American Art Clay Company - CHA 2008 AMACO Awards Reception

CHA 2008 HOPE ON A ROPE AWARDS RECEPTION & SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Hope is a Special Event*

It was such a joy once again to be involved in the Bottles of Hope Designer Challenge. Amaco continually steps up to the plate in their support of artists, the creative community and worthy causes. It was especially gratifying that this year additional sponsors joined in. I'm so thankful that Staedtler, JHB International, Swarovski Crystal and I could contribute products to contestants and winners.

Everyone who participates the challenge is a winner since their contribution will bring a smile and hope to those who are fighting cancer. It was so emotional to see so many people fill the aisles and hear the heartfelt words of Julie Stephanie and the winners who were present. I know so many who've been touched by this wonderful program that continues to grow and spread throughout the world.

- Lisa Pavelka

Scott Cramer, AMACO VP of Sales warms the crowd before the reception as (L-R) Michael Weissman, President of Staedtler Inc. (the new FIMO distributor), Event Coordinator Lisa Pavelka, TCHA Editor Julie Stephani, and Dawn Sandoe, Creative Director for AMACO, enjoy the levity of the moment.

Dawn Sandoe reminds designers that AMACO still makes all the clay tools and accessories needed for jewelrymaking now that AMACO has transferred the FIMO distributorship to Staedtler. Endorsement Guidelines for designers

Designers like finalist Marty Ann O'Roark listen as Julie Stephani recounts what "Bottles of Hope" has meant to her family and what strength it gave her knowing that so many in the creative community care.

Myra Katz wins "Best Expression of Hope Award" from editors and tells crowd that she is terminally ill with cancer. Her joy in winning and her zest for life speak volumes about the quality of life and the value of positive living.

Christy Minnis wins "Best Use of AMACO Beadrollers Award" and is one of two artists present for their awards. More southwest and west coast designers attend CHA Anaheim than the Chicago summer show.

Entries by Patricia Pace, Michelle Zimmerman and Ellie Hitchcock are admired by hundreds of attendees. Both Michelle and Ellie are 3-time AMACO Bottles of Hope Top 25 finalists. Ellie previously won an AMACO Bitty Book award.

Top 25 finalists included two mother-daughter teams: Myra and Samantha Katz and Linda and Sarah Hess. Sarah, age 9 (entry far right) was the first child to become a finalist in AMACO Bottles of Hope designer challenges. Many felt she was the natural winner and captured the essence of the event.

See CHA 2008 AMACO Product Highlights
Photos from AMACO Bottles of Hope Summer 2007 Awards