The glorious old buildings of West Dean made an inspiring venue for a packed weekend of workshops and seminars for the Guild's second conference. Nearly 50 delegates came from all over the country and we have had some wonderful feedback from members. It was marvellous to meet fellow enthusiasts and exchange ideas, techniques, problems - and enthusiasm!

I would like to thank Aida Chemical Industries Co. Ltd., for all their support. Firstly, they funded the attendance of Mr Hidekazu Yoshihara, an excellent Japanese artist and teacher who delighted all who took his classes. They also donated all the Art Clay products for the workshops which made the cost of the conference considerably less for everyone. And they gave us three fabulous raffle prizes of Art Clay products - including 10gms of Art Clay gold as part of the 1st prize!

I would also like to thank all the teachers who gave their time and expertise to make the conference such a success; Anwa Essien; for all her hard work with the raffle; Petra Wennberg for organising the vendors market; The Polymer Clay Pit, SilverClay and Helen O'Neill of the PMC Studio for donating raffle prizes; Glyn Mitchell of QuickSilver for his support; all the exhibitors who provided a fabulous display for us to enjoy; and the vendors for coming with their wonderful wares. Goody bags were sponsored by the ACWUK Guild, Rashbels, SilverClay, the Polymer Clay Pit and Craftsman magazine.

And thanks to all of you who came and helped us make the conference such a success!

Please see the links below for all the information about the conference.

Sue Heaser

Director, Art Clay World UK