resource: the sda

Pores Cluster, 2005, Beeswax, tree resin, fabric stiffner, 7" x 36" x 3", Falling, 2B Pencil on Strathmore Watercolor Paper, 4" x 6", A Pattern of Connections, 2008, Beeswax, tree resin, muslin, brass, fishing line, 320 Square Feet

the surface design association is a comprehensive resource for both student and professional fiber artists, offering their members numerous grant and award opportunities, competitions, exhibition opportunities, an informative newsletter and an outstanding journal. members also enjoy resources such as an image library, member to member networking opportunities, an extensive member gallery and an opportunity to participate in the online auction. visit the member information and resources sections for much more of what the association offers it's members.

perhaps the most beneficial aspect of becoming a member of this association are the bi-annual conferences. taking or teaching a workshop, exhibition opportunities, artist lectures, gallery shows and networking with other like-minded artists are just a few of the opportunities members enjoy through these conferences. this year's theme is off the grid and the conference will be held at the kansas city art institute in kansas city, mo on may 28th-may 31. early registration began on january 5 and ends on march 31st. visit the sda conference page for registration information and to learn more about this year's exciting conference. sadly, i won't be able to attend this year's conference because of a previous teaching commitment, but at the 2007 conference i taught a 3-day workshop and had a solo show at red star studio gallery. being at the conference in a working capacity as well as a participant enabled me to have as a rich an experience as i could have imagined. i met many awesome people and my eyes were opened to many new things. i can't wait until 2011!

friend and awesome artist, lorrie fredette (work pictured above) wrote a great article in the latest surface design association newsletter called some like it hot, about me and several other artists who use encaustic in combination with fiber related materials. it's part 3 of 3 articles covering this subject. you have to be a member of sda to receive the newsletter, but the journal is sold on news stands. there's also an article about me and my work in the fall, 2008 issue of the journal called emerging voices and my work is pictured on the front cover! pick it up, it's a great article.