Executive Director’s Letter May 2014

Ahh, springtime! I don’t know about you but I am more than ready for consistent sunshine, warmth and the ability to get outside and play in the garden.  I am actually looking forward to a little spring cleaning around the house and in my studio.

I like the fresh start that spring offers.  Spring is about rebirth and renewal for not only nature, also for us and our art.  If you attended the ArtSmar conference, then you too are probably ready to implement all that you learned.  This conference was all about rebirth and reinvention, that was our focus for you our members, but also for us as an organization.   It was a great conference; and one that was filled with meeting new friends and seeing old ones; learning, experimenting and discovering new things.   We all need a refresher every now and then, especially after a long winter.  We have been reading the surveys and are listening.  So, we are in the midst of a website rebuild that will bring a new look, new features and be easier to use.  We know you want more regional events, professional development and more opportunities for exhibiting.  This spring we will have our first regional event offering Social Media, a very popular class offered at the conference.

Do you also find it hard to work in your studio when the days are beautiful and the birds are chirping?  After a long winter you don’t want to be stuck inside.  Well for me, I find inspiration in my morning walks and look for any way to work on my jewelry outside.  I often find it difficult to find the balance of enjoying the short summer months but needing to be in my studio.  One way I combat that struggle is to take a workshop – a way for me to get inspired and excited about being in the studio.  Actually, I have a confession…I am a workshop junkie! I love learning, I love networking with other artists and soaking up as much as I can from the instructors.  This is what I hope and envision for our regional events.   We hope to bring opportunities for you to network, exhibit your work but also to learn something new. If you have ideas of what you would like to see at these events, please let us know AND if you would like to help organize these events, let us know.

Enjoy your spring!