Our annual convention "Tea for Two Thousand and Two" was held on January 21st thru January 23rd, 2002 at the Golden Nugget Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Convention kicked off on Sunday evening, January 20th, with early registration and an informative evening on brushes presented by Kala Brush.

Our Annual Meeting was bright and early on Monday morning followed by an all day education session presented by Duncan Enterprises.

On Monday evening our famous Awards Banquet and Hospitality Night took place. The evening began with the invocation being given by our own Truett Black. Dru Woodward, our President, then welcomed us all and dedicated this years' event to Rosemary Bodenheimer, past President, charter member and the very first traveling instructor for Duncan Enterprises

After a nice dinner the award presentations began. The "First Timers" (members who have never attended a convention before) were brought on stage, individually introduced and were given a token of appreciation by the Golden Poppy Chapter. Pat Lackey announced the members who were inducted to the Quarter Century Club this year. Joyce Wright gave out Educational Showcase awards to members who participated in Ceramic Retreats, Inservices and our Youth Program. Pat Lackey explained what the Jackie Parish Award is and in the absence of Roger Parish presented this years award to Trish Gill. She also explained that after convention any monies left in the fund would revert back to the Arizona Chapters that Jackie had been a member of. Two brand new Chapters, The White Rose, England and The Ohio Valley Claymates, Ohio were presented charters. Charli Brown was presented a special award for her over and above efforts and dedication this past year. Charli created the 2001 Membership Directory and our 30th Anniversary Commemorative Quilt. The President's Award was presented to Bill Young, Electronic Media Chair for his work on our IADCCT website. The Cleo Curtis Award, our most prestigious award, was awarded to Donna McCombie. Larry Knight our Member at Large presented the award by reading the petition that was submitted and Pat Lackey accepted the award on Donna's behalf who was unable to attend this years' convention. Beth Lane, Spotlight Competition Co-Chair, presented the awards to the winners of our very first CDT Spotlight Competition: Group A-Innovative Clay: Wendy Mack-Sage Brush Chapter , Group B-Underglaze: Sylvia Clayton-White Rose Chapter, Group C-Glazes: Bill Young-Rocky Mountain Chapter, Group D-Overglazes: Ann Barton-Oklahoma Dreamcatchers Chapter, Group E-Non Fired Finishes: Fran Ellis-Saguaro Chapter, Best in Show-Marsha O'Hern-Southern Stars Chapter ,Presidents Choice-Scotty Nogaim-Silver Sage Chapter. The evening concluded with entertainment by Mr. Robbie Howard. Robbie was a wonderful singer but it was the comedian act that we all really enjoyed. Robbie did several impersonations while making fun of several particular stars too. Then came ELVIS…not just one but three! Three of our members David Hoffman, David Hoff and Larry Duncan (who were naturally volunteered by other members) all came on stage with wild Elvis wigs, did several Elvis actions including the "Elvis pelvis" and "Uh Huh". Many of us are still laughing about the act!

Instructors for our Tuesday and Wednesday sessions were Rachel Byass, Sylvia Clayton, Joe Jones and Faye Murray. The education offered at convention is always wonderful and this year was exceptional-the classes were all really great.

At Tuesday's lunch the "Travel Trophy Award" was presented to Oklahoma Dreamcatchers. This award is presented to an IADCCT chapter that has the best scrapbook. The 30th anniversary commemorative quilt was also raffled. The winner was Gordy Tyler from Arizona, a member of the Desert Rose Chapter. This special quilt was created by our Chapters, located though out the United States, Australia, Canada and England, who created their very own designs on each of their blocks. Then the quilt was lovingly put together and quilted by our Vice President, Charli Brown. It was truly is a wonderful piece of artwork. On Tuesday evening we had a Ambassador Make N Take Evening. This special event was a fundraiser for the victims of the September 11 tragedies.

At Wednesday's lunch we conducted our "wrap session" which consisted of various association announcements and concluded with our raffle.

In addition to regular convention we also offered 2 days of added education this year. This added education is optional and not a part of "regular" convention and featured three outstanding ceramic artists. On Saturday, January 19th Jon Dean and Timothy McPherson taught Spring Glaze Carving and on Sunday, January 20th Marty Ferguson taught Fruit Fantasy (Zhovosto Style).

To view convention pictures please click here.


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