Clay ConneCTion '99
was held at Quinnipiac College in Hamden, Connecticut on July 30, 31 and August
1, 1999. It was our first retreat and LOTS of fun and learning. Here
are some pictures from our three days together . . .
First, a BIG THANKS to the companies who supported our Retreat:
| Polymer Clay Express | Prairie Crafts |
| Spumoni Clayworks | Wee Folk Creations Polymer Clay Supplies |
| Polyform | Accent Import-Export |
Some comments from Clay ConneCTion '99:
"Everything was so well organized, it was hard to believe this was
your first retreat. I felt welcome from the very beginning. Great
food, great company, wonderful
hospitality, who could ask for more? I have come home with wonderful
memories and new friends.
I saw a lot of inspirational things at Quinnipiac, but the one thing that
inspired me the most was your Guild's enthusiasm, admiration, and support in
each other. The camaraderie that your members share is very special.
Please tell everyone that I send a warm "thank you" and
"hello" all the way from Florida.
Connecticut is beautiful and so are its people.
Sincerely, Ginger Chamberlain"
Most all of us on our last giddy day . . .
"It was great to meet people with the same passion and to make new
friends/ And yes, the demos were wonderful. Marie is a riot and
shows her enthusiasm for the material. Jody is a true artist willing to
share her secrets. And the other participants who stood up and
demonstrated their favorite techniques: kudos to them! I hope to have that
kind of courage next time!
I would like to sign up for the nest retreat right now!!"
Antoinetta Philibert, RI
 |
Yeah, we like to clown around - you should see our monthly meetings!!!! These are three of the ladies who put heart and soul into Clay ConneCTion '99 - Sharon Mihalyak, Debbie Goodrow and the woman we wouldn't exist without, our "Big Giant Head", Diane Villano. |
"I had a wonderful time! The work room, food, open sharing of
tips, techniques, etc. gave each of us an opportunity to learn. I want to
also express my thanks for requesting that I demonstrate the "sculptured
fish". Compared to others there I was a novice, but your Guild members made
me feel that my technique was important and worth sharing. One of the best
parts was the validation people received for their work. It is obvious
that your Guild is very special with caring members. We should all be so
lucky! Oh, and the best part was meeting Marie Segal in person!!! Here I
watch her tapes and practice her techniques . . . there were too many positive
things to mentions them all I had a great time!!
P.S. Would you guys like to move to NJ???" Marie
Randvere
 | Marie
Segal like you've never seen her!!! Up, up and away . |
 |
Jody Bishel teaching a Liquid Sculpey class. |
"The best thing about the weekend was the willingness of EVERYONE
(neophyte to Marie Segal) to share tips, techniques, info, ideas, enthusiasm,
etc. What a great group!!! I know how much work it was to get together,
but wish it could happen EVERY year!!! Oh, well, I'll just keep myself busy with
clay and guild meetings until another retreat can be planned. The food was
super and the accommodations fine for tired bodies. Thanks again for your
efforts." Molly Hawthorne
| For those moments when your neck and back just couldn't take it anymore, we had a massage therapist available |
|
"I want to thank you and the Guild for the experience. I
thought it was terrific. You all made me feel welcome immediately..
There was so much going on that it was hard to absorb it all, but we tried.
I knew that since we observed and didn't take notes that there would be some
blanks. As Marie and I worked with clay last night, we kept saying 'and
what do you do next?' I think I've learned that lesson - have notebook
will follow.
The college was beautiful. It was a retreat for me. I was coming
off of a very stressful two weeks. The park-like setting and the three
days of clay helped me to unwind. This was the best week I've had in
awhile. I have you and the Guild to thank.
Again, thanks for the experience. Lucille Fischetta."
| Everyone contributed a bead to our Clay ConneCTion '99 Bead Strand. |
"I wanted to thank everyone for a wonderful retreat experience. It was my first retreat of any kind and I really enjoyed myself. I learned so much, it is hard to process it all. And everyone was so friendly, helpful and sharing. If you have another one, I will surely go again. I know you all worked very hard on this project and it was a great success. I know everyone enjoyed it as much as I did." Sandy Beaudry
 |
Many of us contributed covered miniature Wish Bottles to the RI Breast Health
Support Group "Art Angels" at the Women and Infants Hospital in Providence, RI. |
"The retreat was terrific . . . it was wonderful to bump elbows with names of greatness like Marie Segal and Jody Bishel and have them so openly and warmly share not only techniques but laughter and fun, too! It is like a family reunion now!!" Diane Gregoire
| Many of you know this lady from online - SincereLeigh, Leigh Ross. |
"Thank you for all of your great work and that of your committees. I've never attended any retreat where I left more inspired and re-charged!! I can't wait to try some of the new ideas spawned by the weekend. Jody's demo was the greatest and left me raring to go on a lot of ideas." Carolyn Sadowski