BLUE EARTH - Artists armed with paintbrushes and porcelain pieces will descend on Blue Earth this weekend.
Vendors from 12 states and Portugal will join them as the 11th Biennial Minnesota World Organization of China Painters Convention kicks off Thursday.
The convention, geared toward china painters and porcelain artists, brings teachers, vendors and artists together for several days to learn new techniques, stock up on supplies and enjoy some camaraderie, explained show chairwoman Helen Petersen of Blue Earth.
Sharon Snook, a china painter from Colorado, is one of this year's guest artists. She said she likes going to conventions so she can visit with teachers she doesn't get to see very often. She also likes seeing different techniques.
During the convention, various artists will offer demonstrations on techniques in china painting, porcelain art and glass art. Snook and fellow guest artist Ann Zitterkopf from Texas will hold paint-alongs where artists can follow them in the first steps of a project.
It's a great learning experience for china painters, Petersen said, but the convention holds appeal for the general public too.
Painted pieces will be on display, giving members of the public a chance to view the work of nationally and internationally known artists.
There also will be supplies for sale that could be used in a number of artforms, Petersen said.
Snook pointed out that painted porcelain pieces might appeal to antique lovers since many pieces have a similar aesthetic to antiques from the Victorian era.
Getting a look at the art and seeing a few techniques might also help people decide whether they want to try china painting, Snook said.
People will at least see what goes into creating porcelain art, said Carla Krueger, a china painter planning on attending the convention.
Krueger also noted that many things - including switch plates, dishes, sinks and chain pulls - are porcelain.
"We just do pretty things with it," she said.
"People (at the convention) have an appreciation for what kind of work goes into it," said Ruth Beardsley, president of the Rural Roses china painting club that is hosting the convention.
There's another reason Petersen likes conventions: She can add another painted piece to her collection.
The convention's theme this year is "Imagine the Possibilities," and it will be held at Pemberton Auditorium, 300 E. Fifth St.
The show floor will be open to the public 3-6 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, and access to the show floor and display areas is free. Demonstrations will be held throughout the day on Friday and Saturday. There is a small fee for the demonstrations.
Convention activities will wrap up with a raffle drawing at 2:15 p.m. Saturday.
