Irving V. “Top” Augur passed away on February 3rd at the age of 87 in Palm Desert, CA. Top was a visionary in the art & craft industry. He was the leader and guiding spirit of Southern California’s Leisure Crafts which began its life under the company name MacPherson’s Stationers. He founded VanAken Clay, makers of Jaz Tempera and VanAken Modeling Clays. Top retired when Leisure Crafts was sold to ArtCraft in 1994. He was a world traveler and bon vivant. Top is survived by his children Roger, Maggie, Robert and Carol. A memorial service celebrating Top’s life will be held at 11:00am on Friday, February 18th at Saint Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert. Directions can be found at St. Margaret’s Website
HobbyCraft, England’s largest craft chain, announced its CEO, Chris Crombie has been replaced by Catriona Marshall. HobbyCraft’s parent company is Bridgepoint Capital. Chris started with the company when it opened its first store in 1995.
Sean Malamud, inventor of the Canvas Shlepper, reports that his new baby girl Eliyah Malamud was born on 1/17/2011 at 8:23pm.
M.A.B.E.F., the world’s premier classic hardwood easel maker, has announced its U.S.A. sales champions for 2010. Congratulations to all! Set your own record this year. Ask your MacPherson’s sales contact for all the details on this great program.
Place Retailer Name Associate Name
1 Art Essentials Kurtis Hughes
1 Hyatt’s – Buffalo Jesse Lunn
2 Binders – Charlotte Laura Brown
2 Binders – Charlotte Anthony Ochoa
2 University Art – San Jose Harold Guillen
3 Binders – Charlotte Mack Harrison
3 Sam Flax – Atlanta Sharry Udo
3 Commercial Art – Syracuse Serenity Kucharski
3 Binders – Atlanta Alan Cook