January Winners Photo Page

Event Coordinator Lisa Pavelka received a raku bowl made by renowned ceramic artist and engineer George Debikey from Dawn Sandoe of behalf of AMACO. Lisa donated countless hours to encouraging and guiding artists in creating their Bottles of Hope and for promoting Bottles of Hope nationally. Lisa was honored to have received such a beautiful bowl by Mr. Debikey of AMACO who led the industry in reformulating lead-free glazes for school safety.



Julie Stephani congratulates Helen Bradley for her big win for “Most Original” entry as voted by crafts editors and publishers from around the country. Helen will choose a charity of her choice for a contribution to be made by AMACO.



Anne Igou was surprised by winning “Best Use of Product” – along with co-winner Dotty McMillan-- on her break as demonstrator for AMACO. Anne charmed retailers into buying FIMO for the first time because she made pasta machine techniques seem so easy. Her entry, though, was highly detailed and advanced.



Scott Misevitz traveled to CHA as the People’s Choice winner to have the honor of receiving that award in person and meeting mentors like Julie Stephani, Lisa Pavelka, Carol Duvall and Emi Fukushima. Then he won Designer’s Choice as well! As a result of his winning entry, he earned new admirers and met enthusiastic editors.



Dottie McMillan (in blue) joined mother and daughter Anne Igou and Lisa Pavelka, as did Deborah Anderson (in front) for the winners’ group photo. Deborah won “Honorable Mention” in the Designer’s Choice category. Scott Misevitz and Helen Bradley enjoyed the final moments after Julie Stephani, pretty in pink, inspired all. Dawn Sandoe had the honor of meeting so many of the designers in person that have contributed so much to AMACO.

"Bottles of Hope" was started in 1999 by cancer survivor Diane Gregoire as a way to bring hope and cheer to others afflicted with cancer. Being a polymer clay artist, Diane covered empty medication bottles that were being disposed of during her Chemotherapy treatments, with her own polymer designs. The decorated bottles she returned to nurses were gifted to other cancer patients. They were so well received that she began a program in which cancer patients could create their own bottles. Numerous polymer clay guilds throughout the country have started their own “Bottles of Hope” programs. Some are also active in fund raising for cancer research and treatment with their programs.

AMACO® thanks the following artists for sharing their stories, their inspiration and their bottles for gifting to Camp Rainbow in Babler, MO, a leadership and summer camp for children and teens with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Deborah Hutchison    Ellie Hitchcock
Judi Weers              Linda Hess
Dotty McMillan           Helen Bradley
Michelle Zimmerman Christy Minnis
Laura Griffin          Julie Mager
Allison Bolm               Mags Bonham
Deborah Anderson     Judy Haupin
Marilyn Davenport     Nina Owens
Kaela Dunn             Anne Igou
Karen Mitchell       Jen Lowe
Marie Segal           Lisa Brady
Sandee Haven      Janis Frost
Kathy Wegner            Nancy Petteway
Barbara Forbes-Lyons  Melody Hope Stein
Michelle Herren          Suzanne Ivester
Scott Mizevitz               Alicia Baker
Kathy Davis              Trina Williams
Jane Sally                Victoria James


Bottles of Hope Website


In support of Bottles of Hope, AMACO® is making a contribution to the American Cancer Society in the name of each artist listed above, as well as, in the name of each retailer that drops off a business card.

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