In the December edition of the Polymergence, I was pleased to announce the following election results for the 2011-13 term:

I couldn't be more pleased with the experience, energy, and commitment that Beth, Alison, Judy, and Kathi bringto the IPCA. This promises to be an exciting time, as we continue in our mission to educate the public about the art of polymer clay and
to further expand our organization to embrace the world community of clayers--hobbyists and professionals alike.

In the last Polymergence,we asked for volunteers to fill the offices of Recording Secretary and International Liaison. As usual, our membership came through!

The IPCA bylaws, revised and adopted December 15, 2009, provide that "Vacancies in an office, excepting that of the presidency, shall be

Natalia García de Leániz  International Liaison

Charlene "Cat" Therien, Recording Secretary

Under these provisions, the IPCA board unanimously elected Natalia García de Leániz as International Liaison and Charlene "Cat" Therien as Recording Secretary.

Natalia explains, "I have experience working for a guild, since I was one of the founders of the Spanish Polymer Clay Guild and have been its President and responsible for education for the last 4 years. During this time more than 10 International artists have visited and taught in Spain, and this year I  organized and coordinated the EuroClay Carnival, with more than 100 attendees. I loooove polymer clay and dealing with people, and I am very much in contact with the International polymer clay community, so I would be so happy to contribute to the work of the IPCA."

Cat Therien describes her experience by saying: "My involvement with polymer clay has been a journey since 2001, with many a twist and turn to the story.  It has taken me through places of healing that I might never have experienced, had it not been for this medium, and I am passionate about sharing it with others as a result.  Currently I have three branches to my company:  I create memorial keepsakes with polymer clay, honoring the memory of loved ones through the use of polymer clay and dried flowers;  I create tiny canes that are used for fingernail art by manicurists;  And I write how-to articles on making canes or using them in a variety of ways.  I work with polymer clay on a daily basis, and always look forward to it.

About 15 years ago, I was the Recording Secretary's for Powertalk International Club (formerly known as ITC - International Training in Communication), attending weekly meetings and presenting the minutes from the previous meeting.  That experience gives me some background to call upon in my position on the IPCA board.  I've been a member of the IPCA for many years, and I was the founding president of the CIPCG (Central Illinois Polymer Clay Guild), serving from 2003 to 2008.  It is important to me to contribute to the guild as a whole, taking my turn to support its leadership and to further its goals to the best of my ability."

Please join me in welcoming all our new officers:

Suzanne Ivester
Immediate Past President