  He'll offer suggestions as to how you can further develop your exhibit concept, refine your outline, improve your page layouts, or enhance your completed exhibit pages/overall exhibit; he'll show you example exhibit pages which illustrate various techniques for effective display of philatelic material; and he'll answer your questions about exhibit development and exhibiting, either "just for fun" or "in competition."  We can't think of any hobby as friendly as stamp collecting.  Where else can you get this kind of help from the "pros" at absolutely no cost!


PAST ARTICLES IN THIS SERIES FROM SOSSI JOURNAL

SOSSI JOURNAL, Volume 46, Number 1, February 1998