March 2009
CMAG Officers
President: open
Vice-president: open
Secretary: Wayne Acton
Treasurer: Mandy Allen

Members at Large
Susan and Earl Lovejoy (Membership)
Linda Apodaca (Programs)
Barbara Covey

CMAG Board Meetings
Board meeting are generally held the last Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm. Members are encouraged to attend and contribute. Contact Mandy for location.

How to Reach Us
Website:
www.cmaguild.org
Write:
Creative Metal Arts Guild
P. O. Box 8946
Portland OR 97207

Newsletter
Contributions, comments,
classified ads, display ads
metal_fx@comcast.net
Lyn Simon email

Membership
Please visit CMAG's website:
www.cmaguild.org
Annual membership dues are
$60; students $30

Newsletter

The Creative Metal Arts Guild, a non-profit organization, exists to create a community for metalsmiths, jewelers and metal artists, by facilitating communication, providing information and benefits, promoting a positive image of the creative metal artist and increasing public awareness of the artist's contribution to the community.
Editor's Comments

I'm a bit late this month getting the letter out. The fault is spending all my "CMAG" time the last two days trying to figure out how to get it delivered to our members who use free yahoo email addresses. Have decided it's beyond my technical capacity for now. Yahoo's ostensible efforts to control spam are also, possibly inadvertently, cutting out a lot of volunteer, amateur, newsletter distributors. Quite a controversy, you can read about it at this blog. So far other web-based email doesn't seem effected. The newsletter(s) along with meeting pictures and some forms are always available at our 'secret' archive
www.cmaguild.org/picts.html
which address could be passed along to members who aren't receiving their copies for one or another reason. Wayne
Contents
Programs
Meeting Report
Program Review
Budget Report

Announcements
CMAG Show News
Call for Entry
Web Stuff
Meeting Times
Programs Go back to contents
March 10, 2009 - GENERAL MEETING PROGRAM
"Inspired by Actual Events"
A presentation for the 2008 NW Jewelry/Metals Symposium
By Kristan Mitsu Shiga

Don't miss this special presentation by Kristin Mitsu Shiga, a Portland artist/metalsmith/jeweler. She has applied her creative energies and enthusiam to many parts of our area art scene. You will be inspired by her presentation.

In this presentation, Kristin Mitsu Shiga shares her experience living the life of the tinker - a traveling craftsperson whose role it is to *put things together.* Using her own personal history as a framework, she will share the perspective gained from her various roles in the craft world and pass on insights that can be applied to the career of any metalsmith. From the unorthodox way she went (and continues to go) about her education, to the things she has learned about producing and selling jewelry and metalwork at traditional and alternative venues, she'll share observations - and inspirations - picked up along the way.

Included in the presentation will be a behind-the-scenes look at the re-imagining of The Gallery at Museum of Contemporary Craft, as well as an overview of Shiga's work, from her interactive thesis at Oregon College of Art & Craft to present. Vist her website at www.kristinmitsushiga.com.

April 14, 2009 - CMAG member Bruce Mckay will present the powerpoint program he developed concerning various methods used throught history to produce (synthetic) gemstones.

May 12, 2009 - Program is YOGA FOR JEWELERS & METALSMITHS. Jane Carlsen will teach us ways to have healthier backs, necks and shoulders and to prevent injury. www.firststreetyoga.com

General Meeting ReportGo back to contents
Report of CMAG General Meeting 10 February 2009

Mandy blinked the lights for order. Last month’s guest, Mary Prichard, joined us again and signed up for membership. Welcome aboard.

Lyn Simon announced the fifteenth as the deadline for newsletter articles, which makes your author sadly delinquent this month.

In Spring Show news, Victor Gushov reported that a preliminary layout is in progress. Mary Wong told the group that the invitations, which are in postcard format this year, should be available at the next general meeting. She spoke briefly about the OPA leaving the Convention Center venue in a couple years. Partly at issue is per capita publicity spending by the various guilds; the malingerer coattail effect. Mary reported that CMAG equals OPA in this arena.

Wayne Acton reported that 100 member directories and 50 source guide reprints are at the printer. [Now they’re in boxes beside me.]

Linda Apodaca announced the coming programs, Kristen Shiga’s talk “Inspired by Actual Events,” relating the path of her artistic development and, in April, Bruce McKay will speak on the history of synthetic stones.

At this point, Mandy Allen introduced the elephant in the room, which is that the membership year is coming to a close in a scant four months and, as has been the dispiriting case for several years, not enough members have stepped forward to serve as officers and board members. For the guild to continue, volunteers are needed to fill the positions of president, treasurer and secretary and to head the membership, newsletter and program committees.

