Hello Susan, tell us about you and your company?
I started my creative journey at a very young age... my first media was Grandma's chocolate cake. My business SMBdesign encompasses anything thrown at this Graphic/Digital Design Maven - Artist & Maker I am a multi-media artist, graphic designer & digital content creator – with a thoughtful, yet abstracted twist on creating! For as long as I can remember I have enjoyed making things and this is still true today as I use my creativity to inspire and teach others.
SMBdesign has over 30 years of experience in advertising, graphic/digital design, marketing & printing. We also do blog/vlog project creation, classes & demos, and social-media content creation & management.
Are you involved with any art events or programs in your community?
LULA Lake Worth Arts which is a small local non-profit arts organization which I donate my time and talent, helping with exhibitions, creating projects and instructing children's art & crafts at events. Currently working on upcoming annual Dia De Los Muertos event and holding workshops for children of all ages leading up to the festival celebration in November.
What are your thoughts about Art Supplies and Arts and Craft as one Association?
I think Arts & Crafts go hand in hand and the market is such that the creative world is anyone's oyster. One association means that there are more products under the umbrella and available to more outlets and possibilities. I was lucky to be brought up in a creative environment whose parents and grandparents were artists and makers, so I might be a little biased. I can't imagine living a life without art supplies. I am always making something (or helping someone with a DIY). I don't go anywhere without some sort of markers, adhesive and scissors.
Did you go to Orlando Namta Creativation 2022 - what did you think?
YES! I thought it was fantastic. Thank you for making the Creative Professional members feel welcomed and shining the spotlight on us! I look forward to what Columbus has to offer as our host city in 2023.
Thank you Susan!
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As of October 1, 2022, colart will distribute the edding brand and its portfolio of ‘Creative and Home-solutions’ products throughout North America. This partnership offers retail partners an extended trade portfolio of existing edding products and many new items, bringing the total count to over 500 live SKUs. This long-term partnership aims to increase the sustainable growth of the German brand in this region. It supports its growth strategy to become a leading brand for creative marker users and a one-stop solution for all creative/DIY projects.
Please reach out to your usual colart point of contact with any questions you may have. For more information, visit www.edding.com. MORE INFORMATION HERE
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Faber-Castell® USA has announced the appointment of Scott Flynn (pictured) as Managing Director/CEO, succeeding newly retired Jamie Gallagher. “The opportunity to lead such a talented and focused team within a globally recognized company that is responsible for bringing memorable creative experiences to the hands of millions around the country and the world is incredibly thrilling,” said Flynn.
“This is a very exciting time for Faber-Castell USA,” said Gallagher. “I have known Scott for 35 years and have great respect and admiration for him both personally and professionally. His deep understanding of the arts, crafts & activities space will only serve to enhance the company’s continued growth.”
“Witnessing Jamie’s exemplary leadership and the admiration he’s been shown as a highly esteemed colleague firsthand has only made me that much more motivated to continue the work he began and take Faber-Castell to new heights,” said Flynn.
For more information on Faber-Castell USA, visit www.fabercastell.com.
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JULES OLITSKI : LATE WORKS
Where: The Sam and Adele Golden Gallery, 188 Bell Road, New Berlin, NY
When: October 15, 2022 — March 3, 2023
Reception Open to Public: Saturday, October 15, 2022 between 4 pm and 6 pm.
JULES OLITSKI : LATE WORKS is a celebration of the 100th year anniversary of Olitski’s birth in Snovsk, Ukraine. The paintings included in LATE WORKS were made by Olitski between the years 2000 to 2006 just prior to the artist’s death in early 2007.
Jules Olitski’s reputation as a world-renowned artist stretches back to the late 1950s and by 2007 he had had more than 200 one person shows. Olitski was at the forefront of the development of contemporary painting generating many stylistic innovations over his seven-decade career. READ MORE
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Bob Ross Incorporated is pleased to announce the promotion of two key employees.
Marisa Nicely is now Vice President and Director of Operations and Logistics. Marisa started working at Bob Ross Incorporated in 1994. “I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Bob just a few weeks after I started. He was so very kind, inspiring and just an all-around delightful person! He always stopped and spoke to each one of us,” she remembers.
