Society of Decorative Painters

If you haven’t been to the SDP website lately to check out the classes for the Wichita Conference, you may want to go and take a look.  The classes have all been updated on the website.  There are 10 classes that are already filled and many others are close to being filled.

The list of classes that are already filled are as follows: 0075, 0175, 0190, 0230, 0235, 0270, 0385, 0405, 0420, and 0445.

A few of these classes have waitlists to schedule a repeat class.  If you are interested in any of these classes , please email Lisa Curry at lisa@decorativepainters.org.  A minimum of 10 is needed to schedule a repeat class.

Take advantage of this opportunity to register online for your favorite classes before they are no longer available!

For those who registered in January and the first week in February, for SDP’s May 18th-22nd Annual Conference, class confirmations were sent out this week via email.  If you did not receive an email giving you instructions about how to print your class confirmation schedule at the SDP website, please email Lisa Curry, Education Coordinator, at lisa@decorativepainters.org.  She can provide you with your order number so you can print out your class confirmation to take with you to Conference.  Keep in mind that your Class Schedule Confirmation is your admission ticket to all classes and events.

As you register for Conference, don’t forget to include the following events on your calendar!

Sign up now to decorate a table at the Annual Banquet.  We are looking for chapters, individuals, and exhibitors to participate. A centerpiece for each table should be provided to be given away at the end of the evening, as well as favors for 10 people – preferably hand-painted to show off your group’s creativity!  Contact Sherry Choquette with the number of tables you would like to decorate and the name that should be printed on your sign.

The Annual Banquet on Friday, May 21st, will offer a variety of entertainment which will be followed by a DJ-hosted dance.  Sign up now as we are already halfway to filling to our maximum capacity!  Cost is $40.

The drawing for this year’s SDP Foundation fundraising quilt “Flowers: A to Z” will also take place at the banquet.  It comprises 26 botanical blocks, hand-painted by members of the 2009-10 SDP Board of Directors, as well as past presidents.  Each block features a letter of the alphabet and a flower that starts with that letter! Drawing tickets are a suggested donation of $1 each or $5 for six tickets.  You will find copies of the drawing ticket form here.  Fill out each ticket you wish to submit and mail them, along with your check, (payable to SDP Foundation) to the SDP headquarters.

Join us for breakfast at the Chapters Gathering on Thursday morning, May 20th.  You do not have to be a member of a chapter to attend.  Bring your painted/decorated brushes (and ornaments and pins) to trade with fellow attendees. The more brushes you paint, the more brushes you will take home with you!  Enjoy a project sponsored by DecoArt and taught by Tracy Moreau.  You also do not have to register for Conference to attend this event, but you must preregister for the Gathering.  Cost is $30 with full breakfast included.

We have heard concerns about whether hotel space will be available in Wichita and I wanted to share the latest info, so you will be up-to-date.

While it is true that rooms at the Hyatt Regency of Wichita are sold out, this does not mean that accommodations are not available. There are limited single rooms still available at the Hyatt Regency, although you should not delay if you plan to book a room there. Several other hotels in the vicinity offer reasonable rates if you prefer a double room. Below is a list of hotels that are close to Century II where the SDP Conference will be held. If you are flying, please make sure that the hotel you choose provides transportation to/from the airport and Century II. If you are driving, any of the hotels will work for you.

Why did rooms sell out so quickly this year? The Society is required to fill a block of rooms for Conference each year. If this “room block” isn’t filled, SDP must pay a penalty. In order to reduce the chances of this happening, the SDP room block for the Peoria Conference was reduced. Making the room block smaller was the only way for us to guarantee that all rooms in the room block would be filled, especially during these challenging economic times.

There are still rooms available in Wichita near Century II. Please don’t delay in making your reservations. Contact the Hyatt if you would like to be put on their waitlist.  Or, you can contact one of the hotels listed below. Thank you so much for your understanding!

Happy Painting!

Elizabeth Stevenson
SDP Conference Director

We are continuing to receive and process registration forms for the 2010 Wichita Conference.  Within the next two weeks, an email will be sent out with information about how to confirm your classes through the SDP website for those who ordered classes in January.   The email will instruct you how to log in with your order no. and email address to view your confirmed classes.  You will then be able to print your class confirmation to bring to Conference.  This will be your ticket to enter your classes.

