Yes, it's that time again:
Bleary-eyed members getting up at the crack of dawn to prepare the first workshop classrooms; starting off in Congressional to see what color Sharon has chosen for this year's shirts and aprons; seeing the tower of boxes of plastic to be cut (yes, we remembered scissors this year!); stuffing bags with pre-cut plastic to be used later; wearing masking tape 'bracelets'; greeting teachers from years past; separating buckets (yes, Penny's plastic separator method worked again!); filling and delivering the first of what will seem like hundreds of buckets of water; covering the tables (tape all around vs. just on the ends--try not to get a splinter!); rooms ready and so are the students; a break for breakfast; first classroom turnover (of what will seem like thousands...didn't I just do this table 4 hours ago?); lunch at Bahama Breeze; preparing our "Try It Zone;" greeting friends and eager artists (no, you can't come in yet, the demos don't begin until tomorrow--here's a schedule); another turnover; a bit of time to sit and visit; hospitality rooms now open, time to go get something to drink (what? it's dark outside already?); doing the last turnover so we won't have to get up early tomorrow...time to sleep, then it's back at it again tomorrow.
And, Friday through Sunday, there'll be trade show bargains (where did you get that, and did they have more?), member technique demos, and our "Orange International Mail Art Challenge" display (view cards which have come in so far, then make one yourself, to have your work included in our online event).
We often say that AOC is the most work and the most fun we have as Guild members, and it's true. We work hard and we play even harder. And, it's the most concentrated time we have together all year. Thanks to everyone who will volunteer her time to make our 8th AOC a success.
Below are some "vintage" AOC photos (from 2009, our second year). Enjoy, and see you next week!
