Printmakingblog: January 2008

About Me

Location: Villa Park, Illinois, United States

I have worked for Graphic Chemical & Ink Company since 1968 - with a brief hiatus(almost 4 years) to travel the World courtesy of my uncle. Sadly it turns out it was my Uncle Sam, and I wasn't too thrilled about the places that he chose to send me. My wife and I have run Graphic Chemical for many years, and have enjoyed the travel that comes with the position. We get to meet our customers (and the occasional vendor) from all over the World

Saturday, January 05, 2008

NAMTA 2008 - LOOK OUT RENO

While I have focused on materials aimed at the artist, I've probably done a disservice to another part of our business - art supply stores. The oversight was not intentional, but one that I will endeavor to correct immediately.

NAMTA is the National Art Materials Trade Association. Graphic Chemical has been a member since 1966, and has exhibited at the annual Convention almost every year since then. The membership of NAMTA includes art supply stores from the largest chain to the smallest mom and pop operation. On the exhibitor side, you see the same range of members from the largest to the smallest. This year over 100 exhibitors of all types of art materials will strut their stuff. Exhibitors come from all over the world including Japan, Germany, Great Britain, Sweden, France, Canada and the U.S.

Due to scheduling problems this year, we won't be exhibiting, but we'll be there, walking the aisles looking for new products and ideas. Because of the nature of the art materials business, we have many customers attending from the art store group, and several of the vendors are also customers. To complete the trifecta - several of the vendors are also vendors of ours.

Plus! It's in Reno, NV - The biggest little city in the World. April 30 - May 3. Sadly, NAMTA is only open to the trade. Unless you work for a store, you probably can't get in, but this is when new products make their debut. You'll start to see new materials in just a matter of weeks after the show ends. I'll try to post my impressions of this year's show as soon as we get back.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

SOUTHERN GRAPHICS COUNCIL 2008

This year's edition of the SGC conference is scheduled for March 26-29 at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, VA. As always the conference schedule is a great one.

For all of the details as they become available, check out the show website at http://www.sgc.vcu.edu/. As always, the Product Fair will be quite a draw, running from Thursday afternoon to Saturday afternoon (3/27-29).

One of the highlights of the conference will be the Open Portfolio event and there will also be a trip to the University of Richmond to take in the opening of the 2008 Harnett Biennial of Anerican Prints on Thursday evening.

As we get closer to the event, look for additional information here.