The following classes have filled:  0070-Oriole & OJ on the Rocks, 0175-Female Cardinal, 0190-Clematis in Bloom, 0420-Holiday Cupcake Tray, and 0445-Magnolia & Berries Pencil Box.

A repeat class of 0190-Clematis in Bloom (0191) is being offered on Friday from 8am-noon.  If you are interested in the other filled classes being offered as repeats, please email lisa@decorativepainters.org to be put on a waitlist.  As soon as enough interest has been indicated, we will schedule additional repeat classes.

Registration for the SDP 38th Annual Conference and Expo began on Tuesday, January 5th, and the excitement was evident with many applying online for classes to be held in Wichita for the dates of May 18th-22nd.

A few have mentioned that they are looking for ways to save money at Conference.  Would you like a roommate to split the costs?  Let us know your information and specify any requests.  We will periodically post information with a list of attendees needing a roommate.   If you are interested in a posting, send an email to lisa@decorativepainters.org and specify which post interests you.  She will give you the pertinent information to contact the person directly to work out details.  Keep checking back for new postings.

Lodging for the Conference is available through the SDP room block at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Wichita which is connected to the Century II convention center, site of the Expo.

To make reservations call 800.233.1234
Group: Society of Decorative Painters

Single/DoubleOccupancy: $ 104
Triple/Quadruple Occupancy: $ 124

400 WEST WATERMAN, WICHITA, KS 67202
Book your room

Want to rent a scooter for Conference?  Please share specific information and specify dates.   There is a very limited number of scooters available, so  make your reservations early.  Scooters will be provided on a first come, first served basis.

We need your assistance to Make the Good Times Roll! Join the Volunteer Team! Once you’ve registered for Conference and know your schedule, complete the Volunteer form and mail to the address indicated on the form.  Volunteers need not be members (unless they are election tellers), but we ask that they be adults.  Volunteers who work at least five hours will be entered in a drawing for original painted pieces! SDP has also received a cash donation to give as a prize to the Volunteer of the Year.  All volunteers will receive a limited edition charm!  You’ll find more information and the sign-up form here.  (PDF -will open in a new window)

Tuesday, January 5th, at 9:00am (CST), starts the beginning of class registration for the 2010 Wichita Conference from May 18th-22nd.  All orders will be processed in the order they are received.  Classes are assigned on a space available basis.

If you haven’t already renewed your membership, be sure to do so before submitting your conference registration so you can take advantage of the  early-bird registration fee.

As you place your order for Conference, remember to register first before selecting your classes.  To purchase a class, click on the project photo and ADD TO CART.  Enter your class preference for each class.  Purchase banquet tickets and/or expo badges.  When you are finished ordering, go to Checkout.  Online payment is by credit card only; Visa or Mastercard.

Don’t forget to register for the Opening Night Party on Monday evening, when we will be kicking off a week of painting fun. Test your skills with contests galore, including bubblegum blowing and hula hooping.  Don’t forget to wear your white “boyfriend” shirt so you can join the autograph party. We will have all of our friends — old and new – sign our shirts to create one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Light snacks and beverages will be served. Registering in advance is required to attend the Opening Night Party – cost is $10 per person.

Also open that same evening will be the SDP boutique f or those who are interested in getting a jump-start to their shopping. The staff at the Class Sales booth will be available to assist you with the purchase of classes, along with selling and buying classes offered by others (a resale fee of $5 is charged for each class posted for resale).  You can also stop by the booth to get answers to your questions about classes or for any other specific help you may need in registering on site for classes.

We will be using the SDP blog to give frequent Conference updates so if you know of anyone that is interested in receiving the updates, forward the email post to them so they can sign up for the SDP blog.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a wonderful holiday season to everyone

We are so proud of the ornaments our members painted for the Grand Salon of the Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. Each ornament was inspired by one of the paintings in the Renwick’s Permanent Collection, as chosen by the artist member

Photos of all of the ornaments are now available to view on our blog. They are so beautiful. We know you’ll enjoy them. Check out the gallery page on the tabs above.

The tree is on display in the Renwick Gallery’s Grand Salon through Jan. 3, 2010. Drop by and see it if you live nearby. The Renwick Gallery is located near the White House in the heart of historic federal Washington at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.  It is the home of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s craft and decorative arts program

Thanks to all of our members who participated and to everyone who made this project possible!

Please note that not all ornaments are online. We are uploading them as quickly as we can. If you do not find your ornament, please check back later.

