American Art Clay Company

The AMACO Designer Challenge for CHA Summer 2007 will once again be "Bottles of Hope!"

Deadline for entries May 1, 2007

Lisa Pavelka

In recognition of the importance of this program, AMACO is inviting anyone of any age to create "Bottles of Hope" for submission in this Challenge. All but the winning bottles will be distributed to cancer patients or family members. The winning bottles may be retained indefinitely for promotional use in building awareness for this important program. Donations in the winners’ names will be made to the cancer charities of their choice along with a group donation made in honor of all contributors to the American Cancer Society. Winners will also receive a gift certificate for AMACO product and an engraved award.

Thank you to the 39 contributing designers--and to the CHA attendees who became Bottles of Hope admirers-- for helping to make the CHA-2007 Anaheim the most successful crafts show we can remember. The Top 25 “Bottles of Hope” entries were there “live” and on display for admiring editors, designers, polymer guild members, retailers, buyers and manufacturers to see. The “Bottles of Hope” Awards reception was one of the show’s highlights. Nearly 100 people attended. Julie Stephani was the invited mistress of ceremonies and touched all deeply with her personal appreciation of what hope means for families facing the tragedy that news of cancer often brings. Her personal strength and vulnerability showed leadership at a moment when many fought back tears or openly wept for loved ones.

For a list of all the artists and more group photos, see Special Edition January/February E-Zine

Editors in the crafts industry voted for Most Original and Best Use of Product. Attendees judged “Designer’s Choice” and an “Honorable Mention” had to be added because the votes for that award were so close. But before the Top 25 entries ever traveled to Anaheim, all 80 entries were on display in the AMACO Contemporary Clay Gallery in Indianapolis. As the Indianapolis Polymer Guild selected the Top 25 entries from 80, AMACO employees selected the “People’s Choice Award”. The People’s Choice Award was a new category spontaneously created due to the appreciation of AMACO employees for the artistry of the bottles and all that they stand for. The bottles stimulated a sharing of personal stories of loved ones saved and lost at AMACO, much as the bottles did in Anaheim during the show. The employee community strengthened just like the guilds and attendees who bonded during CHA. That's why AMACO has added a permanent "Bottles of Hope"page to our website to introduce all crafters, schoolteachers and professional potters who visit our site to learn how they to can become involved with such a worthwhile cause.

Bottles of Hope Main Page

2007 Anaheim Reception Photo Page

Thus, with more honors given than previously planned on, the Top 25 bottles went to Anaheim where all winners were announced.

Bottles of Hope Winners

Best Use of Product....Anne Igou (tie)
Best Use of Product...Dotty McMillan (tie)
The People's Choice...Scott Misevitz
Most Original.........Helen Bradley
Designer's Choice...Scott Misevitz
Honorable Mention...Deborah Anderson

Click here to see see the Top 25 entries from CHA 2007 Anaheim

March E-News