Page 9 - The Decorative Painter Fall 2016

2016 CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
“An Artful Journey,” our 44th Annual SDP International Conference & Expo, drew over 670 artists from around the world, including Australia, China, Colombia, Japan, Thai- land, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The event was held June 6-11, 2016, at the Town and Country Resort & Convention Center in San Diego, Calif.
The yearly event brings SDP members and chapters together to learn about new products and techniques, and to socialize in a fun, creative environment.
Attendees took 69 classes, which offered projects, skill building and techniques in a variety of mediums includ- ing acrylic, colored pencil, fabric paint, mixed media, oil, and watercolor.
The Expo featured 31 companies with products rang- ing from paints, brushes and stamps to online courses. Exhibitors launched new products, educated consum- ers through demonstrations, held giveaways and offered show-special discounts on purchases.
In addition to shopping, attendees admired the art submitted in the 2016 Art Show and helped award 19 rib- bons. To see the list of winners, including People’s Choice and Best in Show, see page 8.
This year’s Certification Program received 100 applica- tions and awarded 24 new Certifications. Eleven members achieved the inaugural accreditation of Accredited Decora- tive Painter (ADP), and two members achieved the highest level of certification, Master Decorative Artist (MDA). See this year’s passing Certification boards on page 86.
More than 150 individuals attended the Annual Banquet, a highlight of the week’s activities. The banquet featured table decorations by SDP chapters and enter- tainment by accomplished artist Stephen Fishwick, who wowed the crowd with his live art performance and gave a moving presentation on using art to educate and inspire. Fishwick’s artwork was auctioned and raised $425 for the SDP Foundation’s Scholarship Fund.
“We’re thrilled with the positive feedback,” said Kathy Swigon, President of the SDP Board of Directors. “Our Board and staff are already focused on making next year’s event a success for everyone.”
Save the date for “Oceans of Color,” the 45th Annual SDP International Conference & Expo, taking place at the Ocean Center Convention Center, Daytona Beach in Daytona, Fla., May 17-20, 2017. Book your hotel room at decorativepainters.org/hotel.php.
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JUNE 6-11 2016
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