Dear Painting Friend:

Looking for unique, last-minute gifts? Visit the SDP Painters Boutique at www.decorativepainters.org for fun ideas and terrific prices! Plus, each purchase you make helps support your organization: SDP!

Remember: to receive your items in time for Christmas gift-giving, you must place your order before midnight on Wednesday, Dec. 16.

For a favorite teacher, postal carrier, or hair stylist:
SDP Signature Ornaments. What a terrific bargain! These collector’s edition ornaments are available for $10 each, or just $20 for the set of four! Sweet designs by four of our favorite artists: John Gutcher; Priscilla Hauser MDA; Louise Jackson MDA, TDA; and Helan Barrick MDA. Purchase a set or two to keep on hand for unexpected guests.

For your favorite cook:
“The Art of Food,”  SDP’s very own cookbook, chock full of recipes, (more than 400!), from members near and far. This limited-edition beauty is almost sold out, so order now while we still have a few left! —$15

For your BFF on a tight time schedule:
The SDP Logo Face Watch. Lovely and handy, too, this little number is also reasonably-priced! —$20

For your chapter sisters and painting pals:

The SDP Polo Shirt: Limited sizes available at a reduced price! —$18
Red: available in sizes XS, XL and 2X
Black: available in sizes XS, XL and 2X

For the girly-girls in your life:
The SDP Charming Bracelet: Three darling charms based on Bobbie Takashima’s original artwork and a silvertone bracelet. Now at a reduced price: —$22

For anyone who loves to paint:

SDP Gift Membership: the gift that gives all year long! Introduce your friend or family member to a world of painting and all of the benefits that go with it, including four big, beautiful issues of the award-winning Decorative Painter magazine. —$40

Have a Beautiful Day and Happy Shopping!

Are you a teacher and haven’t considered submitting a project for the SDP Annual Conference? I’m writing to let you know that we need your designs and creativity! I want to challenge each of you to submit a project for the 2011 39th Annual Conference to be held in Wichita, KS! Do you teach beginner painters on a regular basis? We need projects that can be offered as classes to introduce decorative painting to those who don’t consider themselves to be decorative painters! The new Teacher Kit for 2011 is now available in the 2011 Wichita Conference section on the SDP website.  Download the kit for complete information. Submitting both 4-hour and 8-hour projects will increase your chances of selection.

Are you interested in registering for SDP’s 38th Annual Conference and Expo in Wichita?  Classes will be viewable online on Tuesday, December 29th, but you will not be able to purchase or register until January 5th.  Mark the date of Tuesday, January 5th, 9:00am (CST) on your calendar.   Class registrations will be processed in the order they are received and classes are assigned on a space available basis.  Also, for first-time attendees, we will have drawings at Conference for Newbies, Newbie Friend, and Early-Bird Registration.  Prizes will be issued in the form of script money in the amounts of $25, $50, $75, and $100 to be used at the Expo.  When you register, be sure to let us know that you are a first-time attendee and if a friend referred you to come to Conference.

Please take note of the following correction regarding class 0260, Painting from a Photo, with Cheri Rol MDA, on page 19 of the Conference Special.  This class is an intensive advanced study and is a two-day class to be held on Thursday 8am-5pm and Friday 8am-noon.  You must be able to attend both days.

Lodging for the Conference is available through the SDP room block at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Wichita which is connected to the Century II convention center, site of the Expo.  To make reservations, call (316) 293-1234 or (800) 233-1234.  See your Conference Special on page 4 for the SDP discounted rates!

Are you interested in exhibiting at SDP’s Annual Conference and Expo in Wichita?  This is a terrific opportunity for you to sell your products and services directly to the customers who are eager to buy them.  Our members love to paint and they are especially wild about new products, packets, and publications.  As an exhibitor, you will have the chance to meet 1,000 registered attendees and another 400 walk-in shoppers with one thing on their mind:  painting!  The exhibitor pre-registration form is available here.

If you haven’t been to the SDP website recently, check out the photos that have just been posted from the Smithsonian Family Day that was held December 5th, featuring SDP ornaments that were hand-painted by SDP members and now adorn the tree in the Grand Salon in the Smithsonian American Art Museum.  What a privilege and honor for those who participated in this project.  Thank you to many of our members for making this a success!

Just a brief reminder to renew your membership for 2010!  Cost is $45 to renew as of December 2nd.  For brand new members or for those who were not members in 2008 or 2009, the cost is $40.  Renew online now!