January 2009
Dear Fellow Artists,
It is with great honor that I will serve as the PDAG President for 2009. Having served as the Guild’s first President almost ten years ago, I have seen PDAG grow and I am proud of what we have accomplished. We are up against challenging times ahead. Some of you have already stopped your painting business. But even with the economic downturn, our creativity does not stop. With that in mind, the PDAG has decided to use 2009 to sharpen skills, and focus on being prepared for when things to take an upward turn. PDAG will also focus on a more social aspect to the group, creating a monthly “mental” haven for us to convene, create and rejuvenate.
The 2009 class program has been formulated, and is packed full of great hands on topics for next year. Here is what you can expect with your membership:
- This year’s program theme is “Broadening Your Spectrum.” Classes will be more advanced, with emphasis on new trends, and new ways to look at old techniques and old products.
- 95% of programs will be hands on, allowing you to bring a sample home after almost every meeting. We will have a small business portion at the beginning of every meeting for 15 minutes, and then we will get right into painting!
- Quarterly hands-on wall finish workshops will be offered as apprentice opportunities. These will take place in member homes. You provide the walls, we proved the rest.
- Involvement in worthy philanthropic projects – We will be re-doing the Spruill Center lobby for starters.
- A new and improved website is just around the corner, which will give you as a member greater access to PDAG information and better marketing opportunities for your business.
- We are looking to bring in teachers for outside focus group workshops – some may incur an additional fee,
- As a test this year, we will be having daytime classes during the fall quarter of the program.
- We will bring a focus back to volunteerism among the group. This used to be a core element of the Guild which has gotten lost over the years. This group is for everyone, and we are asking everyone to volunteer in some way as part of their membership commitment.
- Lastly, and most importantly our focus will be on you and your development as an artist.
I hope you will join us in 2009. I promise you – you will learn, and have a great environment to create, and have a lot of fun with your fellow decorative artists. See you at the next meeting!
Diana Shupe
2009 PDAG President