[Wayne and Lyn will be returning for Newsletter and Barbara Covey is looking at board membership and perhaps treasurer. A prospect may be on tap for Membership. I think that’s it so far!]

Mandy introduced Lisa Ciolli who has been doing a fine job at the recordkeeping end of membership, but in her self effacing way spoke to her frustration not to have time for proper outreach. In any case she cannot continue.

I have myself found volunteering for leadership in the Guild to be a definite but not overwhelming commitment. Attendance at the monthly board and general meetings is fairly essential. Much of the rest of the work consists in making arrangements and contacts which can some months be wrapped up neatly and some months not.

Although Guild membership is down somewhat from historic highs, the budget for 2009 is funded and on track and a moderately successful membership recruitment this summer ought to leave us fiscally sound through 2010. the real shortfall is in the amount of time members are willing to donate to furthering this organization from which all presumably benefit.

Mary Wong related her experiences as guild board member and president and enumerated the heights to which CMAG’s past head officers have soared in consequence. These are truly entry level positions, provided with very adequate mentoring and of a personally rewarding nature.

Board meetings are currently held on the last Tuesday of the month, at Mandy Allen’s house, at 7:00 pm. Attendance at a board meeting is neither intimidating nor aoerous. Come and see what it’s like.

This dreary topic seemed to dampen spirits momentarily and no Technical Q & A ensued but Lyn Simon and Daniel Baca announced their representation at an exhibition of N. W. Sculpture at the Coo’s Bay Museum through March.

The program (otherwise reviewed herein) was a presentation of texturing and heat coloring by Daniel Baca.

Respectfully submitted
Wayne
19 February 2009
Program ReviewGo back to contents
Coloring and texturing, February 2009
presented by Daniel Baca

Daniel Baca’s presentation of the texturing and coloring techniques used in his sculpture turned out to be the sort of CMAG program which I truly cherish. Daniel is a relatively new CMAGer, heading into a career as a welding and forming sculptor of sheet metal, principally steel and copper. He comes to this from a technical welding background. The crowd watching the young man’s program were treated to a resplendent rainbow of iridescence reminiscent of raku pottery.

Daniel brought a lot of equipment and material but his presentation was simple and organized. I happened to be sitting by Mandy when he used a piece of adhesive roll sandpaper to cap a texturing mandrel and I remarked to her that I had such a roll in my studio and found it of eminent utility. Mandy didn’t but noted the info. Subsequently I spotted Linda Apodaca doing the same. This is the sort of serendipitous discovery which these programs create wonderfully.

Preparing for his program. Daniel consulted with old timers Joe Apodaca and Greg Wilbur for technical advise and his modest attribution to their contribution during the presentation create in it an ease and accessibility which soon had everyone present engaged and participating. As usual when the program is cooking, which typically they all do, time ran out all too quickly and members proved reluctant to desist. Wayne

CMAG Budget ReportGo back to contents
CMAG General Fund Budget for 2009
By Mandy Allen

The CMAG fiscal year is January 1st through December 31st and at the last Executive Board meeting we determined what the CMAG General Fund budget would be for 2009. It was determined based on projected revenue, mainly membership dues, and our estimated expenses. It does not include anything from the Spring Show because it is a separate account with a separate budget. Over the past several years, we have maintained our General Fund bank account balance at an average of $5,000.00 which means we do a pretty good job of staying in budget.

The following is a synopsis of the budget - not every item is included for the ease of reading but we wanted you to see what our major expenses are - in other words, where your membership dues go. If you are interested in seeing the whole budget in greater detail, or have any questions, contact Mandy Allen and she will be happy to help you.


Name Budget 2009 Details & Comments
REVENUE
Hospitality/Refreshments$200.00Estimated collections from the general meeting food kitty.
Library/Publications$40.00Estimated magazine sales, grab bags sales at swap meet.
Member Dues$4,98083 memberships
Misc. Income$50.00T-shirt sales, newsletter adds, etc.
Total Revenue$5,270.00
EXPENSES
Administration$210.00PO Box rent, etc.
Advertising, Other$99.50Website hosting
Bank Charges/Merchant Acct Fees$20.00
Directory $500.00Editing, printing and postage for 2008/09 and 2009-10 editions
Gifts, Honoraria, Donations$425.00MCC membership, honoraria for some guest speakers
Hospitality/Refreshments$200.00For general meeting
Insurance$150.00Liability insurance premium ( half paid by Spring Show)
Library/Publications$160.00New books and magazine subscriptions
Licenses & Permits$50.00Nonprofit registration
Membership$100.00New member packets, membership flyers, etc.
Newsletter $950.00Editing, printing and postage
Professional Services$650.00Bookkeeper, tax prep
Rent$1,152.00MAC room and library closet rental
Rent, Equipment$500.00Purchase of digital projector to be used at meeting programs.
Source Guide $96.00Reprinting for distribution to new members.
Total Expenses$5262.50
Surplus $7.50We will have a tiny surplus if we have at least 83 members renew or join this year.
CMAG Show News Go back to contents


