Elks Lodge – Analog Artist Digital World

The 75th Division Association had a field trip that went to the National Military Museum in Enid, Oklahoma. The bus stopped at the entrance in what looked like a deserted shopping mall. The sliding glass doors slid open and we were greeted with several naked manakins leaning against a wall. That sight diStracted Many from noticing the much smaller donation bin to the right.

The Military museum occupies a rather large space about the size of a typical mall Macy’s ground floor, but instead of moments clothes there were military dioramas featuring soldiers represented by store manakins in uniform. The 75th Infantry played a part in the Battle of the Bulge so we all posed in front of the Bulge diorama which had an injured manakin stiffly lying on a stretcher on a bed of cotton snow.

The first order of business was lunch. About 8 long folding tables were set up and sandwiches had been ordered by the organizers, along with chips and cookies. I walked around the museum for a bit trying to figure out which WWII diorama I would want to sketch. Once I settled on this WWII truck, I went back to eat lunch.

I used the tiny folding camping chair that I had packed in my bag. It unfolds like a camping tent with thin aluminum poles that snap together. This was my first time assembling it indoors but assembly was quick. I like this chair, it is so much lighter than the usual steel camping chair that I have been using for years. I researched and found it at REI for my trip to Europe. Only time will tell how well it holds up to regular use.

Today is day 2T at the Wild Rivers Film Festival on the coast of Oregon. I plan to spend the day watching films and then going to a cocktail party at Avigail’s Flower and the Awards ceremony at the Elks Lodge. I am hoping the Elks lodge might have some WWII memorabilia. I overheard that my film is the only animated film at the festival. I watched it last night with an audience and was pleased at the applause. The audience didn’t applaud for every film. They were quite selective. Being the only animated film, maybe I will win the best animated film award. That might feel like a shallow victory.

Pam and I have been driving past the Elks Lodge on Primrose for years and I always wanted to go in for Bingo night. Pam’s niece and aunt are in town so she decided to take them to the Elks Lodge. I was teaching a virtual class so I couldn’t go with them, but I decided to go once class was over to do a sketch.

The idea of sitting in a crowded room full of people during a pandemic wasn’t appealing but since I am fully vaccinated, I should be about 88% protected from getting the COVID-19 virus. The odds seem fine to take the chance and start sketching on location.

The front door of the lodge was locked but a woman let me in moments before I wandered off to look for other entrances. The parking lot was crammed full of cars. There was indeed a full crowd.

A smattering of people wore masks but most went mask free. I kept my mask dangling around my neck like an ascot. Folks in the room were serious about the competition. Each chair had a garbage bag which held dis guarded bingo cards. A TV screen showed the numbered balls as they ere drawn at the front of the room. A woman seemed annoyed at me as I searched for a chair. Shortly after starting the sketch, Pam shouted out Bingo! She had just won $50. I was finished with the sketch before everyone was finished playing. I decided to leave early and get back to the studio to work. I immediately stripped and took a shower when I got home.