Here we are - all dressed up and nowhere to go... but the studio!

By now, we all know that this year's moSAiQA conference in Toronto will be a virtual event. Lisa and I should be landing in Toronto about now. Instead, we're at our respective homes, diligently practicing social distancing.

Clearly, I'm being facetious. It's early in the social distancing period to go to pieces. And there's a great deal to be thankful for. Most importantly, we're doing the right thing. Also, because the SAQA Board and staff are so incredibly dedicated and are truly at the heart of our community, they're working at warp speed to regroup and bring us all a conference experience. And right now, the reduced fee of $200 to attend is a great deal. If you can't for some reason attend live, I understand that a recording of the sessions will be available until June 30th. Anyone who signs up will have access from now until then.

In the meantime, if you're not one of the people on the frontlines still leaving the house, you know that quality time awaits.

This period of isolation is not forever. Let's create, be grateful for the technology that allows us to connect virtually, and enjoy the little things in life that we overlook when our schedules are full and the pressure is on. Better days are coming.

 We'll get the color back in our lives. Be well, be happy, and wash your hands.

Here's to a Happy 2020!

Happy New Year, SAQA WA Peeps!

I love this snowy scene - a glimpse of a bend in a cross-country ski trail in Mezama where I was lucky enough to spend a blissful afternoon with my family  during the 2019 winter holiday season. It's pristine and white - an alluring trail that MUST be explored and enjoyed. 

Hopefully, that's how 2020 looks to you. There's a lot ahead of us, and you'll see more in our Regional newsletter later this week. But for now, here are some upcoming highlights for this year:

•  Spotlight Auction deadline is February 1: Submit images of your 6" X 8" piece for auction at this year's conference, moSAiQA in Toronto, Canada.
•  Travelling this spring? If you'll be in Chehalem, OR in March, catch the opening of our seven region show at its next venue. For the full schedule of this marvelous exhibit's travels, see our page on the SAQA website.
•  Did you love seeing that exhibit at the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum last summer? And don't forget our previous regional exhibit, "The State of WA(ter)" in 2017. Want to see another great Washington region exhibit and have a new chance to exhibit your work? Soon we'll be convening a Zoom meeting to talk about our proposal for a 2021 exhibit in the same great venue, where we're again penciled in for a late summer slot, thanks to wonderful co-rep Lisa Jenni. And if you'd like to help with any part of the preparatory work for this exhibit, well - we just love you. More soon.
•  This is the final year of rep-dom for me and probably for Lisa. We need new blood to help continue to shape this region. It won't be a revolving door, either - we're both committed to helping out, and I'll be a full partner to my replacement for at least three months. Please think about taking on a volunteer job with a wonderful organization where you'll have a chance to work with great people at the mothership, get to connect with the wonderful SAQA WA members, and help make your dreams for this region materialize.

More soon!

Best, 

Carolyn