[Garth Herrick]

Hi Folks, and fellow Conference attendees! Wow, what a great and auspicious weekend in DC! We all made new connections and were greatly inspired by the unprecidented high quality of the finalist's portraits displayed and the high level of instruction, demos, and discussions provided. The Hyatt Regency in Reston was filled to the brim with world reknowned talents, and this was a rare opportunity to get into a huddle, schmooze and exchange business cards with the very best and brightest! Out of about 475 photographs, I am selecting a few that seem to best represent the experience, at least through my eyes. I hope you sense the magic that ensued.

Please add to this thread with your own memorable impressions and images too!

Arriving on Thursday, we began with Cynthia Daniel's annual Stroke of Genius Dinner, this year in the Market street Bar and Grill at the Hyatt. Most of us chose the generous Filet Mignon. Twenty minutes into dinner, our own Marina Dieul introduced herself to me with a gift of a cast head of a satyr she made from an original by Michaelangelo. Needless to say, I was left speechless, and let the satyr haunt the dinner photos as if the official mascot. Thank you Marina!

Enjoy the pictures, there are many more sets to follow!

Garth

1. David Draime savoring dessert!
2. Marina introducing her satyr head.
3. Michele Rushworth, Linda Weaver, Jamie McMahon.
4. John de la Vega with Bianca Berends.