Nicholas Hankins is Vice President and Director of Creative Development and Teacher Certification. Nic became a Certified Ross Instructor® in 2011, teaching Bob Ross classes in his home state of Tennessee before representing the company at national and international trade shows, conferences and promotional events. “It's a dream come true for me,” says Nic. “I've followed Bob since I was just a little boy and began painting along with him. I was always interested in art, but Bob really lit the fire to keep me going.”
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Check out this article on ThisIsReno.com, about the many roles of Nevada Fine Arts - an art supply store, a gallery, a classroom, a gift shop, a frame store and a printing and photography service center catering to artists.
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MakerFlo Crafts – USA - Supplier of Glitter, Pens and Pencils and more!
2023 Creativation by NAMTA Exhibitor
Lisa Horton Crafts - East Sussex, United Kingdom - Distributor well-known in the craft industry for superior quality laser cutting equipment, products and design.
2023 Creativation by NAMTA Exhibitor
Lisa Horton Crafts is also a Creative Professional Designer Member. (Designer Page)
Samina Foram (Shen Zhen) Co., LTD - China - Manufacturer of art brushes and more.
2023 Creativation by NAMTA Exhibitor
Dare 2B Artzy - USA - Supplying clear stamps, dies, papers and stencils and inks for all your paper crafting and mixed media projects
2023 Creativation by NAMTA Exhibitor
Jaikishandass Mall Jute Products Pvt. Ltd - Koldata, India - Manufacturers of art & craft / diy products made up of natural and bio-degradable products like jute, cotton, raffia, sabai grass.
2023 Creativation by NAMTA Exhibitor
Ecstasy Crafts – Ontario, Canada - Supplier of a wide range of craft supplies from the most popular brands in the industry.
2023 Creativation by NAMTA Exhibitor
Yeu Chyuan Industrial Co., LTD. - Taiwan - Manufacturer of quality art and craft tools and power tools - glue guns, embossing heat guns, woodburning tools/soldering irons, hot fix applicator wands, hot glue pots and projectors.
Buttons Galore LLC- USA - United States - Supplying Buttons, rhinestones, and craft embellishments.
Spot of Color LLC - Abingdon, VA USA - Retailer - Art and craft supplies. Fine art supplies from paints to graphite and all the things in between.
Peninsula Paper Craft Boutique - Somerville, Victorai, Australia - Retailer - Brick & Mortar and Online paper craft shop in Victoria, Australia - cardstock, inks, paints, adhesives, dies, stamps, tools, stickers, embellishments...all things paper craft.
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Dennis Kapp passed away on September 12. Mr. Kapp was the owner and CEO of sister companies, Martin Universal Design and Martin F. Weber Co. He was a pioneer in the art industry, focusing on environmentally-friendly patents, and is a Namta Hall of Fame 2010 recipient. A legend in the art industry, he was still better known for his giant heart and philanthropic endeavors. He was humble and kind, and loved people and animals. He was an inspiration to all those who knew and loved him. He lived his final years with hope, dignity, courage, determination, and faith, always finding joy in each day.
SEE FULL OBITUARY
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Mike Hartnett passed away on September 6th.
Mr. Hartnett was a leader in the craft industry serving as editor of multiple trade magazines and ultimately starting his own publication, Creative Leisure News. In 2020, he was elected to the Association for Creative Industries Hall of Fame.
After retiring in 2013, he engaged his passion for writing and teaching. His book, “And I Cried, Too: Confronting Evil in a Small Town, A memoir,” was published in 2019. He was a volunteer instructor and co-leader of the Douglas County Jail creative writing class.
SEE FULL OBITUARY
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Creativation by NAMTA
City Survey Results
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Thank you to the over 400 members who took the time to share your thoughts with us! Your input will be very valuable to the Namta staff as we work to secure future locations to host Creativation by Namta. We wanted to share some highlights of what we learned from your responses and will be factored in to our decisions moving forward.
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Congratulations to the following members who won the $100 visa gift cards for participating!
