Surface Design Association History 4/06

As a result of the first very successful, ground-breaking surface design conference in 1976 at the University of Kansas Lawrence, a group of enthusiastic fiber artists, including Pat Campbell and Elsa Sreenivasam, met to form an association. They were committed to educate, inspire, and provide opportunities in the field of surface design. To carry out these goals, in 1977 the non-profit Surface Design Association was formed and incorporated in Minnesota as a 501 © (3). Currently the organization has 4,000 members; of these 600 are international members.

Providing a forum for exchange of information and ideas, the organization first published a quarterly Surface Design Journal, now in its 29 th year, and later adding a quarterly SDA Newsletter, in its 17 th year. The Journal has grown from a black and white, newspaper/newsletter format to a 76-page, full color, perfect bound magazine. First available to members only, it is now available on newsstands. It is considered a member benefit and only members subscribe to the Journal and Newsletter .

Held every 2-3 years, SDA conferences call attention to advances in technology and new approaches in all areas of textiles through keynote speeches, demonstrations, and panels. Connected with the conferences are workshops for the latest technical approaches and gallery and museum exhibitions offering exposure to innovative artists' work and member competitions. Past conference have been held at Fashion Institute of Technology, New York; Arrowmont, Gatlinburg, Tennessee; University of Washington, Seattle; and Kansas City Art Institute, Missouri.

In 1999 the organization launched www.surfacedesign.org . Originally designed to attract new members, the website was expanded in 2004 to serve as a central resource for the surface design community. New features were added — the calendar lists latest exhibitions and workshops; resource pages serve as a directory for textiles suppliers and educational programs; the bulletin board announces opportunities and posts networking messages; and the website gallery and links pages display innovative work in the field.

In 2004 SDA established a Development Grant. Applications are accepted twice a year for funding up to $2,000 to assist with research or creative fiber projects. Beginning in 2002, the SDA Award of Excellence is available for an exhibition judge or curator to honor an exceptional work in surface design. The SDA Outstanding Student Award, established in 2004, is given by instructors to honor special students. In 2006 the Creative Promise Award for $2,000 is given to a student.