By Mark Ambrogi
A group of miniature enthusiasts recently descended on Carmel’s downtown.
The National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts National Convention was at Indianapolis Marriott East from July 30 to Aug. 2. The purpose of the convention, also known as a house party, is to bring miniature enthusiasts together to play and learn about the miniature world. There also are workshops to learn new techniques or learn from accomplished artisans.
Prior to convention’s start, a group of more than 80 miniature enthusiasts came by bus to visit the NAME headquarters and small museum on 130 N. Range Line Rd., in Carmel The group also visited Carmel’s shops and The Museum of Miniature Houses, 111 E. Main St.
“We think it’s great they get to visit our home office and our museum and see where our money goes,” said Barbara Thornton-Hill, from Nevada City, Calif., and a member of the board of trustees for NAME.
Thornton-Hill last visited the headquarters when the convention was in Indianapolis in 2008. The board meetings are conducted monthly by computer.
“They’ve really spiffed up the place and done a lot of work on it. We put a lot of money into the house,” Thornton-Hill said.
Bruce Steinke, a past president of the board of trustees from Sandy, Utah, also was part of the group viewing the attractions at the headquarters. His last visit also was in 2008.
“Years ago we had a face-to-face board meeting and we used to meet (in Carmel) every January,” Steinke said. “The last year we were here the high was minus seven (degrees) so we started to go where our national convention was going to be somewhere warmer.”
“It’s a trip down memory lane,” said Robin Jeffries, from Commiskey, Ind.
Carol Hodgson of Surprise, Ariz., is a former Indianapolis resident and a member of the Madison Avenue club.
“We are really enjoying our visit here,” Hodgson said.
Kim Ash, NAME office manager, served as the assistant chairman of the convention.