CRITERIA
2009 CMAG Jewelry and Metal Arts Show


Display requirements are set by the CMAG Criteria Committee, and approved by both the Jewelry and Metal Arts Show Steering Committee and the CMAG Executive Board. Any exhibitor violating the display requirements will be asked to remove the items in question. Failure to comply with this request may result in the exhibitor forfeiting the privilege of participating in future shows and/or being asked to leave the current show.

  1. All work displayed at the CMAG Show Events must be of the artist’s original design and substantially manufactured by the artist. Work that has been designed on paper only by the artist, but with no subsequent hands-on work by the artist is not acceptable.
  2. Since CMAG is a metal arts organization, there must be some creative metal work by the artist in each finished piece displayed.
  3. No more than 15% of the total number of pieces on display may be unfinished work, such as wax models, or renderings with loose stones.
  4. Beads, including pearls, may be sold in display if they are connected by handmade metal linkage, i.e. wire wrap, twisted wire, handmade jump rings, handmade clasps, etc. However, they must not comprise more than 15% of the total number of items in the display. Beads or pearls that support the artist’s creative metalwork are exempt.
  5. The CMAG member whose work is being shown must be with his/her work a majority of the time and must remain for the duration of the show. Commercial representatives or agents are not allowed to represent an artist’s work. While spouses, family members and/or employees may assist during the Show, they may not be the sole representatives present during the show, except to briefly relieve the artist.
For Metal Artists who make Jewelry

  1. “Understock” can be sold, but not displayed alone in the artist’s case, unless it is incorporated with the artist’s creative metal work. Examples of understock include: loose stones, unstrung pearls or beads, strung pearls or beads with commercial clasps, commercially purchased band rings and stud earrings, commercial chains or findings such as ear nuts. Understock items may be used as sales enhancers only. When sold, CMAG collects a commission on these sales.
  2. The following may neither be displayed nor sold in the CMAG Show Event:
    1. Work assembled from commercially manufactured parts. Examples include: commercially manufactured band rings with a commercial head soldered on, or commercially available decorative elements such as charms, etc., attached to a bracelet, earrings or necklace.
    2. Pieces cast from commercially available wax models.
    3. Totally non-metal jewelry such as gemstone rings or bracelets, or jewelry made from clay, paper, plastic or other non-metal materials.
  3. Commercial findings such as pin backs, chains, heads, ear backs, etc., are acceptable on handmade pieces.
  4. Display props such as stones, crystals and mineral specimens cannot be for sale.
For Metal Artists who make Sculpture

  1. Displays should not be hazardous to the client community.
  2. Sculpture pieces that are top heavy presenting a tip over hazard are not acceptable.
  3. Pieces with sharp protrusions or sharp edges should be displayed in such a manner as to eliminate or minimize risk of injury.
CASA Beads

Now is the time to start thinking about a very important subject: What bead will you make this year for our CASA neckpieces? Our theme remains Hearts, Homes and Kids.

In addition to the support we give to this local charity, our neckpieces serve to get CMAG noticed by the community. There are donors who go to these events specifically to see the new CMAG pieces. These people are collectors; there have been actual bidding wars! Everyone who sees our pieces recognizes our name, CMAG, and they usually turn up at our Spring Show to purchase work by the people who made the beads.

MAKE THOSE BEADS! REMEMBER: Beads must be smaller than 1" cubic, and they must have a hole at least 3mm in diameter. NO BEAD IS TOO SMALL!

If you have a bead or if you have questions, please call Mary Wong at 503 452 1939. Thank You!.

Spring Show Meeting

To all first-time CMAG Spring Show participants:

Join your seasoned CMAG artists for helpful tips and moral support to insure a successful show. We are gathering prior to the March 10th meeting at 6:30pm outside room 34 at the Multnomah Art Center.

Calls For EntriesGo back to contents
PORTLAND OPEN STUDIO

Call to Artists
PORTLAND OPEN STUDIOS
Celebrating 10 Years: 1999 - 2009
Deadline March 15, 2009
Metro Portland Artists wanted in all media to open their studios to the public on October 10 & 11 for studios east of the Willamette River and October 17 & 18 for westside studios. Artists may choose to be open both weekends. There are many advantages to being a Portland Open Studios artist. It is an opportunity for artists to show their art processes, sell their artwork, build an audience and communicate with the public. Artists who are selected for the event by a panel of three art professionals in a blind jury will have an image of their artwork published in the Tour Guide and on the web.

