I am part of a subgroup of the IAC: the IAC BENELUX group (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg). This group organized this exhibition and we are very busy with the organization of many other exhibitions in Europe. This was our first exhibition together and the theme was called: “Fusion of Vision”. The exposition was set up at the conference center in Caldas da Rainha and was beautifully done.
"Azulejo" IAC Members Exposition in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal
There was a members TILE exposition of the IAC during the conference in the conference hall in Caldas da Rainha. The tile needed to be 20cm x 20cm with the colors white and blue. Everyone had done an exquisite job and it looked great on the wall.
IAC Conference in Portugal 2024
I was at the 51st Congress of the IAC International Academy of Ceramics in Caldas da Rainha and Alcobaca in Portugal from September 12 - 24 with about 300 people from 50 nations. It’s all about ceramics, members meeting, presentations, lectures and exhibitions. Before and after the conference was a pre-tour south of Caldas da Rainha and after-tour north of Caldas da Rainha, which I both joined. It was about Portugese culture and ceramics and especially the tiles: Azelujos!! And don’t forget the delicious cultivated wines in Portugal.
The IAC/AIC Conference in Geneva Switzerland from Sept 11 - Sept 20, 2022.
This September, I participated in the International Academy of Ceramics (AIC/IAC) 50th congress, "Melting Pot", in the field of ceramics today and will discus questions of identity and interaction from Sept. 12-20, 2022, held in the International Conference Center (CICG), Geneva, Switzerland. We were altogether around 300 people from 77 countries. The International Academy of Ceramics is the principal organization representing the interests of ceramists worldwide.
The 5-day program will consist of professional and academic lectures given by specialists in various fields related to the theme, debate sessions, the opening night of the international exhibition at the Ariana Museum, inaugurations and visits to exhibitions.
The first two days were filled with keynote and member lectures.
On the first night, there were three exhibition openings at the Ariana Museum , the only museum in Switzerland devoted entirely to kilncraft and so filled with worldwide ceramics and glass. Along with some excellent conference presentations, we enjoyed festivities in this museum.
On the second night we visited galleries and museum in the heart of Geneva’s Old Town.
On Wednesday the General Assembly was held with a visit to the Palais des Nations (United Nations) in the afternoon with two exhibition openings. In the evening it was UNESCO night.
The next day we had a bus excursion. It included the opening reception of the 1st half of the exhibition of, "Melting Pot: National SwissCeramics", at the Museum of Art and History of Neuchâtel (MahN). Then, a guided tour at La Ferme des Tilleuls, Renens: “Materia”. Finally, the exhibition opening at the Château de Nyon: “Melting Pot: Swissceramics National Exhibition” (2nd part) with dinner at the chateau. The view from the chateau was spectacular.
We had round table discussions on Friday morning and the afternoon was free to visit galleries.
The closing dinner of the 50th IAC Congress at the Institut Florimont on Friday evening was a huge success: well attended with good food and dancing.
All day Saturday many galleries throughout the city, especially Carouge, exhibited a variety of ceramics with receptions with exhibition openings that various groups visited on a walking tours. Overall, there were more than 30 exhibitions in national and private museums, art galleries and historical or contemporary institutions.
On Monday, Sept. 19, there was an all day excursion provided by SwissCeramics. It included 25 people, who took advantage of the opportunity to visit outside Geneva. We visited museums and galleries in Yverdons-les Bains and Prangins, plus enjoyed a delightful lunch and dinner together.
I had a great time and was glad to be back in Switzerland after 45 years. It was wonderful to see many ceramist friends from around the world.
Acceptance into the International Academy of Ceramics
I'm accepted into the IAC:
"It is our great pleasure and honor to announce that your application has been accepted. We welcome you as a new Member of the International Academy of Ceramics. We congratulate you on this achievement which rewards your passion for ceramics."
I feel thankful for all my supporters and jurors in helping me become a member of the IAC.
The IAC has its headquarters in Geneva. It was founded in 1952. It connects artists in the field of ceramics, designers, galleries in 74 countries across all continents.
The goal of the IAC is to stimulate friendship and communication between professionals in the field of ceramics in all countries. The IAC develops and encourages all forms of international cooperation to promote ceramics and to encourage and maintain production at the highest level of quality in all ceramic cultures.
I studied there for my ceramics for a couple of years in 1981 at the school Les Arts Decoratifs: 40 years ago! Next year, it will be the 70th anniversary and 50th congress of the organization and so it is wonderful to go back there and be part of the exhibition and the conference!