February 2010
CMAG Board
Bruce McKay
Barbara Covey
Lyn Simon
Earl Lovejoy
Susan Lovejoy
Wayne Acton
Ken Patton
Hobbs Wells
Maybe YOU?

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 Bruce 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
guild@actonjewelry.com
Wayne Acton 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

Board meetings are gonna be before the general meeting. See note in 'Meeting Report.' … CASA beads wanted, see Mary's piece in 'Member News.' … I didn't think of it for this time, but in our farthest closet in a tub of CMAG we inherited, are some pretty ancient pics of CMAG events and I'd a notion to publish a couple. Then why not solicit some from the membership? So send me (email!!) some pics. Or scans of pics. Could be CMAG event—meetings, shows, workshop—could be you, your work, your studio, then or now. Maybe a note or two describing. As long as you're sending pics, send some for your personal page on the website too. I updated those pages last month according to the membership roster. If you got bumped but you're renewed now I'll get you reposted pronto.

As always the newsletter(s) along with meeting pictures and so forth are available at our archive (which is now also linked to the CMAG Homepage:)
Contents
Programs
Program Review
Meeting Report
Member News

Announcements
Calls for Entries
Web Stuff
Meeting Times
Programs Go back to contents
FEBUARY 9 - GENERAL MEETING PROGRAM
"Maximize Your Time And Maximize Your Dollar"
By Daryl Grove

Those of us that get to do what we love every day should take stock occasionally and consider how fortunate we really are. As someone once said, "If you find a job you love, you add five days to every week". But what about the less pleasant elements of your job? They don't have to be distasteful. In February's meeting, I'll pique your interest with a quick-moving overview of ways to maximize your time and maximize your dollar in running your business and accepting payments from your customers. We'll cover a wide array of topics:
- ways to reward your best customers
- how to accept credit cards without any special hardware or internet connection
- when and why you might consider a POS system to run your business
- what to do if you experience check fraud
- a courteous, quick way to tell the credit card salesman to "buzz off"
- why your instincts were right that quoted credit card rates mean very little
- how to determine in 30 seconds what rate you're REALLY paying now
- what steps you can take to reduce chargebacks
- whether a wireless device would serve you well to accept payment at trade shows
- a graphical comparison of what it really costs you to accept payment by cash, check, PIN debit, gift card, paper check, e-check, direct debit (ACH), credit card (swiped) and credit card (online). Guaranteed to be an eye-opener!
- and more, including value-adds that can save you time in business
This will NOT be a sales presentation, but simply a practical and enlightening time with Q&A opportunity for your specific challenges afterward. I look forward to seeing you on Feb.9th.

-- Daryl Grove

Daryl Grove is part owner in MLS Direct Network, an independent payments co-op with 80 offices around the country. After spending many years as a technician and manager in computer networking, he left a good job for self-employment in electronic payment services. That fast-moving field has opened opportunities to broker scores of products with clients in many states and representing a broad array of business types. His passion is "fixing things" and helping businesses be more efficient. He currently resides in Gresham with his wife, Kim, and three children Jared (15), Aimee (13), and Nathan (11).

mlsdirectnetwork.com


March 9: Photograph your own work?? The March program will have several people present different ways they photograph their work whether large or small. Among many things to be discussed will be photo tents, ways of lighting and backdrops.

Program ReviewGo back to contents
"Copper & Brass Metal Clay,"
January 2010
presented by Debra Carus

Debra Carus presented a program about the recently introduced brass and copper metal clays. Debra has been a certified precious metal clay instructor for several years. She is currently a Senior Instructor for Art Clay World and has classes at her studio in Portland's inner east side, www.elentari-handverk.com. She's also a very active CMAGger, formerly on the board and currently co-chairing the Show Committee.

The new base metal clays offer considerably lower expense (100 grams < $20) than the precious and the opportunity to work in traditional sculptural metals, though an a very small scale. Debra had samples of the two brands currently on the market, Art Clay and PMC. She totally recommends NOT mixing them. She was full of information about working the clay (add, lavender oil, was one I think, I'm such a neophyte here,) drying, firing (in a pan buried in activated carbon,) the ramping up to temperature and a good deal about 'sintering,' which has nothing to do with sticking industrial diamonds on saws and everything, apparently, to do with this material somewhat magically sticking together in a work of art rather than turning into a puddle.