Special Scholarship Opportunity for artists between 20 and 30 years old: Kimberly Gales Emerging Artists Scholarship to Portland Open Studios. The recipient will have all fees waived and receive a $100 stipend.

Information, directions and the online application at www.portlandopenstudios.com
Deadline for artist's application and scholarship both: 3/15/09.

Bonnie Meltzer, Public Relations Coordinator
503 285-3131

PORTLAND OPEN STUDIOS
WATCH ARTISTS AT WORK
OCTOBER 10,11 & 17,18 2009

On the WebGo back to contents
OCAC SUMMER

A big packet from OCAC:

Please check out this summer’s metals classes and workshops at OCAC! The entire catalog can be found on our website by following this link. catalog pdf (note: this is huge. might want to start at www.ocac.edu)

(Here's one of the offerings:)
Fundamentals of Metalsmithing I
ME801 • JUN 8-JUL 20 (12 SESSIONS); MON/WED 6:30-9:30PM
TUITION RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE MAY 27: $432
TUITION RECEIVED AFTER MAY 27: $452
TUITION FOR 1 CREDIT: $630
STUDIO FEE $90

Investigate the basics of working with non-precious metals and sterling silver in this introduction to jewelry fabrication. Processes include sawing, piercing, filing, soldering and cold connections. Using techniques such as riveting, chain-making and simple forming, students design and create finished pieces of jewelry. No prerequisite. No class July 8. Location: Metals Studio

REBECCA SCHEER, INSTRUCTOR
Rebecca Scheer is a professional metalsmith living in Portland, Oregon. She has exhibited artwork in venues such as Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, Museum of Contemporary Craft, Velvet daVinci, John Michael Kohler Arts Center and Center for the Visual Arts. Her work has been reviewed in Art Week, featured in Metalsmith magazine’s “Exhibition in Print, 2005” and published in two books, Silversmithing and 1000 Rings. www.scheersilver.com. MFA, University of Oregon

FLORIDA GOLDSMITHS

FLORIDA GOLDSMITHS

FLORIDA SOCIETY OF GOLDSMITHS
MODERN MASTERS WORKSHOP
WILDACRES, NORTH CAROLINA
OCTOBER 26 beginning with dinner – NOVEMBER 1, 2009 ending with breakfast
Classes on Oct. 27 – Oct. 31st, 2009. All workshops are 5 day class. The workshop fee is $900. This fee covers: Tuition for 5 days of classes; Lodging for 6 nights; 17 Meals; Gratuities; as well as membership in FSG. Material & Lab fees are additional and include the specialized materials and other consumable materials required for the projects.

Michael Boyd – Integrating Stone and Metal
Patsy Croft- Pliqué a Jour Enameling with a New Methodology
Arline Fisch: Textile Techniques in Metal
Harold O’Connor: Surface Embellishment
Deb Stoner: Making a Spectacle (Eyeglasses)


See www.FSG4U.com for all the details.
GANOKSIN

This is reprinted from last month’s Ganoksin newsletter:

In This Edition of Tips From The Jeweler's Bench
www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm

1. What Happens To Pearl Oysters When The World Gets Warmer? By Suzanne Wade

As the world gets warmer, pearl oysters are on the front lines of the ocean's early warning system. Warming waters, changes in weather patterns, and increases in storm activity may all affect the future success of pearl farms, both freshwater and ocean-based. Precisely what impact they will have is a little harder to determine: Relatively little research has been done into oyster husbandry....

Complete Story:
www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/sea-change.htm

The Ganoksin Project (http://www.ganoksin.com) is the largest virtual single information source for searchable archived content for jewelry and metals in the world. Its 8,500 Orchid members foster sharing, support community, enhance productivity and encourage studio safety, by promoting education in the jewelry and metal arts worldwide.

Meeting AnnouncementsGo back to contents
Spring Show Dates

The annual extravaganza is scheduled for April 24, 25 & 26.

MONTHLY MEETINGS & PROGRAMS


WHEN: General CMAG member meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month. Door opens at 6:45pm, meetings begin at 7:15pm, and adjourn by 9:15pm.

WHERE: Room 34 at the Multnomah Arts Center, 7688 SW Capitol Highway Portland 97219.

WHAT: Meetings consist of a general business and a short break with refreshments, followed by a program which may be a demonstration of a technique or tool, a slide presentation, a panel discussion, or other presentation of interest to CMAG members. The CMAG Library is open before the meeting and during the break for checking out books and magazines.

WHO: Meetings are open to CMAG members and their guests.

CMAG Webpage