Here we are again, looking for inspiration. In the first two installments of this series we met five extraordinary artists, Arlene McLaughlin, Lori Wilson, Cleta Grant, Mats Carlsson and Cat Faust; all were kind enough to share their passion for art and their search for inspiration. Today we will meet a friend of mine, Katie Fitzgerald owner of A Fine Finish from Felton, CA. We first met on the Faux Forum, and then in 2010 finally it was face to face in Portland, OR at IDAL Convention.

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How would you like to increase your IDAL Chapter membership? How would you like to strengthen IDAL’s membership? How would you like for your Chapter to be the star of International Decorative Artisans League 28th Annual Convention and Exposition in Indianapolis, IN?

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Apparently a lot of you were inspired by the first “So where do you find your inspiration?” article! This time, I asked Cat Faust and Mats Carlsson what stimulates their imagination. Two artists with completely different styles, they are miles apart, nevertheless I admire both of these artists for their special talents and their willingness to share with us.

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2012 was a very interesting year, full of lots of hard work and some great rewards. But now it’s time to make resolutions, not the kind that get forgotten and tossed aside in a few weeks, you know what I mean – the ‘to do list’ for the first week of January. I’m talking about the long lasting promises that will help me to be a better person, artist and President of IDAL.

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Who better to turn to than my IDAL friends? The most creative and inspiring group of people to wander the face of the earth. (I’m not too prejudiced here!) Sent out a few quick emails asking (OK begging) for ‘what inspires you’? A couple of hours later here I am writing and am completely awed by what motivates these artists.

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We want to provide you all the opportunities available, from access to world renowned instructors, manufacturers delivering cutting edge products and technologies to articles written by and for you and published every week here in Artisphere Online, to the possibility of participating in a local chapters and don’t forget the most important event of the year – Convention. But it’s not just the Board of Directors that make this happen, it’s YOU, every single member of our organization, IDAL belongs to you.

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I cannot believe that the 27th IDAL Annual Convention and Exposition at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, NV is over. I’m home now and almost into my usual routine, but I am still in a state of excitement over all the wonderful happenings at convention. So many people worked endless hours to bring you this special event: the IDAL Board of Directors, their chairs and committees, the Offinger staff, vendors at Expo, sponsors and instructors. I would like to thank each and every one who pitched in and drew on their special talents!

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Join us in Reno at Convention and be a part of the newest sensation…Speed Painting. This is better than Dancing With the Stars, we have our very own Painting With the Music! What is this you may ask? Start with some lively music add in paint, canvas and brushes, don’t forget the artists (you). What you have is a lot of fun and some wonderful paintings.

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