Who's going to PSOA 2005?
 

I think I probably will attend the PSOA event in D.C. in May (and I'm bummed I missed out on meeting all the SOG luminaries last spring!)

Who else is planning to attend?

I might be living off of long-neck and razor clam digs by then, or skiffing for crabs in the Chesapeake, from my hurricane-ravaged boathouse (not yet owned), so if I'm in the area, I might wander in, wearing a lobster bib. You'll be serving lobster, won't you, at the SOG name-brand dinner? If it's fishsticks again -- oh, what the heck, I might even come for fish sticks. If there's Tobasco sauce. Always a fan of spice in life.

Okay, that's two orders of lobster. Anyone for the filet? And how about champagne all around to celebrate the inevitable SOG finalists/winners in the competition.

I have never been to any of these portrait events, but I am going to this one I am almost completely positive. I always weigh the cost vs. how much of my work is portraiture, but I can forget about part of it anyway - my mother happens to live in Annapolis, MD - a 15 minute ride from DC and wants to buy me a ticket to visit her on my birthday - which happens to be May 15th - so I am IN.

Michelle & Steven I hope to meet you there!

I highly recommend attending at least one event of this type for any artist who wants to get serious about doing portrait commissions. Even for non-commissioned figurative artists there's a lot to be gained.

I went to one in New York two or three years ago and it was a real eye opener. If you want to know how the business works and get a sense of how things are in the upper echelons, go to one of these.

Here's the info on the PSOA:

http://www.portraitsociety.org/

I'm signed up and I'm really looking forward to it.

Every year since 1996....

Guess this means I need to have an SOG dinner? :)

While you're answering, you might as well give a yes or no on the dinner. It's usually around $50 since they serve a limited menu to a large group. That makes sense, right?

I already have my reservations. Haven't missed one yet and am looking forward to 2005. I look forward to hopefully meeting each of you there.

Yes, Cynthia, count me in on the dinner. I always enjoy those too.
:)
Mary

Yes, I will attend the PSOA Conference and look forward to the SOG Dinner as well.

I have a 'lean and mean' pocketbook but have heard that this is an event not to miss. I'm in my beginner stage and wonder how much I can get out of the gathering. After all, you only get out what you put in.

Any advice on what I should be prepared for?

Thanks,
John

Hi John,

I assume you are asking for practical suggestions, and based on that assumption, here is my 2 cents worth.

I always bring a notebook for taking notes, as you can expect to see some excellent demonstrations and receive some excellent advice from top professionals in the field.

Plan on wearing clothing that is comfortable for sitting long periods of time as we do alot of sitting. You may want to also consider having some extra cash for making purchases in the vendors room. There are usually specials offered for paints, brushes etc.

There is also ample opportunity for meeting others attending the conference, so take advantage and introduce yourself. I've gleaned much just from conversations among the attendees.

Enjoy the conference,
Mary

I received a special surprise from my wonderful hubby yesterday. We are going to DC.
I am very much looking forward to this experience, and that is an understatement.

Cynthia, I emailed you to reserve two spots if you organize a dinner but I thought I should mention it here as well. I hope it is all right for my better half to come.

As long as I am on that subject, does anyone know if a spouse can come for the Saturday evening banquet or is it for registered people only? It wasn't clear on the registration sheet if you are allowed to order more than one.

I'm Sooooo excited!!

Yes, spouses, friends etc can come to the banquet as long as they have a ticket. You might want to order them soon as every year they announce that people are looking for tickets because they are sold out.

Mary

Is it permissible to bring a camera? Is it advisable?

I am thinking about it especially to see my friend Richard be honored with this award...

Its a long way from California though...

Tony

John,
Although I don't personally bring my camera, lots of the artists do.
Mary

I just booked my ticket and conference today (after months of dragging my feet!) and I'm really jazzed about this.

In case you think you can't afford it, I made my decision to go when I realized I probably couldn't afford NOT to go. I want to take my career to the next level and this is the place to get that shot of energy and knowledge. I went to the New York ASOPA event a few years ago when I was just getting going and it was an invaluable jump start for me.

The sessions and especially the between-session networking and chatting were very helpful. I still review my notes from that event from time to time.

The Hyatt, where this year's event is being held, is offering a $129 room rate if you tell them you're attending the conference. If you share with someone that's an unbeatable deal. I figure if I learn one useful tip that gets me a single additional commission this trip will have paid for itself many times over.

