Regional meeting in Racine

Hello everyone!
There were 23 SAQA members from our region attending an evening meeting at the Siena Center in Racine, WI on March 9. (We even had a few Iowa and Indiana members present!) Most of us were participating in a wonderful marketing workshop by Alyson Stanfield <http://www.artbizcoach.com/> sponsored by PAQA <http://www.artquilters.com/>.

Topics of discussion included: the region blog, formation of an exhibit committee, members concerns with the portfolio and PAM program, and future meetings.

1. It was suggested that we feature an individual regional SAQA member on our SAQA IL/WI blog <http://saqailwi.blogspot.com/

> every 2 weeks. Frieda Anderson will plan the rotation of featured members and contact the member. The following items should be sent to Frieda  <quiltgoddess@gmail.com>. She will post an image of the members art (jpegs of artwork no larger than 180 ppi and 6" on the longest side), a statement from the member regarding their work, and a link to their website or blog.

2. Volunteers are sought to form an Exhibition Committee for a regional exhibit. An exhibit will bring the region together in a common purpose, encourage artists new to the exhibition realm, and of course, education that recalsitrant public. If you are interested in assisting with organizing a region exhibit please email Laura.

3. Laura will be attending the annual SAQA conference next week and a meeting of regional reps. Concerns related to her focused on several items:
a.  The change in the SAQA portfolio from a book format to a CD. Most members would rather have it as a book with 2 images on a page and with a CD included.
b. Another concern was the issue of PAM status. Many members did not see the value of being a PAM if there is no portfolio book published. It was also related that reps could get PAM status without jurying in just by offering to be the rep.
c. Members also wanted clearer standards in regard to what can be displayed (artist postcards, business cards, etc.) at SAQA tables at various venues (IAF, SOFA)
d. Members asked about funds that belong to the region and how much we can use per year.
e. Members mentioned that they liked the SAQA quarterly Journal, monthly E-Newsletters, and Visioning Project.
f. Few members use or knew about SAQA U.

4. Future meetings for the region are planned for a day trip to the Art Institute in Chicago for the Matisse exhibit in June and the Quilt Expo in Madison, WI in September. If you have any ideas for meeting times or dates please let us know.

--
Laura Wasilowski
http://www.artfabrik.com http://artfabrik.blogspot.com