Diane Melms - SAQA Professional Artist Membership

'Chroma Cross' by Diane Melms

SAQA has two membership levels, one for those of us who want to be part of a great network of fiber art enthusiasts, and another for those of us who are serious about approaching art as a professional. If you consider yourself a professional artist you might consider becoming a Professional Artist Member of SAQA. PAM membership is for serious artists who have built a record of activity showing a commitment to their artwork. A committee reviews membership qualifications and mentors can advise you in the preparation of your application materials.

DianeMelms recently went through this process and has now been accepted as a Professional Artist Member of SAQA. She has been working up to this for a few years now, preparing a consistent body of work, creating a website, submitting work for exhibits and publications, and applying for artist grants. SAQA mentors were a big help and she would recommend seeking their advice when you think you are ready. Check out the membership page on the SAQA website for more details and a description of benefits.  

Congratulations, Diane! 

Cat Larrea's Quilt in International Exhibit

'Waiting for Kaiteriteri'

'Beneath the Southern Sky' is a traveling exhibit of 30 quilts, one of which is the creative effort of our Co-chair Cat.  Congratulations, Cat!

Spring Quarterly Meeting Coming Up

Our spring 2012 meeting will be an on-line only event Wednesday April 4th starting at 6pm. Email directions for joining the meeting via Go-To-Meeting are forth-coming.  Agenda items will include a report on the SAQA/SDA conference Cat will just have returned from, as well as a couple of short presentations on basic Photoshop Elements tricks.  We will also have time for virtual studio 'tours', so get ready to show us what's on your design wall this spring and be inspired by what others are working on as well.

Spring is here!  'See' you at the meeting.

Christensen's Work Selected

Susan Christensen's art quilt, 'After Dark' has been included in this month's on-line SAQA exhibit 'Contemplation'.  Jamie Fingal is the curator of the exhibit which features the work of 19 artists including  Katie Pasquini Masopus, Linda Colsh and Carol Watkins.  

'After Dark' by Susan Christensen - 17.5”x14.5”; Procion and acrylic on cotton with machine stitching

Susan's article on the benefits of blogging appears in this quarter's SAQA Journal.   "The year of the Dragon is starting out strong for me.  I am honored to be recognized by our fabulous Guild" Christensen says with a grin.