The purpose of our association is to support our members and to expand our outreach.  As our President, Suzanne Ivester, outlined above, we are not only planning for new programs, but are actively responding to your input.  As an example, this month I have received a variety of suggestions, including the addition of forums on our website, the development of international/national guilds groups for exchanging information, and the concept of regional guilds achieving a designation as Individual Centers of Excellence, and serving as mentors for new or existing guilds.  Although we may not incorporate every idea submitted, this exchange is invaluable in developing an interactive and expanded range of services to our members.

Please note that the IPCA is now offering special rates for guilds and individuals participating in Retreat 2009, as an incentive for greater and more cost-effective participation.  We would also like to encourage you to attend Synergy II: Exploring Connections, and to consider the Request for Proposals.  We appreciate your continued participation with us in making the IPCA an increasingly valuable resource to the polymer clay community, and request that you forward submissions for the IPCA newsletter and website, including articles, events, and notices of classes and publications to administration@theipca.org. And don't forget to browse the IPCA website on a regular basis, as it is continually updated with the latest information on events, programs and membership benefits.

Kathy Reynolds
Executive Director, IPCA

After the Synergy conference, many of you said you were less interested in the business of craft than in a retreat, where you could gather with friends and share the joy of our medium. In our recent survey, many of you ranked an annual retreat at or near the top of your wish list.

We have a wonderful retreat planned for this July. Centrally located in suburban Chicago, the retreat is within a day's drive of much of the US, and air travel is now at record low prices.

In addition to previously announced services and activities, you'll be treated to demos by Guest Artist Christi Friesen and attendees Seth Savarick, Julie Picarello, Judy Belcher, Lisa Pavelka, Suzanne Ivester, and many others.

Lower Prices

In light of the uncertain economy and our members' financial concerns, we've made some changes you'll like!

• We've renegotiated our contract with the Indian Lakes Resort and lowered the cost of registration to $250 until May 8 and $275 until we reach a maximum registration of 75 people.
  
• To make the retreat even more budget-friendly, we've set up a payment plan.
• We're also offering day rates for those who live in the area, or who are attending the Metal Clay Conference, and can only participate in the IPCA retreat for a day.
• Don't worry--if you've already registered at the original price, the difference will be refunded.

Registration Incentive Program

Your local guild, virtual organization, or blog can earn one complimentary registration by helping us to spread the word about the retreat.

The first five local guilds, virtual organizations, or other online community (forum, blog, etc.) that registers 10 people will receive one additional free registration to be used by them as they choose.

To participate in this program, be sure each registrant gives the name of your group when he/she registers. A representative of your group must also provide the IPCA with a list of names you have recruited in order to receive the free registration.

Now it's Your Turn to Respond

Register now to join your friends at Indian Lakes Resort for 4 unforgettable days of laughter, learning, and a World of Inspiration.

Full details about the Retreat, including Frequently Asked Questions are on the IPCA Web site.  Please remember that Registration does not include lodging. Please refer to the IPCA Web site for details.

Immediately following the IPCA Retreat, Art Clay Silver USA is hosting the 2009 Metal Clay World Conference at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort. Pre-conference workshops begin on July 13 and the Metal World Conference runs from July 16-18. The event includes classes and presentations by IPCA members Lorrene Davis, Maria Martinez, Lisa Pavelka and IPCA Board member Cindy Silas plus many other artists in the metal clay and metalworking community.

The IPCA Conference Synergy II: Exploring Connections is being planned for Baltimore, Maryland in 2010.  Synergy II promises to be just as dynamic as the original, with a similar seminar format for presentations. The Request for Proposals form will be posted to the website by April 6, 2009 as well as emailed to all members, so be sure to keep an eye out for it.  You may also contact administration@theipca.org for further information.

Art Jewelry - April 2009
Melanie West - Living Green: Solar-Powered studio & Home
Melanie West - Seamless Polymer Cuff Bracelet

 

Meredith Arnold and Marie Segal will be teaching mini workshops at the Polymer Clay Collaborative Mixed Media Retreat in Shepardstown, W.V. being held June 1-6.  Classes include "Polymer Clay Books", "Silk Beads", "Ink, Powder and Paints", "Beads, Beads, and More Beads" and "Stamp This: Mokume Gane".