I have attended the conference many times in the past, but I was delighted to attend this one as the incoming President of New England Wax.

The 18th International Encaustic Conference was held at the Edgewood Farm campus, part of the Truro Center for the Arts in Massachusetts. Cherie Mittenthal, director of the Center, and her staff prepared a flawless experience, The setting was lovely-even in inclement weather.

The conference exhibition “Resist, Create, Love” was juried by the inspiring Patricia Miranda. Seven members of New England Wax were juried into the show: myself, Stephanie Roberts-Camello, Deb Claffey, Lisa Cohen, Edith Beatty, Kay Hartung and Nancy Whitcomb. Stephanie won the Juror’s Prize, one of two awards offered. Congratulations Stephanie!

The keynote  speaker, Esperanza Cortes, impressed us all. This artist successfully manages to incorporate elements of her Columbian culture, strong political statements, and artistry into her work. She is truly inspiring and worth following.

The discussion, one of several offered, about life challenges for working artists with Milisa Galazzi and David Clark was surprisingly personal and engaging. I was especially touched by the many notable artists in the audience who shared their thoughts. The themes of “aspiring for conventional success” such as gallery sales can lead artists down the wrong path; artists are not ‘rules people’. What we do is important and we must make our own rules.”

Demonstration sessions included NEW’s own Edith Beatty and Deb Claffey. There were workshops about embedding and pouring wax, transferring images, layering, alternative substrates, form making and building boxes for shipping. There was a terrific talk by Gabriela Sanchez about social media and how it “made” her career. 

Of course, the vendor room was a favorite spot with discounts on R&F and Enkaustikos wax paints. There was also a new type of palette for sale with impressive features. The postcard show was well attended and NEW’s contributions of boarded monotypes were also donated to the scholarship fund for next year’s winners.

My favorite part of the conference was the sale on the last day. Approximately twenty artists shared the tented space to sell small works. It was an opportunity to obtain some brilliant artwork. Best of all was the sharing and critiquing of each other’s art works. I learned a great deal from artist comments.  I also enjoyed meeting new artists and bonding with the other NEW members in attendance. 

I am very glad to have taken part in the conference and look forward to next year.

Written by Ruth Sack, The President of New England Wax