In order to plan for 2016, which promises creative energy, we need to take stock of what we’ve accomplished this past year. The piece I've chosen, by Mary Edna Fraser entitled “Moonglade”, felt perfect for this contemplative message.

Our Silk Painters International membership, chaired by Gloria Lanza-Bajo, is holding steady at 420. You can add SPIN members to your travel plans by going onto our website and checking out our Global Village members map. This kind of networking not only connects us, it enriches our lives as well. Our Facebook page, chaired by Jean-Louis
Mireault, now boasts over 3300 members! You can always keep up with fellow silk painters on our page, The SPIN (Silk Painters International). Our International cochairs,Ursula Wamister and Rashmi Agarwal are recruiting members in Europe and Qatar.

We are all looking forward to the 2016 festival.The codirectors, Joyce Estes and Gloria Lanza-Bajo, have been working to anticipate what we’ll need for next year. We have 23 instructors committed. Festival meetings have begun, bringing their team of volunteers together. Their goal is to make your 2016 festival experience the best ever. Check our website frequently for updates.

Suzanne Visor is stepping down from the Board of Directors in order to carve out more time for her art. I would like to take this moment to thank Suzanne for her unselfish service to Silk Painters International. We have all benefitted from her integrity and calm voice that she has so readily given to SPIN. We will have two new SPIN members joining our Board.

Tunizia Abdur-Raheem will be continuing as editor of our beautiful Silkworm magazine. Please contact Tunizia if you are interested in contributing directly to the Silkworm.

Our website, chaired by Nadja Lancelot and her committee, is almost ready to launch our forum within our members only section. We also have an online art exhibit in the wings as well. Our website continues to improve because of our members, so please contribute with your gallery pictures and suggestions.

The store and the Silk Mall, are coming along thanks to Diane Lawrence’s diligence. We may soon have a vendor’s page where discounts may be available for our members.

Thanks to Kathy Goodson’s leadership,we are looking forward to welcoming new Distinguished Silk Artists members in 2016. She has recruited mentors for applicants wishing for guidance.

Thanks to Suz Knight, our Chapter Chair, most of our chapters are continuing to meet, share recent work, host workshops. In addition, they sponsor retreats, fashion shows, art exhibits and holiday sales. Any traveling SPIN member can use our chapter map to find a nearby meeting that matches their schedule and attend a local meeting.

The accomplishments of this past year reflects our dedication and passion toward making Silk Painters International the best for all our members.