[Jewelry making - Article 01326] - Re: [Orchid] SNAG Conference in Cleveland

[Susan Ronan]

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    I attended SNAG in Cleveland and as is usual for me, am just
    beginning to get my feet back on the ground. It is always heady
    stuff. Professional Practices, presented pre-conference, is always
    well attended and provides a lot of practical information on the
    business side. I have been in business for nine years and had an "a
    ha!" moment during Thomas Mann's presentation on "Design for
    Survival" in which he calculates backwards from the desired income to
    what has to be done to get there. Kind of puts things in perspective. 

    3 M had ongoing demonstrations of their new products and gave
    samples afterwards. See www.3M.com/creativearts/index.jhtml for their
    new site dedicated to our needs. 

    As usual, the Vendor rooms were tantalizing with tools, gems and
    books. The Gallery Tours were terrific and really showed Cleveland's
    better cultural side at University Circle. The restaurants were very
    good as was the company (and you know who you are!) and best of all,
    the banquet at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was the best I have
    ever attended. The whole place was ours and we were free to roam the
    exhibits and enjoy the live music. Bill Seeley won the dance contest!
    Even the banquet food for 800 was good. 

    The talks were terrific and for the most part held me in rapt
    attention. Keynote speaker Gijs Bakker gave a wonderful discussion on
    crossing the boarders between Art and Design, and the Honorary Member
    Award given to John Paul Miller was inspiring. In his mid eighties,
    his eyes are clear, his hands steady, and he continues to produce
    breathtaking work. One attendee of the banquet wore one of his pieces
    and was stopped every ten feet for closer inspection. 

    I could go on and on with reviews of all the talks I attended. Each
    was thought provoking and stimulating and I continue to survey all
    that I heard and saw. But the absolute best part of every SNAG are
    the people. Old friends, new friends, icons and of course friends of
    Orchid (Hello again, Peter!) 

    Student attendees were in greater numbers than past years due to a
    reduction of registration fees, and they delighted me with their
    personal adornments! Vintage clothing, body art and creative jewelry
    was everywhere and enthusiasm and excitement was evident on every
    bright-eyed face. 

    I would bet that I am not the only one still in recovery after an
    incredible 5 days. I am sure that a few more reviews will surface
    given some time. 

    And Charles, you were missed! 

Susan Ronan
Coronado, CA

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