In the early days, the NPCG's stated purpose was to bring together artists who shared an interest in this brand new art medium. Great new techniques arrived at a dizzying pace and the excitement was hard to contain. Now, the pioneers in this medium have grown into artists of great stature - their works in shows and museums and in private collections around the world. We are today's pioneers. Our job is to build on the past and push ourselves, our Guild and our techniques to new heights.

The newly elected board's promise to you is simple - strengthen it as an organization and improve its services to its members. In this regard, you will see many exciting things happen in the near future. Many of these were already in the works before I took office. For that, I want to thank the previous Board members.

Former NPCG President, Diane Villano made great strides toward our collective vision of revitalization of the Guild. Our juried, on-line gallery show, Progress & Possibilities is a wonderful testament to Diane's contribution. I hope each and every Guild member will submit artwork for Progress & Possibilities 2007.

In this increasingly on-line world, we are fortunate to have Barbara Forbes-Lyons on board. Barbara has been hard at work on a brand new look for the NPCG website. We are sure that you will like the change in both form and content. In the future, we will be increasing our emphasis on the website as our main communication and member-support system. Tell us how we're doing .

In addition to supporting each other, we need to encourage new artists, connect with artists from other media, and expose young people - our greatest source of creativity - to the joys of expression through polymer clay. We are very fortunate to have Maggie Maggio as NPCG's Vice-President of Education and Outreach. Her new ideas and vast knowledge of polymer clay are certain to raise both the profile and the impact of our Guild.

As our Guild finds its way to a new, fresh look I hope that you will find time for yourself, for your art. I rarely start a day without my caffeine and computer - being inspired by the many websites like Cynthia Tinapple's Polymer Clay Daily . Whatever motivates your art, we want NPCG to help you find it. This Guild should reflect your needs. Help us to do that.

This is truly a time of renaissance for NPCG. With your involvement, with your help, we can build our Guild into the most relevant, exciting and inspirational organization of its kind.

Sincerely,