Convention report
Once upon a time, long, long ago … It seems ages since we all met at the convention- and we all had such a great time!
For some it started on Thursday. Julie and I approached from the south and had a surprisingly clear run. So clear that we were too early to book in, so we had a look around a couple of local arty-crafty places.
Once we were booked in it was then all hands to the pump to get the rooms ready for Friday. There was also time for some of us to complete the preparation of our surfaces, ready to start painting.
Friday was‘ Flowers for Sale’; Shara’ s design of a chicken pulling a truck full of flowers. It was a popular choice- even Julie( membership sec. and photographer) was inspired to take up brushes! That was a first for Convention.
Friday evening was originally going to be a fun session, with something non-painterly to keep people amused, but everyone put the time to better use by getting their surfaces ready for Saturday. It was a great time for chatting with friends while painting in a relaxed, non-teaching session.
Saturday, and any muzzy heads from Friday evening’ s imbibing soon cleared as Shara got the group started on their tray designs.
Before we could relax at the end of the day’ s painting, it was time for the AGM.( Here is a link to the minutes.) The meeting was well attended and there was plenty of lively and constructive discussion.
We put our technology to good use by taking Sandra’ s treasurer’ s report on loudspeaker as she phoned from home. Unfortunately Sandra stood down from the role, and Anne Rogers has taken over.
Saturday evening continued with the usual group dinner- Kim took to directing operations, as most present had forgotten what they ordered, and the waiters didn’ t know who was having what. Everyone got fed.
The‘ paint til late’ session was taken by Lynn showing us the Jo Sonja crackle mediums, with a few using the time for prep for Sunday’ s class.
Of course, nobody had used the bar facilities on Saturday … so all was well for Shara’ s Christmas Hanger, and Clare’ s Cute Cow classes.
Then it was all pack up and go home.
Shara’ s style is completely different to that of the recent conventions, and the bright, joyful designs attracted some new faces to the painting table. The pace of her classes was lively, but manageable and nearly everyone finished their pieces on the day. Us Sunday painters ran out of steam and had to finish ours at home.
Clare’ s Cute Cow class was also a refreshing change, with her piece keeping to the quirky theme of the weekend.
So, another successful convention, a time to meet and make friends, have fun and laughs- and paint.( Pictures next page)