Arrowmont Retreat

     The annual conference  this year is hosted by Art Clay Silver and is being held in the Chicago area in mid July.  I haven't been to a conference hosted by ACS but I've talked to someone who went to the last one in Las Vegas.  They said it was outstanding. 

   I did make it to the PMC Conference last July at Purdue University in Indiana.  I have nothing to compare it to except the many art conferences I've attended over the years.  Based on those conferences, the PMC Conference was outstanding.

  Since these things are pretty pricey I can only attend one such event a year.   PMC Connection is hosting a retreat at Arrowmont in Gatlinburg TN, April 27 - May 1.  Being in love with that whole area (been there probably eight times, at least) and always wanting to take a class at Arrowmont, the retreat won out.  The class offerings are numerous and listed on www.pmcconnection.com and also www.pmcsupply.com (I think.... will check that one out.)

Besides the wonderful area, there are rumors flying that Arrowmont will be sold and will no longer exist.  (Rumors say it will be torn down for more tourist attractions..... just what they need.)  So, I wanted to be able to get there before it is gone.

  I'm taking a 3 day earring extravaganza class with Linda Kline.  This class is full of a variety of techniques, so it will be like getting several classes in one.    My second class is figure (or is it face) sculptures with Vera Lightstone.  I went to her demo at the conference last year and just fell in love with the little lady.  She is so cool.  I told my friends right then that I would love to take a class from her.  (And I am!!!)  On Friday of that week I am taking a polymer/metal clay class to find out how to add polymer to my work.  I taught polymer clay to my high school students, so that should give me a little heads up in the class.  All in all it is going to be an exciting week.

   To add to the fun, I get to meet up with my friends from my Certification classes as we are renting a townhouse together.  If it works like last year,  I won't be getting much sleep.  In the evenings we all shared our individual expertise and I came home with so much more information than I paid for. 

    If you are going to Arrowmont, give me a heads up.  I'll look for you.