The CPSA 18th International Exhibition..........from the back side.

Having just returned from the annual International Exhibition of the Colored Pencil Society of America near San Francisco, California, I am reminded of the fact that there are those experiences in life that simply provide one with tremendous joy -- and over the few years that I have attended this event, it has become just that for me.  I am so fortunate to be able to spend time with such talented friends and colleagues, and each year that I go the experience only gets better.  Over the course of the past couple of CPSA events I have attended (and to my own amusement), it has become increasingly clear that I have developed a reputation as the woman who's laughter can be heard clearly across a crowded room -- or possibly from one end of the hotel to the other, as the case may be!  Despite some degree of good-natured 'ribbing' for this characteristic of mine, I'm okay with this -- laughter is such good medicine for the soul.  (However, I'm seriously considering fooling everybody next year by perfecting the development of a polite titter.)

As always, my heartfelt appreciation for the national CPSA board members who work tirelessly to organize wonderful events such as this.  This year's CIPPY award (Best of Show) was garnered by Shinji Harada of Japan for his lovely still life, Grapes in a Basket.  Highlights of this year's convention week included the awards banquet, artists' reception at The Art Museum of Los Gatos, workshops by artists Allan Servoss, Ester Roi, and Melissa Miller Nece, and the National Meeting / Invitational Silent Auction.  At this year's auction I was fortunate to 'snag' an Elizabeth Patterson original, something I've tried to do over the past three convention auctions.  In addition there was time for a little shopping, alot of eating, and a road trip to see the redwood trees at Muir Woods just north of San Francisco.  All-in-all for this "little girl from Michigan" (yes Jeffrey, I'm still quoting that!) who had not been to California prior to now, it was a great time.

Finally, I must express my appreciation to fellow-blogger Denny Holland, a San Francisco-area artist.  Denny, his wife, and one of his daughters attended the CPSA artists' reception, and it was such a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet them and spend time talking with them.  (Thanks Denny!)

Following are several photos taken during convention week.  Enjoy, and as always -- thanks for reading.

A bop-fest at the National Meeting, commemorating CPSA's 20th year

Clearly, Jeffrey Baisden is saying something absolutely hi-larious (again!)

Myself and Massachusett's artist Deborah Friedman, at the Awards Banquet

Bonnie Auten (MI), and Mari K Moehl (FL)

At Muir Woods:  Dianna Soisson (MI), Elizabeth Patterson (CA), myself, and Teresa Mallen (Canada)

Apparently I am feeling somewhat objectionable about something, but Jeffrey Baisden and Elizabeth Patterson appear quite content!

Teresa Mallen, Elizabeth A. Patterson of Maine, and Deborah Friedman