Super Education Convention: A Painter’s Perspective

Women and men from around the world joined Donna Dewberry this year in Orlando for the Super Education Convention.  And, if the over 500 of them are anything like me, they had the time of their lives!  There really is nothing like the feeling of sitting in a huge ballroom with three wide screens projecting Donna’s image as she paints, and talks, and laughs her way through the morning.  Old friends to catch up with and new friends to meet and paint with, it’s just a One Stroke love-fest for all the attendees. 

Of course, the most important part of being there is to meet other teachers and share ideas and techniques.  Donna and Marc are instrumental in giving their instructors all the tools they need to bring One Stroke to the thousands of students they share their talents with in their every day lives.  The emphasis this year: Dream It, Believe It, Do It. 

Every day begins with a Painting Session with Donna.  This year, the painting sessions focused on the new FolkArt HD paint.  We painted two canvases: a field of poppies and beautiful tulips with a sponged background.  Many were eager to try out the new FolkArt HD and very happy with the results.  We also painted fabric bags with Metallic Gold scrollwork using FolkArt Fabric. 
Several educational sessions cover topics such as demonstration techniques, how to get started in craft shows and tips for your painting business.  There were a variety of classes that range from cookie painting with Kim Barone to Wispy Roses with Angela Anderson.  There are the always fun “What’s New at Plaid” classes and Laurie Speltz's “Create with Paint and Basecoat Stencils.”  My favorite was the “Sunset on the Lake” Landscape Class with Marilyn Stover. 

There were a variety of exciting events throughout the convention. Tuesday night was an incredible night of wonderful 20’s flapper costumes, feather boas, dancing, and hand painted headbands.  There was a costume contest at the end of the evening. Wednesday night's event was the annual Fashion Show where all contestants strutted their stuff and their wonderfully painted outfits--One Stroke, of course--to the applause of all the dinner guests. Thursday night was the Live Auction with a real cattle auctioneer and Silent Auction.  Both auctions are held as charity events for the Maria Dewberry Children’s Foundation to help underprivileged children. The foundation is named for Donna and Marc's late daughter Maria who gave many hours and much love working with young ones. The convention concluded Friday night with a gala Awards Ceremony.  

And so it’s all over for now, but we’ll carry these memories with us for awhile to keep for our very own.  As an OSCI, it was very exciting for me to be there.  As a Plaid designer, it was a time to take notice what these ladies were doing at home, for pleasure, for themselves, so I can design my samples to fit what others are interested in.  I am always so grateful to be able to attend Donna’s convention every year; this year was no different.  I am already looking forward to next year, so I can say hi to all my old friends, and say hello to some new ones. And paint!

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