About
Committee
Meet the Conference Committee
This conference happens every year because a bunch of people work hard to make it happen. Please meet a few of the people on the planning committee. Many more folks are diligently working behind the scenes to make this event an unforgettable experience! Learn how you can volunteer, too.
Susan Shirley, Phase One Conference Coordinator
As a newcomer to GNSI, I have been thrilled by the generosity and the good spirit of its members. I immediately felt at home, as soon as I reached out for the first time. Since I am not a professional artist (although I am a passionate artist), I felt I would never be able to contribute nearly as much as I would receive from this organization. The opportunity to be the Conference Coordinator will allow me to give back in a currency that I own—my organizational skills—in order to assist the GNSI to meet one of its major goals for 2010.
Patricia Savage, Phase Two Conference Coordinator &
Housing and Registration Coordinator
From the time I was little I strived very hard to accurately draw and paint plants and animals in their natural environment. In 1987 I taught myself dry-brush watercolor, although it was several years later before I discovered “my” technique had a name! As age crept up, however, and images that I desired to portray multiplied, I realized that I needed to find a faster technique and to loosen up my technique. For the last 10 years, I have painted primarily in chalk pastels. So, while I am more of a fine artist now, and not so much a scientific illustrator anymore, this group has meant a great deal to me over the years, and serving as chair let’s me give back to people who have given so much to me.
Virge Kask, Past Conference Coordinator
I’ve been a GNSI member since 1978 and the Guild Bookkeeper since 1991 (I’m really only 29 years old!). In 1991 I Co-Chaired the conference at Duke and since then I’ve been involved in every single aspect of planning a conference. The Guild has given me so much and I am happy to do what I can in return. I have been a natural science illustrator for over 25 years and currently am the staff Scientific Illustrator at the University of Connecticut.
Jennifer Armstrong, GNSI-Carolinas Chapter President
I've been a member of GNSI since 1994 and an officer on the GNSI-Carolinas board for several years. I am a career graphic designer and illustrator. I love working with our group of very talented and enthusiastic members, and will serve as liaison to our group. This is a huge undertaking but I feel we can rise to the challenge of hosting a fun, informative, and successful conference.
Sharon Barnes, Financial Coordinator
I had always dreamed of painting and dabbled in drawing but it wasn’t until I could take early retirement in 2004 that I could begin to work toward making my dream a reality. I have found a passion in observing nature and putting my observations onto canvas and paper. There are definite advantages to getting older: being able to retire and the time to follow a dream. I am the new treasurer of our chapter and feel it would be a complement to that position to serve as treasurer for the 2010 conference.
Ikumi Kayama, Digital Workshop Coordinator
I have been working with digital media for the majority of my illustration career. Although the computer is only a tool, it is a powerful one with many possibilities. I am excited to offer and coordinate a diverse range of workshops and presentations that introduce new softwares, new tricks to a familiar program, and much more.
Emily Coren, Traditional Workshop Coordinator
Hello! I think I would be a good committee chair for the traditional arts program because I love organizing events and I love the tactile beauty of creating art with traditional mediums. I have been an active member in both the GNSI DC chapter and the GNSI Northern CA chapters, and look forward to meeting new artists at every opportunity.
Claire Miller, Field Trip Coordinator
I have lived in Raleigh for almost 30 years and know the area well. I was involved with arranging field trip programs as well as monthly programs for the Wake Co. Master Gardeners for 3 years and in doing so, made many contacts such as the NC Museum of Natural Science, JC Raulston Arboretum, etc.
Dale Morgan, Field Trip Co-Coordinator
I attended my first GNSI Carolinas meeting in 2000. Immediately I felt that I had found “my people.” The sense of belonging came from knowing that others shared my interest in collecting rocks, leaves, feathers etc. and also in recording those treasures in fine detail with a pen, pencil, or paintbrush. In the past nine years I have enjoyed serving many roles in this chapter including Programs Chair, Exhibits Chair and Vice President. This group is all about teamwork and we share a special respect for one another that is truly unique.
Katura Reynolds, Exhibit Coordinator
I fell in love with the field of science illustration as an undergraduate at the University of California at Santa Cruz back in the '90s, and have been freelancing and museum-hopping ever since. I’ve found that the best way to make sure I attend GNSI conferences is to volunteer to help—then there’s no excuse to miss these fantastic gatherings! I’m very proud to be able to help with the long-distance prep for the members’ art exhibit in Raleigh.
Julie Kulak, Newsletter Liason
Been there, done that! I’ve been a GNSI member since 1991 and have hosted many Summer Workshops and one and one-half conferences. I’ve served on the Education Committee and have been an advisor for many other things. The Guild is composed of 1,400 of my favorite friends, and I am always happy to help out.
Ben Smith, Merchandise Coordinator
I’ve been a member of GNSI for a few years, discovering the organization after graduating with a degree in Scientific Illustration. I’ve been a freelancer, too, so if I can manage my own affairs somewhat well, then I might just be able to pull off helping with a conference. I’ve always thought I had good ideas for merchandise that people would want, and as soon as someone mentioned the merchandising coordinator position the ideas started flowing. I’m ready to make 2010 a good year.
Miriam Sagasti, Packet Coordinator
I have been painting all my life but I discovered the joy of scientific and botanical illustration when I took a class at the Smithsonian and then completed the Certificate in Botanical Illustration at the Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill, graduating with the first class. I was a member and gallery coordinator of the Enamelist Gallery in Alexandria , VA for several years and also an exhibitions coordinator for the GNSI Carolinas. I love to work with this wonderful group of people and I am looking forward to the conference.
Pat Allen, Logo Designer
My educational background is in landscape design. I love working with plants, be it designing, drawing, painting or gardening. I was honored to design the Raleigh 2010 logo.
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