Page 85 - Wax Fusion Spring 2022 Issue 6 WIP v19

The spectacular sunset view of Morro Rock created an almost
mystical atmosphere at the La Vendéenne Awards Dinner at

Windows on the Water Restaurant. ConVergence retreat
attendees from around the world came together to celebrate

the achievements of two extraordinary contributors to the
Encaustic Arts community.

The assembled encaustic luminaries and enthusiasts cheered
as the La Vendéenne Award was presented to two individuals
who have helped define contemporary encaustic art. IEA Grants

Director Melissa Lackman presented an Outstanding

Contribution Award to author, artist and international
instructor Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch. Trish is known world-
wide for her long-time impact on the medium of encaustic. In

her twenty-plus years working with this medium, she has
focused her energies toward making this dif cult medium

accessible to more artists. In her acceptance speech, she talked
about her passion for encaustics and her determination to be

an advocate for the medium and its possibilities. She also
acknowledged the contributions of fellow awardee Lora

Murphy, who came to the retreat from Ireland.

Lora was awarded an Outstanding Contribution Award for

increasing international recognition and respect for encaustic
as a fine art through her Painting With Fire Masterclass. This

program brought together 2000 global students this year to
learn high-quality encaustic techniques from 26 of the world’s

top encaustic instructors. Lora expressed appreciation for the
groundwork Trish has laid and said that she cherished her
“encaustic tribe.”

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