This post marks the last installment of this month’s High5 Polymer Clay series. I hope you enjoyed it. I am taking the rest of of the week off to regain my strength and stamina now that the virus has finally loosened its grip on me. The archives are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so feel free to browse while I take a break. See you next week?

In this High5 Polymer Clay series we took a look at jewelry, sculpture, dolls, objects artists and books that resonated with me in recent days – new work from established artists and work from emerging artists. This morning I shared a suggestion for how you can continue your exploration of the medium and this afternoon I want to tell you about two more important events coming up.

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Synergy2 Conference

Ford and Forlano, flower brooch

In 2008 the National Polymer Clay Guild made history with the first Synergy conference, which brought together leading artists in the field and individuals aspiring to bring the medium to a higher level to talk, share, explore ideas and plan for the future of the medium.  A resounding success, the conference sparked lively debate that carried farther than the polymer clay community and continues to help us move the medium forward.  In February 2010, the newly renamed guild, now known as the International Polymer Clay Association, will do it again with Synergy2 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Synergy2 will feature presentations that explore the theme ‘Expanding Connections’ and the highlight is expected to be a celebration honoring the 22-year collaboration of renowned studio jewelers Steven Ford and David Forlano along with a special presentation by the artists.

Ford and Forlano, necklace

Ford/Forlano, two of the top studio jewelry artists working today, “have developed a body of work that has changed the way we look at studio art jewelry.” At Synergy2 they will take us into their working process and discuss how collaboration has shaped their work over their career. A question and answer session will give attendees a rare opportunity to get to know the acclaimed artists.

New!  Pre and Post Conference Hands-On Workshops

In addition to more than 45 presentations, the Synergy2 team recently added pre and post conference hands-on workshops from some of your favorite artists working with the medium today.  The workshops are conveniently located in the same venue as the conference. I am looking forward to the Synergy2 conference in February – will I see you there?

Polymer Clay Collection Project

Racine Art Museum, Racine Wisconsin

In other news, Elise Winters and her team at Polymer Art Archive have recently announced that the Racine Art Museum in Racine, Wisconsin will establish a permanent collection of polymer jewelry, beads and sculptural objects.  In addition to assembling a world-class collection of polymer art, the museum will establish a library “to protect slide, print and catalogs for academic research”, a hardcover catalog of the collection and an exhibit.  Elise Winters, the force behind the Polymer Clay Collection project and Bruce W. Pepich, executive director and curator of collections at the museum, will also speak about the collection at Synergy2.

Dan Cormier’s Fiji Mermaid (2000) is one of three Cormier ‘Tin Toy’ vessels heading to a permanent home at the Racine Art Museum

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Winters is also the driving force behind a fundraising effort to secure money for the project. She will be announcing donor levels, naming opportunities and fundraising goals as soon as the details are complete. You can donate by following the link at the end of this post.

From the PAA website:

“For those of you who have shared my dream over these many years, that polymer art be given an honored space in museum collections throughout the country, I now ask for more than good will. You can help turn our collective dream into reality today, by making a donation to the Racine Art Museum.” Elise Winters

Links:

2010 Synergy2 website and registration

A Collaboration Celebration – Ford and Forlano Synergy 2010

Hands on pre and post conference polymer clay workshops at Synergy2

Read about the 2008 Synergy conference here

Ford and Forlano’s website

Polymer Art Archive post about how you can support the collection

Polymer Art Archive posts about the Polymer Clay Collection here and here

Read the rest of the High5 Polymer Clay Series here
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