Mid MO 2023 - Tempered Expectations

The moment my car rolled into a parking spot at the Hilton Garden Inn, a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation mingled with a hint of anxiety engulfed me. I was about to step into my very first marble show, eager to immerse myself in this tight-knit community and anticipating the chance to meet a multitude of kindred spirits.

Navigating the hotel property proved to be a bit of a challenge as I sought out the convention room. Unsuccessful, I approached the front desk, inquiring about the marble show. The receptionist greeted me with a warm smile and a slight chuckle, explaining that it wasn't a traditional show. Instead, a small group of collectors had rented rooms on the same floor, leaving their doors propped open with disco lights as beacons. She handed me a sign-in sheet that bore roughly a dozen attendees' names and room numbers—most of them strangers, though I recognized a name or two from my online research.

As the elevator ascended, my anxiety rose in tandem. I realized I was stepping into an event that defied my expectations. Little did I know that the hotel room format I was about to experience was the "In-Room Trading" advertised at most shows. Initially, I had assumed in-room trading was restricted to the show floor, but it turned out to be quite the opposite. Nevertheless, many of the collectors I spoke with agreed that in-room trading was the most enjoyable aspect of shows, providing a more relaxed atmosphere conducive to casual conversation and the forging of lasting connections.

Breaking the Ice

Upon exiting the elevator, I found myself greeted by a disco light next to a propped-open door. Though the light failed to create any ambiance, it shone like a beacon, calling marble collectors to gather and explore.

Before delving further into my experience, it's important to note that I had never interacted with another marble collector in-person, nor had I viewed marbles not found by myself. As fate would have it, my first encounter would be with the legendary collection of Lee Batterton. A collector for decades, Lee opened a marble museum in York, Nebraska, in 2000, showcasing his impressive collection.

Entering the room, I was met with the sounds of Discovery Channel's "River Monsters" blaring from the TV, and two older gentlemen whose gaze remained fixed on Jeremy Wade's struggle with a fish. Unfamiliar with the unwritten rules of these shows, I introduced myself as a novice collector and asked if I could look around.

Marty, Lee's son, cordially invited me to explore but offered no further guidance. The room was adorned with dozens of cases filled with breathtaking marbles I had only previously seen in books or online. From mint-condition German sulphides to a complete box of Peltier NLRs, Lee and Marty had brought an awe-inspiring collection from Nebraska. Intimidated by the value of the marbles on display, I hesitated to touch anything.

Further chipping at the ice, I asked, "Can I touch them?"

"Of course! Do you have a flashlight? Check out this one—it's the world's largest guinea," Lee responded enthusiastically.

Fortuitously, I had come prepared with a fanny pack full of tools, including a penlight. I soon discovered that nearly every attendee was equipped with a high-lumen flashlight, essential for closely inspecting these miniature planets.

I picked up the guinea, the first I had ever held or seen in person, and my stomach dropped a bit as the price-tag underneath was exposed. $6000. Nevertheless my bewilderment returned to the marble itself, and the myriad of colors that enveloped it. A testament to the beauty of Christensen Agate’s guineas.

I continued to explore the room, admiring both the marbles themselves and the arrangements Lee and Marty had organized. Marbles are cool on their own, but gain an additional dimension when grouped with similar specimens. Nearly every major manufacturer represented in their own corner, truly a spectacle to behold.

Additional Rooms & Attendees

These rooms, scattered along the hallway, served as the gathering ground for about a dozen more collectors who had journeyed from all corners of the country to indulge in their shared passion for marbles. As I approached each open room, a mixture of excitement and nervousness coursed through me. I mustered the courage to awkwardly poke my head in and, with a hesitant voice, request permission to explore the treasures that lay within.

To my delight, not a single soul turned me away. Instead, I found myself enveloped by an aura of warmth and generosity, as these once-strangers eagerly welcomed me into their world, offering a glimpse into the captivating realm of marble collecting. I was struck by the sense of camaraderie and the genuine enthusiasm that emanated from each person I encountered.

Many of the collectors had come well-prepared with business cards that showcased their contact information. I gleefully collected these cards at every opportunity, treasuring them as tangible reminders of the connections I was forging with fellow enthusiasts. While I may not have any immediate plans to reach out to these newfound friends, I am confident that these connections could pave the way for enlightening and fruitful correspondences in the future.

As I meandered through the maze of dazzling marble displays and engaged in friendly conversations, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of belonging. This newfound sanctuary was an extraordinary community, bound together by the love and admiration for these mesmerizing, spherical gems that transcended geographical boundaries and personal backgrounds. I knew that I had found much more than just a hobby or a simple pastime. I had stumbled upon a vibrant and welcoming world, where kindred spirits gathered to celebrate their shared passion—a world I was now proud to be a part of.

Sharing Meta Mibs

There was a unique thrill in presenting my Meta Mibs project to veteran marble collectors who had been immersed in this world for years. At first, I found it challenging to articulate the essence of my project, so I decided to let the website and the models speak for themselves. The reactions from the seasoned collectors were mixed; while some seemed dismissive of this novel approach to their beloved hobby, others appeared genuinely fascinated and even bewildered by my creation.

It wasn't until I saw their eyes widen with astonishment that I realized how, aside from contemporary marbles, there haven't been many groundbreaking developments within the hobby for these aficionados to explore. The world of marble collecting, it seemed, mostly revolved around the pursuit of well-known, sought-after treasures.

The idea of injecting a fresh perspective into this realm became increasingly enticing. I began to envision myself booking a room at one of these shows, setting up my computer, and inviting attendees to experience my process firsthand. It would be an opportunity to engage in captivating discussions, delve into the possibilities that my Meta Mibs project could offer, and perhaps even inspire new ways of thinking about the art and science of marble collecting.

Imagine the excitement that could be generated as I showcased the intricate details of each digital marble, the vibrant colors, and the mesmerizing patterns, all meticulously crafted within the virtual world. The conversations that could be sparked, the exchange of ideas, and the potential collaborations that might emerge.

By intertwining the traditional aspects of marble collecting with the cutting-edge technology of my Meta Mibs project, we could create a unique and innovative space where enthusiasts old and new could come together to explore uncharted territories and expand the boundaries of their beloved hobby.

Irish Goodbye

Having spent a couple of hours delightfully exploring just a handful of rooms, I found myself feeling both fulfilled and somewhat drained. The time had come for me to make my exit, opting for the subtle approach of the ole' Irish Goodbye. Although I had genuinely enjoyed the intimate atmosphere of this unique event, it hadn't quite aligned with my initial expectations, and I could feel my social energy reserves dwindling rapidly.

Looking back, I can't help but wish I had mustered the strength to pop into the remaining rooms and introduce myself to the other collectors. However, I remain optimistic that our paths will inevitably cross at a future show, providing yet another opportunity to forge connections and share our mutual passion for marbles.

As I reflect on my experience, my thoughts turn towards the upcoming Des Moines show in June. Word has it that this event should boast a larger turnout, offering a more extensive array of experiences and interactions for attendees. Tentatively penciling it into my calendar, I can't help but feel a renewed sense of anticipation and excitement for the opportunity to dive deeper into the fascinating world of marble collecting.

Embracing the lessons and connections from my first show, I look forward to continuing my journey, meeting even more like-minded enthusiasts, and further immersing myself in the captivating realm of these tiny, spherical wonders.