THOUGHTS FROM THE INCOMING PRESIDENT
SAQA’s strength lies in its volunteers
by Mel Beach
When I first joined SAQA, I quietly sat
enthusiasts all around the globe. I
projects can be done on your own
in the back during our regional meet-
have a new appreciation for SAQA
schedule.
ings feeling totally overwhelmed! One
and the wealth of opportunities avail-
of our regional reps noticed me taking
able to members. My own leadership
start. Check with your regional rep,
photos and asked if I could photograph
and communications skills have
attend regional meetings, and read
the meeting’s Show ‘n’ Tell. This small
been enhanced, with many thanks to
your regional newsletters to learn
task was my first foray into volunteer-
regional reps and committee chairs
where help is needed most.
ing for SAQA. Soon thereafter, I assisted
who serve as exemplary role models.
with other SAQA programs: • Served on the Local Organizing Committee to help plan the 2019 Annual Conference in San José, California. • Partnered with Visions Art Museum to organize the SAQA Summit, scheduled for September 22-24 in San Diego, California. • Served as a mentor and co-orga-
As a hands-on, member-driven
Your local region is a great place to
SAQA has a number of ongoing committees, including our education,
organization, SAQA relies on our vol-
exhibition, development, finance, and
unteers to provide the creative spark
special events committees. Ask to meet
for developing innovative initiatives
with the committee chair or attend
to promote the art quilt, plan artistic
a committee meeting to learn about
and professional development pro-
projects and how you can lend your
grams, mount exquisite exhibitions
expertise. You can also learn about
to showcase art quilts as fine art,
opportunities through our Wednesday
and more. Our volunteers’ creativity,
email newsletter and the SAQA - Mem-
vision, and commitment make SAQA
bers Only Facebook group.
a leader within the fiber arts world.
To all our amazing volunteers,
nizer for the Professional Online
We are always looking for help!
Presence Special Interest Group.
There are volunteer opportunities
talents! All volunteers are invited to
that might fit your unique set of
attend a special Volunteer Celebra-
and subsequently was elected co-
expertise, interests, and time avail-
tion event scheduled for June 28 at
vice president and incoming presi-
ability. Some roles require an ongo-
3 p.m. EDT; more details will arrive
dent of this amazing organization.
ing commitment of a year or more,
via email. Carrie Bloomston, artist
whereas others are more short term,
and author of The Little Spark - 30
such as welcoming new mem-
Ways to Ignite Your Creativity, will be
bers. Some tasks involve attending
the keynote speaker and her presenta-
monthly meetings, but a number of
tion will ignite you! ■
• Joined the SAQA Board of Directors
Serving SAQA has had a profound impact on my life and art. I have connected with fiber artists and
thank you for sharing your time and
SAQA Journal • 2022 | No. 2 •
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