4th Annual Encaustic Conference: Why Bother With Professional Associations?

Downtown Beverly, Massachusetts

Mrs. Eaves has been working hard on a summer schedule that will accommodate all of the works in progress at the studio with the fluid nature of summer family activities. Come to find out, there is a shortage of 3.75 hours per day. She frowned when Zuzu announced she was trotting off to the 4th Annual Encaustic Conference at Montserrat Collage in Beverly, Massachusetts. Was there really time (and money) for this kind of frivolity? Begrudgingly Mrs. Eaves booked her airfare.

Montserrat College of Art                 New Residence Dorms

But after four days of panel discussions, break out sessions, networking and general creative kvetching, Mrs. Eaves has determined that she and Zuzu can't afford not to attend these kind of professional gatherings. Both of them have returned home with energy and rejuvenated ideas, Zuzu with plans for a new body of work and Mrs. Eaves with multiple ideas for marketing, planning and business strategies. Perhaps best of all, they both returned with a bevy of new friends and acquaintances. Artists whose work they have only admired from afar...Eileen Goldenberg, Daniella Woolf, Laura Moriarity—met ‘em.  Artists whose work they hardly knew...Kandy Lozano, Kim Bernard, Lisa Pressman, Alexandre Masino—love ‘em! 

Other professions require their members to attend these kind of conferences. Lawyers, for example, are required to clock a set number of CLE (“continuing legal education”) hours to stay current with trends, changes in the law and networking with colleagues. Although it would be a bitter pill for most artists to be required to complete such education, the fact is that most of us need it—desperately. We need the interaction and the energy that comes from being around like-minded souls. 

The tricky part for most artists is identifying solid, organized arts associations that warrant your limited time and money. Often the strength of a group is a reflection of their leadership. In this case, both Zuzu and Mrs. Eaves agree that the Encaustic Conference is a singularly well-run, inspired event thanks in no small way to the expertise and energy of artist Joanne Mattera. If you are an artist in need of a role model, look no further. At the very least, dog-ear Joanne’s blog. Then set your calendar to send you a reminder in January to submit your form for the 5th Annual Encaustic Conference....chances are you won’t be the first to get your form in (I suspect some of these artists are already camping out to sign-up for next year’s conference!) but you won’t regret the investment.  

NOTE: This is not a paid advertisement. Mrs. Eaves or Zuzu swear they didn’t receive any compensation for this endorsement.