Now that we are in the dark, cold months of a north Texas winter, let’s take a moment to bask in the warmth of the starlight that shone brightly throughout the TAEA 2006 convention in Fort Worth. The convention crew did an amazing job and deserve many thanks. One conventioneer I spoke to said that the keynote speakers themselves were worth the price of the registration. I wholeheartedly agree. That Robert Glenn Ketchum was available for questions and an impromptu book signing at the Amon Carter, Jonathan Talbot gave a workshop, and when Faith Ringgold signed books and shared “How the People Became Color Blind,” she applied the gold leaf on the already-gilded lily. I have it on good authority that those Bluebell cows in Brenham are now pouring over your convention surveys in an attempt to make next year’s convention at Moody Gardens in Galveston even better. Start working on those wooden figures early!
Those who attended the Area III meeting on Sunday shared concerns about the confusing nature of the area divisions. Please be assured that we have heard you and we are going to bring your concerns to council. We answered the question “What area am I in..?” many times. We will be making an overlay (including service centers and/or counties) to facilitate the answering of this question in the future.
We are also planning to have your area printed on your convention nametag. This will necessitate the creation of a database of people by TAEA area and will also hopefully solve the problem of some members not receiving e-mails about Area III events and workshops. At this point we are working from information gathered piecemeal at the Area III convention meeting and word of mouth to get your email. You can contact Jody via e-mail to make sure you are on the Area III e-mail list. If you receive your TAEA news at school you may want to read over your spammed e-mail as we are sometimes blocked that way. Consider providing us with your home e-mail.
Jody is already working on securing two workshops, one on using Photoshop, and one featuring a Fort Worth collage artist who shows at seven galleries. Dr. Christina Bain and I have begun to talk about using UNT as a workshop venue. We will keep you updated as more develops.
One more thing. Have you considered giving back to TAEA? Positions are open for the next year. One way to ease into the organization is by being an Area Representative. This is a great starter position because you are not in it alone. Jody, Shannon and I have learned much in our first year on the board. Contact one of us if you are interested. Also Kathy Cunning, National Art Honor Society Representative, is looking at pursuing a new position within TAEA. Her job will then be available. Contact her with questions regarding this.