Beyond the clay and tools, Debra brought a selection of her pieces in the new clays. For the most part these are raw from the oven, not polished or even pickled. One of the things about copper and brass in general is the beautiful fire colors they produce and the art clay version is the same. Debra makes a lot of acorns and, as a nod to a Viking heritage, tiny drinking vessels.

The presentation concluded with the opportunity to actually work a bit in the material. To see more of Debra's work, in the precious metals, or to learn more about her classes, go to the website. The evening was a prime example of the sort of informed technical programs CMAG is fortunate to be able to present from within our membership. Wayne



General Meeting ReportGo back to contents
Report of CMAG General Meeting Jan 2010

I think January meetings always bring out a huge crowd but this time the room was packed. It looked to me like there were 42 people but metal artists are harder to count than Euglena, which are those wiggly microscope things you have to count in Biology 101.

Two new members. Glori Redfern Sayler was technically a new member last meeting I think, and maybe even did her formal intro then but she graciously repeated it. Ali Peret is a returning member, lives in Trout Lake, works gold and platinum, says he's learning silver.

Many visitors. Lyn an instructor (beading?) at Village People came for the clay demo. Sandy, who's starting metal work & Marcy, who wraps and is starting hot work & JD whose newly from Idaho and uses photo emulsion. Lyndon is still a guest and Lynlie was a member in the nineties. Galin (accompanied by Jerry and Josie) has a store on the east side (Sandy Blvd?) for jewelry and lapidary.

Magnus and Jo Homestead, who can rarely make it to meetings, managed to attend and Phillip Panepento's sister Rosanne and her husband, Earl, visited. Sure I misspelled and even just missed some folks. Sorry.

CMAG (has by now) made arrangements with MAC to rent a room on meeting days (second Tuesday) from 6 to 7 pm for a regular board meeting. It's on for Feb but which room is not assigned at publication. Members are encouraged to attend. One trip per month works for me, but early inconveniences some I'm sure.

Discussion of Spring Show. If you have questions (like can you get in still) talk to Judy Acton or Debra Carus. (see Debra's article below.) Mary displayed CASA beads and reminded members to get on the ball making more. (see Mary's article.) Barbara Covey reminded members to set something aside for the Silent Auction at the show. Considerable show funds are raised from this event. Usually donations can be made Thursday before the show but notice is nice. Talk to Barb barbaraAcovey@gmail.com, she'll probably send a form if you want one.

Mari Pritchard and her programs committee presented a tentative schedule and invited suggestions and commentary. Looks like a field trip/pot luck is in the works, to give Lyn Simon a chance to make the sort of lightening and thunder that can't be accommodated at the art center.

Daniel Baca announced the placement of a bench he fabricated. It's at 18th and Evertt and was commissioned by the NW Community Center. Take a peek at bacametal.com.

Linda Bretana sparked furious discussion by asking why her silver castings sometimes came out of the investment blackened. Phillip, Joe and Bruce were all over this one but it was all Greek to me. Much mention of investment types, melting technique, burnout parameters, button flux shrinkage float sliding and the like. Probably great stuff, to those in the know.

Refreshments, which seemed to be again at least partially under the purview of Shawn Daughton, featured brownies. Wayne
Member NewsGo back to contents
CMAG SHOW NEWS You Can Use:
By Debra Carus

Hey, CMAG'rs, the planning for the show is in full swing. By now those of you signed up have received the second mailing, via email. We are eagerly awaiting your return "Request for Information" form so we may begin the layout process of the show. Please take a few minutes soon to retrieve the email and print the attachments, then send that back to us. If you can't find your email, let Debra Carus know, she'll send it again.

If you are new to doing the show, you must go through the criteria process, if you haven't already done so. Please plan to bring 2 or 3 pieces of your finished metal work to the general meeting and meet with Debra Carus of the steering committee.

Tuesday, February 9th,at 5:30 pm, (prior to the CMAG general meeting), the steering committee is meeting to answer all and sundry questions about the show. This is open to committee chairs and all CMAG members who have questions, need a volunteer assignment, or are dazed and confused by the whole show - we are there to help clarify and un-complicate issues. So, come meet up with us, right outside room 34.

Debra Carus
elentari-handverk.com
971-221-8151

fax: 503.905-1083
Anticlastic Raising workshop
From Alma Rands & Rebecca Melton

Anticlastic Raising workshop for CMAG

2 day workshop: stake and copper included in the cost

This workshop is an introduction to anticlastic raising. If you're interested in hitting things with a hammer and making some noise this is the workshop for you! Or, if you've never really gotten into this kind of work it's a great introduction to the process.

