by Deb Shaw
The Greenhouse Complex at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Photography © Scott Dressel-Martin
If you haven’t registered for the 2014 ASBA Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado yet, there’s still time. The last day of registration is September 12, 2014. After the 12th, registration will be closed, and no registrations will be accepted.
The Rocky Mountain Society of Botanical Artists is hosting the ASBA’s 20th Annual Meeting and Conference this year. The Conference will be held at the Westin Denver Downtown. Book your room directly with the Westin (information is on the “Lodging” page). If you would like a roommate, email Marilyn Garber.
The Westin is located one block from the famous 16th Street Mall, and within walking distance of the Denver Art Museum, the American Museum of Western Art – The Anschutz Collection, the Clyfford Still Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, the Molly Brown House Museum, Denver Public Library’s Western History and Genealogy Department, the historic Brown Palace Hotel and shopping destination Larimer Square.
In addition to the three-day core conference, there are pre- and post-conference workshops. Conference activities will be held at the Westin Hotel and the Denver Botanic Garden.
The ASBA Silent Auction If you would like to support the ASBA’s “Artist & Education Grants,” publication of The Botanical Artist journal, and ASBA exhibitions, consider donating to the Silent Auction/Market Place to be held the last night of the conference. Money raised during the Silent Auction directly supports these efforts.
The volunteers for the Silent Auction are always on the lookout for unique items with some sort of botanical theme. You can find donation ideas listed in the Request for Donations in the June issue of The Botanical Artist journal. Bidding starts at 50 percent of the value of the item in the Silent Auction. This year the ASBA is adding a Market Place component for less expensive items. No bidding is required in the Market Place. You want it? Just simply purchase it.
Donation information is required by September 27. Shipped items must be received by October 13. If you’re going to the conference, you may bring your Silent Auction/Market Place items with you.
Donation information may be submitted on the ASBA Web Site Annual Meeting – Denver 2014, or emailed to Lynne Railsback.
If you’re going to Denver… Please let other BAGSC members know so we can try to coordinate transportation, shuttles, and other activities. Email Deb Shaw, and let her know when you’ll be arriving and leaving.
Need supplies? If you need to buy supplies before you go, consider going to the ASBA’s “Shop > Sponsors” page first, and clicking on the link to Dick Blick from there. The ASBA will receive a portion of your purchase price.
Some more important information Denver’s altitude is 5,280 feet, one mile above sea level. While in Denver, drinking plenty of water is the number one way to adjust to the higher altitude. October temperatures average 37 to 65 degrees F.
If you’re planning to leave the conference on Sunday, October 19, please note that there will be a marathon run in the morning and it may be more difficult to get from the hotel to the airport. Various streets will be closed for the run, and you may need to allow extra time.
See information about the conference, instructors, pre- and post-conference workshops, lodging and more on the ASBA website!