[SharonP]

*** FLACK! ***

ISGB is the organization that made Glass Beadmaking in the US a recognizable artform, worthy of collecting, galleries and museums, and they continue to vigorously promote our work as an artform.

They put on a conference that's an amazing learning and networking experience with the best bead bazaar in the world and a technical vendor area that's exceptional.

They provide opportunities for members to participate in juried and non-juried exhibitions which travel to galleries and museums nationally and internationally, they produce books of these exhibitions, and arrange to highlight the work in Lammaga, the journal of the Japan Lampwork Society. They love us in Japan!

The ISGB produces a good quarterly magazine with profiles, demos, safety and teaching info, etc. If the ISGB didn't exist we wouldn't have nearly as many classes, techniques, collectors, creators of tools and equipment, networks of artists who TALK to each other and share.

All of this is ISGB fallout, and whether you agree with it or not, the truth is that all of us would not be where we are today without them. This isn't a 'what have they done for me lately' thing - this is a 'look what they've already done for me, and will continue to do into the future'.

So join already!
It's a good organization and it would be great if you all joined. The Gatherings are simply amazing!