SUMMER 2016 NEWSLETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Hello members! A lot has happened since the last newsletter. March brought members the opportunity to visit I3 Detroit, a maker space in Ferndale, where participants had the chance to learn about and try their hand at laser cutting. April was a busy month for us also, starting with the long anticipated Michael Good Anticlastic Workshop held at Wayne State University. I think it's safe to say that it was enjoyed by all, including Michael who requested a return engagement. He was impressed by the Guild, by Wayne State, and the City of Detroit, and is looking forward to coming back for another workshop in early 2018. Many thanks to all who made his visit such a great success and fun time. April also brought our annual holiday party graciously hosted by Paul and Brenda Mergen at their home. As always with the Mergens, every moment was a learning opportunity, and members were treated to the chance to try their hands at the traditional crafts of rope and twine making as well as enjoying Paul's forging demonstrations. Many thanks to Paul and Brenda and for everyone who made it such a successful event. July will bring the annual MSG booths at the South University Ann Arbor Art Fair. Longtime members Charlotte Allen and Gretchen Otto have generously volunteered to coordinate the booths and really dug in to bring an awesome experience to everyone involved. In keeping with previous years, we will once again have a juried selection of 10 member artists selling their work, plus a range of member led demos over all four fair days, including the extraordinary College for Creative Studies Blacksmiths. The fair runs Thursday July 21 to Sunday July 24. Stop in and show your support or better yet consider joining in the fun. There are still opportunities to volunteer or demonstrate. And don't forget to visit the other MSG members who have their own booths too. (Editor Note: listed in the newsletter, so read the whole thing) September is shaping up to be a very full month, starting with our Jewelry and Objects Show opening on September 9 at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. Our J&O juror Billie Thiede will also be leading a two-‐ day workshop for us exploring alternative materials on the 9th and 10th at Eastern Michigan University. And we will end the weekend at Eastern with the MSG Annual Meeting on September 11. It's always a good time. Make an MSG weekend of it! There is much more in the discussion and planning stages, including a pewter workshop that is being finalized and an October workshop with enamelist Anne Havel. So check your email, snail mail, and the MSG website and Facebook pages for updates on these and future events as they develop. As always, if you have any ideas, comments, questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at mckernahan@yahoo.com. Sincerely, Mary Kernahan, MSG President
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