The Graphic Artists Guild held its 2001 National Convention from November 7 - 10 hosted by the Chicago chapter. There, national board members, chapter presidents and committee chairs, and staff made a number of major decisions and absorbed some critical information. Many motions were discussed and actions taken to ensure that the 2001 Convention would lead to positive growth in 2002.

The convention kicked into high gear on Wednesday with opening remarks by retiring president Jonathan Combs. "Of course, the Guild has done so much this year," he concluded, "especially when you consider the circumstances, but it is for the things we haven’t done that I am both extremely proud and supremely grateful."

In Thursday’s Planning Workshop, Guild leaders went into action as they identified some specific, valuable goals for 2002. The discussion was organized according to the SMART system—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time/Dated goals—and facilitated by President-elect, Lloyd Dangle. "It's a great process for not only identifying what we need to do, but also breaking big ideas down into small steps and putting them on a calendar," said Dangle. "That way, we have the clarity as well as the passion to move forward."

Rose Lowry and Ruben Esparza
working on the SMART system as Jim Ulrich looks on.

Some major accomplishments came out of the workshop. Teams were formed and goals were set in topic areas such as advocacy, communications, membership and finance. Using the SMART process, each area examined its issues with a magnifying glass and came up with plans for improvement in 2002. The production of a new recruiting brochure, new ways to enhance and retain membership, implementation of the Guild’s brand, and making money through sponsored advertisements were ideas that came out of the detailed discussions. Executive Director, Steve Schubert observed, "The process was very organized and clean in terms of what was needed for next year. We have quite a bit of work ahead of us, and that is really a good thing."

Friday began with additional planning and implementation of priorities. After lunch motions were introduced, amidst great discussion. Some were approved, others were not All in all, everyone was energized by the organization’s decision-making progress.

On Saturday, the convention was open to the general membership, and seminars were conducted to further Guild members’ expertise and professional know-how. Workshops included such topics as "The Warrior Queen’s Guide to Contracts," "How to Streamline and Market Your Business," "Protecting Your Work On-Line," "Financial Planning and New Health Benefits," "How to Price, Estimate, and Budget Your Work," "How to Get Involved in the Children’s Book Business," and "The Future of Graphic Design."

Special thanks go to those who conducted the workshops:
• Lauri Baram, Chair, Membership Committee
• Katie Berens, Soloman Smith Barney
• Al and Carol Brookes, Small Business Specialists
• Hal Espo, Content Directions, Inc.
• Michael Hays, Chicago Chapter
• Claudia Karabaic Sargeant, Secretary, New York Chapter
• Hae Youn Kim, Tobi Designs
• Susan Mathews, President, Albany Chapter
• Rebecca Migdal, New York Chapter
• Harvey Mitgang and John zuback, Nationwide Insurance Company
• Mark Monlux, Executive Committee Member, SPGA/Seattle Chapter
• Jennifer Wilkerson, Aurora Designs



Annual Guild Awards
The weekend ended with the annual Graphic Artists Guild Awards Dinner, sponsored in part by American Showcase. The fun-filled evening was definitely needed after so many days of intense work. Master of Ceremonies and Chicago Chapter President Judy MacDonald led the event flawlessly. The special guest speaker, Patrica Flech, Esq., a Chicago attorney specializing in artists rights, gave an amazing off-the-cuff presentation that inspired everyone in the room with motivation and pride.

As usual, annual awards were given to those members who have worked hard in their chapters and won recognition for their dedication and service throughout the year:

• Mark Badger, Northern California
"Mark has always provided us with that idealistic spirit that guides us through the sometimes murky waters of growing a chapter. You’ve been there since the beginning, Mark, and we appreciate and honor your vision, guidance, and assistance."

• Jeanne A. Benas, Albany
Founding member of the chapter, past secretary and treasurer, unofficial chapter photographer and historian, "Jeanne is currently chapter public relations chair, and her reliable placement of press releases and effectiveness with the media have directly influenced our growth and heightened activity as a chapter…. [We are]…impressed with not only her talent, but also her friendly attitude, humor, and gentleness."

• Matt Cloner, SPGA/Seattle
"Matt [took] over responsibility for our chapter’s web site…[and] made many updates of both information and coding,…making [the site] much more useful to both members and visitors.… Matt offered to build the new ArtJam web site—a big step up for our chapter’s promotion of the event…[and he] produced an incredible, comprehensive site with some pretty tricky coding, online registration, and a lot of links,…[which] may be easily updated. Our chapter is tremendously grateful to Matt for the incredible effort he continues to make behind the screens."

