How do I even begin to thank everyone for their contributions in making the first Upper Midwest Regional Porcelain Art Show such a success. A show like this cannot happen without the efforts of many people.
Many thanks to the Dubuque Porcelain Artists Club for their unfailing support in this endeavor. Without them behind me, without Pat Skemp to act as show chair, this show would not have happened. Thanks also to the Iowa Board of Directors who were willing to give this new concept a try.
Then, to my partner in this planning process, Val West Naber (Minnesota WOCP President), your expertise in show planning brought all the pieces of this show together. Your artistic fish center pieces for our banquet were a tremendous hit. Thanks does not begin the express my gratitude to you.
A big thank you to the other four state Presidents who worked so cooperatively with Val and me; Pam Sherman of Wisconsin, Vida Klocke of North Dakota, Jean Schoepf of South Dakota and Beth Sergeant of Illinois. It was great working with all of you. I feel I have made new friends.
I must also thank the Prairie Painters Club of Iowa for doing the vendor bags. You did a great job.
Kudos to Linda Thomas, the IWOCP webmaster. My thanks for taking in stride all the many changes that were sent your way. You do a wonderful job of maintaining the Iowa WOCP web site.
To the artists who donated raffle pieces and the artists who painted the porcelain fish, thank you, thank you, thank you.
To the vendors, what can I say, without you there would be no show! We want to thank each and every one of you for coming to our show and for the wonderful demos and paint-alongs.
To everyone who helped in any way, the workers, the participants, and the general public. Know that your support and efforts were greatly appreciated.
And, finally, to staff of the Grand River Center, thank you for your help through out the show. Your beautiful facility and helpful staff gave us a show to be proud of.
With gratitude to you all,
Mary Ann Hoerstmann