Our very own Frank Stapleton was honored at the NAMTA Show in Denver with the association’s highest award, the Art Material Hall of Fame. He has been President of MacPherson’s since 1978. In his time, he has moved MacPherson’s forward into a nationwide company that is consistently first in offering the best and most innovative products and services to a core of customers who represent the best creative supply retailers in the United States. Frank has shaped MacPherson’s to be a constant and evolving value-added resource for art & craft material retailers. The employee owned company’s mission is for each team member as an owner of MacPherson’s to contribute to it’s customers greater business success. Frank also served two terms (1999 & 2007) as director of NAMTA because he firmly believes that our trade association makes a significant difference for the vitality and health of our industry.
Retailers Jack and Lynn Klein, and Nora Hackenberg, were also honored at this years show with NAMTA’s 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award. In February, the longtime Milwaukee merchants retired and closed their store, Artist and Display. Founded in 1936 by Jack’s grandfather Jacob with his sons and son-in-law Harvey, Oliver Klein and Harry Stender by 1965 the emphasis had shifted to art supplies. Jack Klein owned the family business with his wife Lynn. Nora Hackenberg, Lynn’s sister, was its creative director.
Corrine Blanchard passed away unexpectedly on March 17, 2015 in Windsor, CA. Corrine was employed with Jacquard Products/ Rupert, Gibbon & Spider for 22 years. Read the full obituary here. A Memorial Fund is being raised to assist Corrine’s family during this trying time as well as contributing to her daughters’ college fund. For more details on how to help click here
Tony Sheridan leader of the UK based Craft Retail Group, which is part of Ideal Shopping Direct, a multi-channel retail company, announced recently that Ray Shelgosh has been appointed President of its Michigan based US operation, Create and Craft USA. Previously Ray was VP for sales and new business development at Notions Marketing in Grand Rapids, MI.
Michelle Ruocco has been named General Manager – Aaron Brothers. Most recently, Michelle was VP – GMM of the Seasonal Division. Jim King, the long standing president of Aaron Brothers has left to pursue other opportunities.
Rileystreet Art Supply in San Rafael, CA has been named to the Pacific Sun publication’s 1st year Hall of Fame: Best Art Supplies!
Valri Philpott Sandoe passed away on March 8. Valri was principal owner and officer of her late father’s company, American Art Clay Co(AMACO). Valri passionately supported local artisans and the art community of Indianapolis, and was instrumental in establishing the AMACO Gallery. To read the full obituary click here
POW! WOW! Hawaii 2015 Re-Cap Every February, artists from all over the world travel to the island of Oahu for POW! WOW! Hawaii, an art festival that takes place in the Kaka’ako district of Honolulu. Now in its fifth year, the 2015 edition of POW! WOW! saw 100 street artists, musicians, photographers and media partners from across the globe attend, forming a unique creative community built on the celebration and appreciation of art, music and culture. See it for yourself via this video documenting POW! WOW! Hawaii 2015.