• Chelsea Comer of InkyStamper
• Vikki Trammell of Art Supply
• Mandy Collins of Pearl Maple Designs
RESULTS SUMMARY HERE
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Thursday - October 13 - Sign Up
3 pm Eastern Time
Tips and Tricks to Grow Online Sales
Presented by Rich Kizer & Georganne Bender
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Tuesday - October 18 - Sign up
3 pm Eastern Time
Wellness and Creative Products – a Panel Discussion
Facilitator: David Pyle
Panelists: Joe McClain with Help Heal Veterans and Jess Bramson with D.M.C. Group
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Thursday - October 27 -Sign Up
3 pm Eastern Time
Introducing OLO Marker - The Heart of Color
Presented by John Darland and Lori Craig - Global Creative
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Thursday - October 27 - Sign Up
6 pm Eastern Time
HAPPY HOUR & COSTUME CONTEST
Grab you drink of choice, put on your Halloween costume, and join us for some fun!
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Watch the full recording - PLUS more recordings of past sessions and from Art Materials World 2022 seminars in The Studio (Namta Log-In required)
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October is National Arts & Humanities Month (NAHM)—a collective recognition of the importance of culture in America. NAHM was launched by Americans for the Arts more than 30 years ago
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Americans for the Arts Action Fund ArtsVote “Make Your Vote Count” State Voter Factsheets for every state and US territory to provide the latest updates on all the new election rules and deadlines created post-COVID-19.
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CONGRATULATIONS!
Namta Art Advocacy
2022 Grant Recipients
Thank you to our incredible Judges for donating their time!
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Jennie Lobato, Founder/CEO
drawchange - $2,000
Established in 2009, drawchange is dedicated to empowering impoverished children through the use of art therapy-based programming.
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Kelly Dycus, Executive Director
The Sunshine Center - $3,000
Provides refuge for women and children fleeing domestic violence, many of whom are homeless. Their ART (Achieving Recovery Together) Therapy Program will promote physical and mental health, healing, and well-being among those suffering from trauma and/or acute crisis.
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Future Show Location City Survey Summary
Thank you to the over 400 members who took the time to share your thoughts with us! Your input will be very valuable to the Namta staff as we work to secure future locations to host Creativation by Namta. We wanted to share some highlights of what we learned from your responses and will be factored in to our decisions moving forward.
Congratulations to the following members who won the drawing for $100 visa gift cards for participating!
• Chelsea Comer of InkyStamper
• Vikki Trammell of Art Supply
• Mandy Collins of Pearl Maple Designs
Here's what we learned...
- 94% of you think the city where Creativation is held is somewhat or very important.
- 94% of you think the rate at the host hotel is somewhat or very important.
- 70% of you are willing to pay over $200/ night to go to a destination city (i.e. Nashville, New Orleans, Las Vegas).
Of the 70% willing to pay over $200:
- 100% are willing to pay up to $225 a night
- 71% are willing to pay up to $250 a night
- 25% are willing to pay up to $275 a night
- 8% are willing to pay up to $300 a night
City Survey Results
When asked to rank four factors that play into your decision to attend Creativation - City selection and accessibility of the city were two most important factors for most followed by the room rate at the hotel. The least important was the number of arts and craft stores in the surrounding area.
32% said the choice of cities might make them not attend Creativation.
Top cities selected when asked where you would like to have the show held:
• Nashville
• San Diego
• Downtown Chicago
• Denver
• Orlando
• New Orleans
• Seattle
• Phoenix
• Austin
• Atlanta
• Portland
• Dallas
• Charlotte
• Salt Lake City
• Chicago - Rosemont
• Tampa
Additional Top Cities Suggested in the Comments: Las Vegas, Anaheim, Boston, New York City
We would like to address some of the more specific repeat comments and suggestions...
City Recommendations: Charleston, Savannah and many other wonderful cities are frequently submitted for consideration. While we agree, these are attractive destinations, unfortunately the convention centers do not have the capability to host us. We require at least 125,000 sq. feet to host the trade show.
Ease of Travel: We understand the convenience and ease of trade show destinations closest to where you live/work. We make an effort to rotate around different areas of the United States to best serve members of that area. For example, over the span of three years Creativation by Namta may be hosted in the Midwest then the Southeast and then the West coast.
A portion of members submitted the desire to have trade shows in destination cities, convenient to coordinate family/travel plans in conjunction with the show. We try to seek out popular cities while still maintaining a nightly hotel rate at $250 or less.
Additionally, we aim to select cities with a single hotel large enough to host us – though most hotels are not large enough and multiple are required at times.
Finally, our goal is always to select hotels/convention centers that are close in proximity and can be traveled easily between each other by foot. At times, shuttles may be necessary but never at a cost to attendees and exhibitors.
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