• Audrey Davenport, Atlanta
"…During her membership she has served as president, vice president, secretary, chapter representative and is currently our treasurer.… [Audrey] truly understands the Guild’s mission and carries it out every opportunity she can. She deserves this award not only for her very active and productive volunteer efforts, but also for her continued commitment to the Guild in the future."

• Pete Friedrich, Northern California
"Pete Friedrich has served as the vice president of membership for so long [and] has done this job so exceptionally well. Tirelessly he has kept track of new members and made them feel welcome…[and he] has always been independent and proactive, always knowing where and when he has been needed. Thanks, Pete, [we don’t know] what we will do without you."

• Mike Friedrich, Northern California
"Since the early days of our confrontations with the California Board of Equalization over the issue of sales tax, Mike [was] at the forefront of this long and difficult struggle…. He has also proven to be a strong link in our chapter to the UAW and other union movements. Thank you, Mike, for your dedication and vision."

• Sebastian Guilmard, DC/Baltimore
"As vice president, he is stalwart in showing up, in doing what needs to be done, and in working and planning to achieve the best for our chapter. He has been a faithful participant in chapter tasks, despite personal/business difficulties he has faced this year."

• Michael Hays, Chicago
"In a nutshell, he spent his summer getting our directory, our newsletter, and our portfolio show all organized."

• Sherri Johnson, Philadelphia
As secretary/treasurer of the chapter, "…Sherri is doing far more than her fair share, and we feel we ought to go on record as recognizing this and to inform other Guild members of Sherri's extraordinary level of service."

• Hae Yuon Kim, Northern California
"Currently Hae is serving the chapter as a most efficient and effective treasurer [and before that] as chapter president…. [As president] Hae led the Guild into many exciting ventures, [including] …the development of Peepshow, the illustrator’s marketplace which brought previously unseen exposure to the Guild in the Bay Area. Hae, we can’t thank you enough."

• B. Alan Mace, Chicago
"For starting a comic creatives alliance in Chicago, getting us in at the Wizard World Convention for free! and schmoozing all those artists. For all the web work, including getting a web crew together."

• Sally Pogwizd, Chicago
"For her years of behind-the-scenes service doing the drudge work, maintaining the database and the directory."

• John Schmelzer, Chicago
"For always being willing to help, planning events, inviting speakers, writing copy, designing and sending out mailers again and again. For getting the best and most experience illustrators in the area to get out of their studios and give the benefit of their knowledge to the rest of us."

• Susan Sharman, Northern California
"Susan has, over the last five years, been the great unsung hero of our chapter," serving on the Luncheon Committee, and first as secretary and then vice president of the chapter. "Her unswerving, quiet dedication serves as a model for us all."

• Janet Strong, SPGA/Seattle
As vice president "she has lined up impressive speakers for our monthly luncheon events which have drawn both more members and nonmembers than [in past] years. Membership has undoubtedly increased largely due to the caliber and topics of these speakers.… Janet never fails to impress us by pulling one rabbit out of her hat after another."

• Susan Trimpe, SPGA/Seattle
ArtJam 5 sponsorship co-chairperson, Susan, "an artists rep,… offered to manage the sponsors for AJ5 along with Dick Busher…. A consummate professional, Susan is organized, dynamic, a champion schmoozer, full of great ideas, and always dependable. She…deserves a great deal of credit for making ArtJam 5 successful, a classy event, and profitable. We couldn’t have done it without her."

• Mike Walker, DC/Baltimore
"Mike is a volunteer you can count on when something needs to be done. He is prompt and thorough in his efforts in volunteering as rep, e-groups moderator, program planner, and all-around great guy. He is always helpful with his great suggestions, his handy laptop, and his cheerful attitude."

• Michael Wertz, Northern California
"Serving as national representative, acting co-chair of the communications committee, contract guru, and all-around good guy, Michael has set the standard for volunteerism in our chapter. His dedication and selflessness is an inspiration to us all."

The awards ceremony ended with the presentation of the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award. The honor was given to Jay Montgomery, president of the Atlanta Chapter. A member of the Guild for five years, Jay has been active since his first meeting. Throughout 2001, Jay helped the chapter grow and flourish thanks to his great leadership, hard work, and, most of all, dedication. Congratulations, Jay, and thank you for your exemplary service.

The evening ended with some good old Chicago blues by Bobby Slim James. The members danced and mingled the night away. Overall, the convention was an amazing hit. Thanks especially to the Chicago chapter for their assistance and support. Special thanks go to Jeanine Bongers, director of member services, for all her efforts in creating a very successful event.