Dear Friends, I would like to publicly acknowledge and thank each and every one of the amazing, hard working folks that made the FPBAC such a huge educational and FUN success. It seems each yea, right before the January Convention, I have some ort of "family health emergency" For several years, it was my mom's health,(thankfully, she is doing well) This year, my sister got in a very serious car accident, a few days before the Convention (broken bones, collapsed lung,required surgery....she is doing better, now) A day later, we got the news that my son's first future home had a plumbing leak and it flooded all night long.(ends up, no major damage done, we think) And for the last straw, several key folks canceled on me just days before, including my opening show and the event photographer (not Rich) So,once again,I headed to the convention on emotional, mental and physical overload.
My wonderful mom, Laurie, my supportive and ever patient husband, Ken, and my sister's energetic fiancee, Ron, were able to assist me this year. They really helped behind the scenes alot.I am very lucky to have such a supportive family. For them,the Convention is a labor of love (me!;o) Gary Cole took over the duties of the vendor room (replacing my sister) He must have done a good job because I heard no complaints ;o) When the Wolfe Brothers Co.ran a 50% off sale, everyone was REALLY excited and happy and the vendor room was buzzing! Thank you to all of the vendors for their support and cooperation: Amerikan Body Art,Betallix Balloons,Cornerstone Productions,Creative Arts Store,Diamond FX,Glimmer Body Art, Profacepaint, Snazaroo,Trendy Tribals, Wolfe Brothers Face Art & FX. A special thanks to 6th Star, Speciality Insurance and all the vendors that donated to the raffle or door prizes and helped to create additional excitement. My administrative assistants, Cheri Tjarks and Karen Owens were their usual friendly,consistent,and capable FPBAC representatives. My other hard working and reliable volunteers were: Reba Anderson,Alice Bosveld,Vanessa Collins,Sally Edelman,Dana Endresen,Jackie Manna,Mary Mathews,Selena Miller, Virginia Moore,Bonnie Moran, Caitlyn Owens, Donna Peeler, and Peggy Redding. (I hope I have not left anyone out) I am truly grateful for your assistance. Selfless and tireless,Dawn Dewitt, went above and beyond the call of "volunteer" duties, helping with every thing she possibly could and then some. She worked very diligently,alongside Paul Belanger to assist in the production of the Face,Body and Balloon Art Fashion Show. Shona Flannigan and Paul were key in heading up the balloon side of the Convention. Speaking of balloons, a special thanks to Joettee Giardina, our balloon decor producer, Carmen Ballering, Melissa Gjergji and Shonna, our award winning balloon dress makers and Jan Iiams from Betallic as the "official" sponsor of the decor and the balloon products used throughout the show. Dustin Queary, Mark Byrne, and Bill Lyons rounded out or balloon staff. Local balloonists Pat Brown and Billy Damon also jumped in to help build balloon costumes (and walk stilts) for the luncheon show. Many of our instructors added to the show with their face and body art creations as well. They all had that "WOW Factor"! It was inspirational to see so many of the tops in the these fields collaborating on the paint and costumes of the luncheon show.I think BOTh sides have a new found respect for one another. Nick Hererra, his girlfriend Britt, Stephany McGathy and Loretta Kava did an excellent job keeping the airbrush room educational and under control. Arla Albers, as competition director was "on the go" much of the convention, executing her responsibilities and producing a "fair competition". We ended up with some amazing entries and talented winners (I will announce these in a separate e-mail) We had over 30 gifted, sharing and qualified instructors. I would love to list them all here, but will ask you refer you to the web site for sake of space constraints.( www.fpbaconvention.com) It was such a pleasure to work with each of you! You gave me such peace of mind each day knowing that you were where you were you supposed to be, doing what you were supposed to do. You made ME look good! Thank you to our entertainers for adding some extra fun, Vanessa Collins for leading us in a fun and non-threatening, belly dance class,James Raymond (Singer and DJ), Wally and Betty Atchison (Strawman stilts and Dorothy) and even Nick Wolfe (Monkey and a witch, friend) I also think the hotel and it's staff did an amazing job as well and offered excellent service throughout. As many of you know, after creating and producing 8 face and body art conventions,( in Florida and California) this is my last major Convention. To run a convention of this caliber, is very labor intensive,as you can see, by reading all the names highlighted. It takes alot of manpower (or in this case, mostly female power;o) I plan to maximize my time in 2009, working on the FPBA Magazine and creating new and different educational opportunities for the FPBA community. My very sincere thanks to all of you that participated in the FPBA Conventions with me since 2002, through your volunteer assistance or attendance in general. To keep the FPBA Magazine growing and going forward, I am still in need of your support, through your subscriptions, ads and submissions. Together we can continue to "Elevate Face Painting and Body Art though Education". (www.fpbamagazine.com) Stay tuned for many of the amazing pictures from the FPBAC in the Janaury issue. The next Convention coming up is in CT, produced by Kim Hatch. Hope you are able to attend and support the arts and it's creators! Colorfully Yours! Cynthia Keeler Publisher and Editor/ Face Painting and Body Art Magazine Subscriptions and ad info: www.fpbamagazine.com [email protected] or call 407-628-9998 www.fpbaa.com --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Face Painting and Body Art Association." 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