Suggestions for NCECA 2018

NCECA 2018: Pittsburgh, PA!
 
As I finalize preparations to attend the conference, I wanted to share some of my tips about getting the most out of the conference. This information is especially valuable for those of you attending NCECA for the first time.

• Budget: 
  • Food!
  • You can keep costs down by packing your own lunches, and most hotels have refrigerators and microwave. Remember the benefits veggies, fruit, and nuts as they do not spoil. 
  • Plan to eat some meals out. I’m definitely a foodie in training, and now that I live rurally, I'm all the more motivated to enjoy some ethnic cuisine. Do your research on restaurants in the area and be the decisive person in the group with great restaurant suggestions. P. S. I am looking for restaurant recommendations! 
    • Tools
      At NCECA, there are a lot of vendors making it a great time to test out new tools and save yourself shipping costs.

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 Plan: 

• Need I mention food again...
• Use "The App." It includes a copy of the Program of lectures. You can even save the lectures you want to attend with the app. Also, it's advisable to set an alarm on your phone for a lecture you want to attend. The app also includes a list of all the NCECA sponsored Exhibitions. One of my favorite parts about going to NCECA is seeing all of the new work at exhibitions. Highlight the exhibits that want to see and then group them by geographic location to save yourself time.
  • Remember, uber makes it totally doable to see some the exhibitions that are farther out.​
  • Exercise:
    I never go to NCECA without my sneakers. A morning run is a great way to start the day, get some alone time to soak in the information you are learning, and just reset to enjoy all that the day has to offer. Click here to see some of my pins for exercise in the hotel room.  ​

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• Volunteer:
  • If you plan in advance to volunteer, you can have the conference fee waived. This year I am volunteering for their annual Cup Sale.  P. S. Don’t forget to bring a cup to donate to help fundraise for scholarships. This is a picture of the tumbler I will be donating this year. A big thank you to Richard Wehrs who does so much to make this event happen. 
• Support and Connect: 
  • The clay world really is a small world and this conference is a great opportunity to reconnect with ceramic artists you have met in the past. Connect with friends by sharing meals and  attending lectures and art exhibitions together.
  • If some of your friends have an art reception or lecture, attend them and celebrate accomplishments together.

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My Group Exhibition:
I have been co-organizing the exhibition Ash and Flash with Denise Joyal.  I have to say a huge thank you to Denise who took on the brunt of the work as I have been busy moving and making this transition to Savanna, IL.  Hope to see you at our opening reception Friday, March 16 at the Sweetwater Center for the Arts.

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