Convention junkie: she who dies with the most stuff wins

Expression, May-June, 2005 by Kathie Gillaspey

To me, there's nothing more thrilling than knowing that the next convention is just around the corner. I feel extremely lucky to live in Southern California where it seems stamp, bead and other artistic conventions happen every other weekend. Don't even get me started on all the cruises and retreats cropping up! It's been 15 years since I attended my first stamp convention in Carson, Calif., and amazingly, the thrill is still alive and well.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

When I thought about it, I couldn't help but wonder why the thrill was still there. I normally can't stand the thought of doing something over and over again. Truly, I'm envious of those of you who can join swaps and make more than one or two of the same card, page, bracelet or pair of earrings. Normally I need lots of diversity in my life to keep my creative juices going. Not true with conventions and retreats. When it all boils down to it, I realized that the things that keep the excitement fresh with each new show is the people I meet, the thirst for knowledge, and of course, trying to one day get myself in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the most art stuff when I die.

Living in Southern California is geographically the perfect place for being a convention junkie. When I think about it, I think nothing of driving 2 to 3 hours to attend a stamp, bead, or scrap show--the sick reality of it is I think nothing of it driving 5 to 6 hours! They say admitting the problem is the first step, right?

Through the years I've gotten the chance to meet so many marvelous people in our little art world. It's so much fun for me to meet people I've been communicating with for years with via e-mail and having the chance to give them a great big inky hug in person. It's nice to be among people who consider glitter on their faces and clothes, and ink-stained fingers fashion accessories, instead of a nuisance. There is a certain comfort in knowing that you aren't the only one who thinks a new ink in 15 colors, sitting for hours with a mirror on the floor, or finding the perfect shade of beads, is better than peanut butter and chocolate.

Most conventions offer classes either before or after the event. All feature demonstrations of products and techniques. It's a sure bet that when Mary Jo or Suze are demonstrating, you'd better be willing to wiggle your way to the front for a good look at the latest techniques and large doses of their talent and humor.

A retreat is really exciting because it's basically a few days of nothing but classes with known artists in their field--what could be better? Oh, I know, they usually have a vendor show sometime during the event!

With all that being said, if you've never been to a convention, retreat or other creative gathering of your artistic peers, DO IT! If it takes driving a few hours and having one less latte a week to save a little money for gas, DO IT! Besides, I know I'm not the only one who is in serious contention for that world record.

One last bit of advice, practice saying, "I got a deal on it" without smirking or averting eye contact. Also, perfect the skill of sneaking things quietly from your trunk into the house late at night. You'll be glad you did.