The 2011 NIADA Conference was one of the most enjoyable ones in recent memory, due, in large part, to the gargantuan efforts of our hardworking Conference Chair, Leslie Molen. Leslie welcomed us all to her hometown, Denver, where the stage was set at the beautiful Westminster Westin Hotel north of the city with the Rocky Mountains looming in the distance. We were also welcomed by local Denver doll enthusiasts, many of whom filled our classes and even volunteered to help out at the conference. These greatly appreciated local helpers became known as the "Molenites".

The Dollmaking School kicked things off with 4 days of varied classes taught by 9 different NIADA artists. Students reported being very inspired by their class experiences. Then Gallery Night closed the School and opened the Conference. A lovely cocktail and hors d'oeuvres buffet was set up out on the patio outside the gallery space, and was enjoyed by attendees before the doors were flung open revealing the gallery work inside.

NIADA artists elected one new artist member this year, Tanya Marriott, from New Zealand. Congratulations, Tanya! We are appreciating not only her work, but her technical expertise in helping with computer flubs and her enthusiastic, fun-loving personality as well.

There were new opportunities this year for Visiting Artists, including the premier of aprogram, "10 x 12", in which they could present images of their work to the conference. Also, a new scholarship, the NIADA Foundation Scholarship, was initiated, and Joanne Callander, USA, and Nico Drinkwater, UK, were each awarded $1000 to facilitate their coming to conference. The long-standing Helen Bullard Scholarship for free registration was awarded to Vickie Arentz. Critiques and this year's Challenge Exhibit also gave everyone a chance to see actual work by Visiting Artists.

There were several intriguing programs, topped off by the keynote speaker event, featuring Lynne Bruning who showed "out there" garments and projects that incorporated new textile technology such as conductive threads, built in power sources and LEDs, and black light reactive fabrics. She also discussed 3D printing and creative practical, helpful uses of these new technologies.

Demos by 5 NIADA artists offered tips on various techniques, and the Artists' Flea Market attracted a huge line of shoppers waiting for the doors to open. (Yeah, we all love to shop! It was rumored that a few of us were also canvassing the local fabric stores for extraordinary materials…)

The cherished Artist/Patron Luncheon was reinstated after a couple of conferences where it was impossible to fit it into the space and time. And this one was extra special, as all members were presented with a newly designed and minted NIADA pin featuring the now-not-so-new logo. It's been a while since we had membership pins, so we're glad that we now have a little gift to thank members for their support and participation.

Banquet night was very entertaining, since we managed to Skype in souvenir artist, Reina Mia Brill, who was too pregnant to travel (twins!) It was SWEET to be able to see her and have her "with" us as we opened our souvenirs. I thought she was about to cry on a couple of occasions. (She was either moved, hormonal, or our group rendition of "happy birthday" was awful enough to bring anyone to tears.) People then had a chance to stick their faces in the camera and give her their personal greetings. (See Conference souvenir by Reina)

The final event was the annual Show and Sale, where lots of impressive and inspiring work was on display. It was held in the hotel's little Lakehouse, a separate building on the edge of a lake with fountains, bridges, etc. It was a nice room with huge windows and the natural light that's always beneficial at an art show. Again, we had lots of local visitors (thanks to our promoters!)

I felt that the social atmosphere of the whole conference was warm and upbeat. I left to drive home with a smile on my face that lasted half the way across Nebraska. Thanks to all the generous people who contributed their time and talents to make this conference memorable and FUN. I hope to see everyone back next year.
Respectfully submitted by Shelley Thornton, NIADA artist, NIADA board member