A Thrilling Return
At a recent portrait unveiling I attended in New York City, Robert Battle, artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, shared his admiration for legendary dancer Judith Jamison by concluding, “Because you are, I am,” echoing the ancient African philosophy of Ubuntu. Having been a part of the Portrait Society of America for more than 20 years, I can easily say the same about this amazing organization: “Because you are, I am!”
Being a part of the annual conferences and the Society has changed my life. Without these experiences, I would not enjoy the career I do today. The generous and talented artists who are a part of the faculty each year are tremendous forces of creative energy, and their willingness to share what they have learned from years of working in their studios is so encouraging and Celebrating was on everyone’s mind at the banquet awards gala on Saturday evening. From left to right, top row: Mattie Ree Neal, Adele Flamand-browne, Louis Carr, Kristen Yann, bottom row: Emily Olson, Anna Rose Bain, Sowmya Gade, Stephanie Paige Thomson.
Dawn Whitelaw, along with many other artists, provided valuable portfolio critiques to conference attendees throughout the weekend. After the event was over, an attendee shared her thoughts concerning critiques: “The portfolio reviews are one of the most valuable parts of the event for me. The information I have received has always been so educational, personalized and graciously given. I am too shy to just walk up to some artist and start picking their brain, but with this format I can ask them what I really want to know. That spirit of generosity that surrounds this whole event is especially concentrated in that room. I wonder if everyone else realizes that this wonderful fountain of information tailored just for them is available?” - Coleen Barnhart
transformative to us all. One participant came up to me in tears following a live demonstration. She’d had a light bulb moment during the session. “I understand so much more now. I understand! I understand!” she said with a combination of relief and excitement. That moment alone made the conference and the hard work behind the scenes worth all the effort for me!
Each year artists from all over the world have gathered with a single mission in mind—to learn and grow. Through live demonstrations, lectures, portfolio critiques, engaging experts from our many vendors of artists materials, the exquisite paintings donated to the 6x9 sale, and viewing the finalists from the International Portrait Competition on exhibition, the weekend is full to overflowing with information and inspiration. Of course, that’s not all! The connections made are often life changing. Meeting fellow artists, gallery owners and agents, relationships are formed and strengthened, often resulting in friendships and collaborations that last for years into the future.
After having to change the annual conference to virtual due to Covid-19 the last two years, it was thrilling to return to an in-person event. The mood was enthusiastic, and there was a palpable feeling in the air of optimism about the future. Of particular note was the large number of young people who filled the classes and lectures each day. It’s so wonderful to see yet another generation of artists driven to create art of and about people.
We have already begun planning our 25th Portrait Society conference to be held in Washington, D.C.! Please join us in 2023 for our most exciting conference yet!