Most people that know me, do know that I’m a big supporter of the organization called SALI – Stencil Artisans League, Inc. (which is currently going through a name change that will be official at the convention this summer). They have a annual convention coming this July 20-25th, 2008 in Charleston, SC – for a lot more information on the non-profit organization go to www.sali.org.
I have been involved in SALI for at least 20 years – when I discovered SALI it personally opened many doors for me. I had discovered the Art of Stenciling – but, here in California I sure wasn’t finding much of anything on the art form. Through SALI I found many different stencil companies, a great organization that has a inspiring magazine, insurance for professionals and support/networking through local and online chapters.
SALI truly did change my life – I had been stenciling for several years (as a professional service) and finally had the opportunity to attend one of the annual conventions. When I returned home after convention, I told my husband that I knew what I wanted to do – with his support, I opened my own studio “The Stencilled Garden”. Here at TSG we carried almost every stencil company and product related to stenciling, taught 100’s of classes in the art form and still offered custom stenciling. We opened the studio in 1994 and we out grew our first location within three years and had to move to a larger building (only a couple blocks down the street) – as we continued to explore in the arts, we also offered classes in all decorative finishing – faux finishing, plasters, murals, stenciling, and much more. We still have our studio – just changed the name about 3 years ago to reflect more of what we do “Artistic Painting Studio” is now what we are called.
Not sure if I would be were I am today if it hadn’t been for SALI – if you love to paint as a professional or just love to paint, SALIhas something to offer everyone at every level. There is nothing like being involved with a group of people that share your passion and the passion for paint is different than any other passion.
If you are close enough to make the trip to Charleston, SC this summer – make sure not to miss this great event. The teachers and classes are unbelievable – and the exhibition will be filled with evey great company you can imagine. By the way – class registration is open online and is very easy to do – www.sali.org.
I will also be teaching at convention this year – don’t forget to check out my classes……I will be co-teaching with an incredible gifted person (Krista Vind) she teaches for the Decorative Finishing Studio in KY. These are new classes that we created together – finishes that are new and inspiring – plus Krista and I are a lot of fun!!!
I hope that I will see some new faces at this years convention – it’s a wonderful opportunity to see and experience so much all in one place.
