I recently attended the International Society of Glass Beadmaker’s Gathering convention and as usual was blown away. Every year while I’m there and after I return home I have this nagging urge to motivate the masses to get them to the next one! Why? Well, personally, I believe that as an artist, these kinds of conferences are one of the best things you can do for yourself. The art you see, the connections you can make, the giving hearts of volunteers, the charity projects to raise money, the learning that takes place, and the list goes on. I have heard accounts of people going home and not having the spectacular, inspiring experiences that I’m talking about here but I would guess those are exceptions.
I can hear you…it’s expensive. I can’t afford it. And I say, yes, it can be costly. The conference fee, for what you get is relatively low. Under $400 for three days packed full of activities plus some meals. Hotel room, travel and additional meals/drinks.
So here’s what I’m proposing: Save $20 a week starting now. If you were able to save $20/week starting now you would have roughly $1000 in a year. That would be a good start to paying for your conference.
Can you do it? Do you want to do it? Would it help to get you there if you’re one who has been wanting to go but haven’t been able to afford it? If this appeals to you and you’d like some accountability, drop a comment so I can get an idea of whether this would be a good idea. Let me know which conference it is that you’ve been wanting to attend. This could even work for classes.
I want you to experience it!
The biennial PMC Conference is July 17-20 at Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana.
Registration is still open and Linda Darty is the keynote speaker.
Check out the list of seminars:
- Trends and Techniques in Glass for PMC — Ed and Martha Biggar
This presentation concentrates on new trends in the fusing world. Pate’ de verre refers to glass paste, and we will cover new methods including “Freeze and Fuse,” inclusions in fusing, using whole and partial flame-worked beads, new tools to shape glass, and creating carved looks in the glass.
- The Art of Marketing — Tonya Davidson
Looking to take your business to the next level? Need help creating a brand, more ideas on marketing your work, or how-to’s on approaching galleries? Perhaps you want to know how to convert your hobby into a business. Whether it’s marketing your masterpieces or your classes, I will cover all sorts of tips, tricks, and plans for improving your business. Bring your questions, your notebook and we’ll get busy marketing artfully!
- Those Who Can Do More, Teach — Robert Dancik
Learning to teach a subject well can take just as much dedication and passion as learning to work with a material, process, or procedure. This presentation is designed to support PMC artists who are presently teaching, or are considering teaching in the future. Robert will draw on ideas, musings, and observations he has gleaned from his many years of experience in the field.
- Creating Expressive Faces and Hands — Vera Lightstone
The face and hands are as much a tool of communication as speech. The instructor will first demonstrate how to make realistic faces and hands. This presentation will show you how to make them speak in your art.
- Explore, Evolve, Execute: Developing the Artist Within — Hattie Sanderson
You’ve worked hard to develop your metal clay skills. Now it’s time to tap into your inner artist to wake up the innovative designs that dwell within you. Hattie will discuss a variety of design concepts and practices that will help you explore and discover inspiration, evolve an idea, and execute the work of art. You will experience the creative evolution of several works from “spark of inspiration” to finished piece.
- History of Accessories — Petra Slinkard
This talk will give a brief overview of the history of jewelry as a personal adornment, the developments and changes in technology, and the shifting trends in jewelry design. Additionally, Petra will trace the history of ancient jewelry designs to the trends of American costume jewelry designers working in the 1930′s-1970′s. Ms. Slinkard is the Curatorial Assistant of textiles and fashion arts at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
- Bronze Clay — Bill Struve
Welcome to a new adventure in metal clay art — creating with Bronze Clay!(TM) This presentation will discuss a brief history of Bronze Clay(TM), the differences between Bronze Clay(TM) and metal clay, how to use Bronze Clay, and its artistic and mechanical properties. Jewelry and art pieces made from the new materials will be on display.
Visit the conference site for more info on registration, classes, seminars, vendors, etc.