Most of us are familiar with synclastic raising: hammering metal into the vessel form. Anticlastic rasing was used to make the details like spouts, handles, or lipped edges. Of course it translates well into beautiful and unique jewelry.

In anticlastic raising, a flat sheet of metals is hammered on a sinusoidal (snake-like) stake of metal or plastic. The metal is repeatedly hit along the edge just below the spot where the metal touches the stake, therefor pushing the metal in to the space created by the angle of the stake and metal. The process is repeated down both edges and inward to the center of the metal creating curves at 90 degree angles from each other.

We will be using plastic stakes that will be made for each student and copper will be provided for the projects. The first day will be an introduction and then sample work. The second day will be concentrated work on a design of your choosing.

A great website to check out is Michael Good Designs Inc. at michaelgood.com. He's the mac daddy of anticlastic raising. Also some interesting pieces can be seen on johnsbrana.com. Here you can see how varying your hammers can create interesting textures on this work.

Hope to have a great turn out for this workshop. It's really fun to get into a group and work with this exciting technique. I've always found the sound of hammered metal music to my ears. This process is repetitive and meditative despite the medium and tools used.

For further information please direct questions to Rebecca Melton, Meltonmetals@gmail.com or, 971-570-0547.

Note: I've heard from Alma that this workshop is now seeking a new venue. They have some leads but if you know of something, let them know. Wayne


CASA Beads
By Mary Wong

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 or marywong97@msn.com . Thank You!.
CMAGger Published: Gets Cover!
From Lee Haga

An image of one of Lee Haga's shibuichi cuffs will appear on the cover of the March 2010 issue of Art Jewelry magazine! The editorial staff of the magazine also commissioned her to write an article about the fascinating Japanese alloy for the same issue , entitled "Shibuichi: the Chameleon of Metals." The magazine will appear on the news stands as early as the first week in February.

Here's a link to the issue preview page: artjewelrymag.com

(Second month to announce a member published. Pictured here is "Wave and Three Pearls" by Lee Haga)

Calls For EntriesGo back to contents
Culture Center Instructor

The Chehalem Cultural Center in Newberg will be opening it's doors soon and is looking for creative teachers in all areas. If you are an energetic, creative person who would like to teach classes with us, please send a letter of intent (in two pages or less) about your interest and ability to teach at our center. Include details about you, your work, media and experience teaching and working with others. Academic credentials and teaching experience is desirable but not required and experience working with children is a plus! If you have a web site that details your work as an artist/educator, please include the address in your letter.

Send bio/resume, three images that spotlights your creative style and your letter of intent to:
Karen White
kwsculptures@yahoo.com or
chehalemculturalcenter.org
LOCAL 14

Deadline's coming:

LOCAL 14 Art Show & Sale invites all Northwest women artists to apply to our 43rd annual show.

Artist applications will be available on Jan 15, 2010 at www.zapplication.com. Applications are due by midnight, March 8th, 2010. More information available at www.local14.org. or call 503-241-8939.
On the WebGo back to contents
“I Heart Art"

Friday, February 26, 6:30 pm

Pacific Northwest College of Art, Main Campus Building, Swigert Commons

1241 NW Johnson Street

Free and open to the public

Etsy, PNCA and the Portland Etsy Team host an “I Heart Art" meet and greet at PNCA on Friday, February 26. This public event brings together the PNCA student body, the Portland Etsy Team, members of the Guild Council Program from the Museum of Contemporary Craft, and the thriving local arts and crafts community of Portland.

The event is a great opportunity for Portland-based makers to network and learn more about this burgeoning partnership and future opportunities for professional development. Featuring light food and drink, music, button making, Gocco printing and more.
The Art Festival Newsletter

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Art Festival Industry

theartfestivalnewsletter.com

We are pleased to announce the inaugural issue of The Art Festival Newsletter, the first and only quarterly email newsletter dedicated to the interests and needs of artists who participate in outdoor art festivals. It is available by paid subscription in an electronic edition.

We are equally pleased to offer you the opportunity--at no cost--to use The Art Festival Newsletter as a conduit to our readers for news about your festival. Each issue of The Art Festival Newsletter will include significant space devoted to important updates and developments in art festivals. You only need to add us to your email list for your announcements and news releases. The email address is: info@theartfestivalnewsletter.com.
Meeting AnnouncementsGo back to contents

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