Page 13 - The Decorative Painter - Fall 2019

imsdp grand opening
The grand opening of the International Museum
of the Society of Decorative Painters (IMSDP) was an astounding success that was hosted by the 2019 IMSDP board of trustees. In June 2018, about 1,300 pieces of artwork were donated to IMSDP from
the National Museum of Decorative Painting in Atlanta, Ga. Susan Raine and Pamela Lowry, NMDP trustees, were in attendance to cut the ribbon for
the opening ceremony.
Peggy Harris was bestowed with the 2019 IMSDP Artist of Distinction award for her contributions to the decorative painting industry
and support of the museums that have housed the collection, both past and present. IMSDP is honored to have four pieces of her artwork featured in the museum.
In attendance were Priscilla Hauser mda, founder of SDP, past presidents
of SDP and many members from around the world. Even though
it was a bit nostalgic the evening was full of hope for the future and
filled with laughter, joy and awe remembering where we’ve been
but in anticipation of what is to come. A highlight of the evening was seeing
Mary Jo Leisure mda, first editor of The Decorative Painter.
Wendy Watson cda, IMSDP President, welcomed founding
member Joan Johnson’s family to the museum. Her husband, Howard Johnson, and their son were in attendance to witness the opening of the museum and they shared stories about her painting career and what being a member of SDP
meant to her. Joan was fondly remembered with a display of her artwork, especially the SDP logo, which she designed.
Enjoy the collage of pictures provided by Judy Westegaard Jenkins cda.
If you were unable to attend the opening night, don’t fret! You can call SDP and arrange a tour – bring your chapter
along. Let’s support and further the goal of preserving our history of SDP and decorative painting, both historical and contemporary.
by Janelle Johnson cda, tda
DECORATIVEPAINTERS.ORG 11
IMSDP ribbon cutting
Peggy Harris
Mary Jo Leisure mda
Peggy Harris, 2019 Artist of Distinction
Priscilla Hauser mda
Wendy Watson cda standing with Howard Johnson's son
Howard, Joan Johnson's husband