If you think you might want to go you should probably book right away. The Saturday night banquet had filled up when I called today, but they were able to re-arrange the seating plan to fit a few more people in. One of the break-out sessions I wanted to go to had already filled up when I booked.

I personally am most interested in attending the portfolio reviews and Calvin Goodman's marketing sessions. He's kind of THE art marketing guru.

And of course I'm looking forward to meeting all of you Forum participants in person!

Ditto!

I'm sending my evil twin brother.

I'm signed up and hope to go, pending everything going smoothly here at the time.

Day Late- A Dollar Short
 

I see that I simply need to come to the Forum more often.

I had not planned on going to the DC function but after reading all of the reasons one should go-well I figured I had better "sell the farm" to try to go.

I see by the online form that one can still sign up but that most of the classes were already filled. Also the Banquet is filled too. I will be speaking to a fellow artist tonight and decide then.

As Marvin and Beth know already, I definitely drag my feet when these things happen. Its a learned thing taught by my WV peers. Ha ;)

If I am being ridiculous in even thinking about this, please tell me. I can take the pressure.

Patt

Marvin - are you the one I met or was it your twin?

Whichever, hope to see one of you there.

Air Fares for PSOA for $29. - $49. - Today is last day
 

At this time I have no plans to attend PSOA this year but in case anyone is interested, Independence Air is offering super great air fares (must be purchased before midnight today with best prices by booking on Tues.& Wed.) offering $29.00 - $49.00 fares between destinations east of the Mississippi - this price makes everything else appear more reasonable. http://www.flyi.com/.

SOG dinner?
 

Questions:

- Will there be an SOG dinner at the PSOA event in May? Is this different than the Sat. night banquet? I just signed up to come yesterday (late!) and I'm on a waiting list for the banquet (!).

-Are ordinary (non-SOG) Forum members (me?) able to attend the SOG dinner - if there is one?

If I can't get a ticket for the Sat. nite banquet, does that mean I won't be able to see the awards ceremony at all?

Curious...

Yes and yes. SOG dinner is something I started a few years ago and is totally independent of PSOA.

Yes.

Correct - unless after the dinner they will let you stand in the back - I have no idea about that.

When is the SOG dinner?

If all goes according to plan, Friday, May 13 at the hotel. Further details to follow. I'm still working with the banquet department. It's a challenge to work things out so I don't end up getting stuck with paying hundreds out of my own pocket.

I hope it's not too serious and that everyone turns out to be fine!

Yeah, I sure hope it's not serious. Thank you so much for the thought. I was told yesterday I was on a waiting list of perhaps twenty or so people. Maybe you should notify the organizers so that those higher on the list get the chance - they signed up before I did...

And darn-it!! I was so looking forward to meeting you! I hope you can, in the end, make it.

Looks like I am coming....
 

Looks like I am coming....

I am not going to know too many people so I would love to meet all of you folks. Would be nice to put voices to faces.....

See you all there!

Tony

Everyone, if you want to attend the SOG dinner, please vote and post here: http://forum.portraitartist.com/showthread.php?t=5670

I can't go, but I'll take a Tuscan Chicken to go. Do they ship to Wisconsin??

Jean

Finalist!
 

Oh well, it looks like I have to register and attend PSOA this time in D.C. They just sent me a registration packet by Priority Mail. An enclosed letter indicates a painting of mine has been selected as a Finalist in the International Portrait Competition. I think it's "Jane and Iona " because I did not get that slide back.

Who else is a Finalist?

Garth

Darn, hate when that happens, Garth. Just teasing! Well deserved! Congratulations!

I just found out that I am up for a Merit Award.

Go ahead Garth, rub it in... You'll probably cut ahead of me at the buffet line, too. :)

But seriously... I am delighted for you!

Merit!
 

That's wonderful and deserved news, Linda! I am very happy for you!

Buffet Line:

Ladies First! Age befo...... no that one does not work here!

Garth :o

Especially as I am older than you, you whippersnapper!

There's nothing left for me to do but challenge you to an arm wrestling contest!

Congratulations to you both, Garth and Linda.

Linda, what portrait did you submit that got the merit award? We want to see it!

I'll see you all there! I will be getting a Cerificate Award (third tier award) for "Mayra".