SURFACE MATTERS
SYMPOSIUM
MARCH 3, 2012
Several weeks has passed since 150+ eager fiber-loving people attended Surface Matters, a symposium, exhibition and studio tour produced by SDA-Washington. A team of SDA volunteers is still working to bring closure to this hugely successful event. Thank you to everyone who returned our request for feedback. We had a 67% return rate on our survey which is really incredible! Most of the response was overwhelmingly positive. Bottom line, most everyone was enriched by their experience at Surface Matters and most everyone is interested in further SDA sponsored happenings. Stay tuned for what is next!!
The program line up for the day-long symposium was power packed!! We will report in more detail about the event in the weeks to come but for now, here are just a few highlights:
- Eager attendees lined up early to check in for Surface Matters while a team of volunteers processed 150 people in less than 30 minutes!
- The day opened in a general session with a keynote panel discussion Surface Design: Past, Present & What Lies Ahead. Moderator Barbara Lee Smith guided a rich and compelling conversation with Jane Dunnewold, Lou Cabeen and Marci Rae McDade.
After a quick break, attendees attended one of two concurrent sessions:
- Artist Trisha Hassler generously shared about the progression of her personal style with humor and openness – all were inspired and awed!!
- An expert panel of artists working in felt, Trisha Stackle, Faith Hagenhofer and Janice Arnold shared their vast and diverse experience in a panel discussion led by Layne Goldsmith – Felting: Then Cutting Edge of an Ancient Craft.
Lunch time offered more than just food!! Symposium attendees enjoyed delicious box lunches from the Portage Bay Cafe and also had time to network and play!!
- A spirited team from Artist & Craftsman Supply in Seattle’s University District provided us creative-types with a hands on activity making print blocks. The room was packed standing room only and the creative juices were flowing! Check out this colorful display!
- Over 150 swatches showing surface design processes and techniques were available to be fondled! How inspiring!! The SDA Swatch Library is one of the many SDA member benefits and can be checked out for use at any SDA event.
After a midday break to fuel and network, attendees choose two of four more concurrent sessions:
- Gail Harker shared her wisdom and insight from many years of experience teaching art, design and textile arts in her presentation Awakening The Creative Spirit.
- Michele Wipplinger indulged participants with her expertise about Color: Trends in the Culture of Cloth.
- Jane Dunnewold did not disappoint with her inspiring talk about Exploring Your Visual Language.
- Michael Cepress is credited for wearing the snazziest jacket of the day and it’s no surprise that he wowed us with his presentation Fashion Forward: Where We Are Going & How We Are Getting There.
- At the end of a full day, all attendees gathered together once again for the day’s keynote presentation by Bellevue Arts Museums’ Stefano Catalini. Stefano shared his perspectives about Artists Working In Fiber.
And finally, SDA Board Member and Washington State Area Rep Peggy O’Heron shared some thoughts about what is next for SDA in the NW region. An incredible team of volunteers were acknowledged for the hours of work they gave to make Surface Matters happen. The event’s generous sponsors were appreciated and, everyone in attendance experienced an ‘Oprah Moment’ as abundantly stuffed goody bags were distributed to all!
Surface Design Association–Washington 
Thanks again – for putting together such an amazing event – we are all, very grateful to those who worked so hard, to make Surface Matters seem such a seamless, perfect event.