Friendly Plastic Design Challenge Reception–CHA 2009 Anaheim
Co-Author Brian Brock of SCHIESSHAUS LUCK addresses a CHA-2009 Anaheim crowd gathered for the AMACO Awards Reception.
We enjoyed a memorable reception at the Craft & Hobby Association Show in Anaheim on January 26, 2009 with Author Brian Brock and Creative Home Arts Managing Editor Julie Stephani. Julie Stephani has been a guiding force in the crafts industry for years and a special friend of AMACO. She spoke along with Helen Bradley, Event Coordinator. Helen read George Zimmerman’s accounts as a Holocaust survivor. His daughter Michelle Zimmerman was co-coordinator of the event and chose the Butterfly Project for the Holocaust Museum as the main focus for this year’s challenge. Brian Brock is the co-author of Sheisshaus Luck, written with Pierre Berg who was a non-Jewish prisoner in a concentration camp. (Both men made butterflies for the challenge). Please read Brian’s blog about the event at which he read excerpts from his book.
Inspired by the remembrance of the 1.5 million children who died in the Holocaust, many of our artists made Friendly Plastic butterflies for a special installation at the Holocaust Museum Houston. Our artists were also inspired by “Bottles of Hope”, made for children at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. And others artists created beauty to wear!
Mylene Hillam wins Best Butterfly and is Co-winner with Lisa Pavelka for Best Design Jewelry Set. AMACO's Dawn Sandoe hugs Mylene while Julie Stephani of CREATIVE HOME ARTS announces winners.
We are grateful to the men, women and children of all ages, countries and backgrounds who participated in this challenge in order to honor the children of the Holocaust. The artists also created new fascination in a retro modeling medium that took the craft world by storm in the 80’s and is burning bright again in 2009.
Thank you to Author of Friendly Plastic 101 Jana Ewy and Designer/Author Linda Peterson who both demonstrated innovative and easy to follow techniques at CHA to enthusiastic crowds. Linda combines AMACO metals with her Friendly Plastic mixed media jewelry designs while Jana has made the ‘Fractured & Fusion’ technique her new signature look. See Belle Armoire Jewelry!
We give a special thanks to Designer Liz Welch who kept the flame alive for this medium in the U.K. for jewelry making and cards. Another special thanks to Designer and Editor Maria Nerius who remembered fondly this medium and has helped us re-launch a new/old friend!
Helen Bradley read George Zimmerman's moving account as a Holocaust survivor. George's daughter Michelle has created a FaceBook profile for those who are committed to teaching tolerance through projects like the "Butterflies".
We are already planning another Friendly Plastic “Butterflies & Jewelry” Designer Challenge for CHA 2010!
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