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SALI’S STENCILING CERTIFICATION It is always so exciting to go to the SALI website and read about the classes and events that will take place at the 2008 Convention in Charleston, SC. Convention is always an exciting time for the Certification Program. At this annual event, we will be judging submitted pieces, displaying passing works and awarding hard working candidates on their successful Certification work. Passing in Certification is an honor that all members of SALI delight in. Rewarding hard, skilled work is a big deal in this organization that established its stenciling passion over 20 years ago. Just a reminder for those on the fence, wondering if this is the year to undertake the Certification challenge. The deadline for applying for Certification is April 15th, you may know it for other reasons. If you are an experienced stenciler wondering if you have what it takes, please consider Certification this year and get that application in! Got questions? Please email me, Mary Boquard, @ mjboqu@pol.net and I would be glad to fill you in. NEW YEAR OPPORTUNITES Happy New Year! We often view the beginning of a new year as an opportunity for change and growth. Of course you know what this is leading to; I’m suggesting that you make 2008 the year you try your hand at certification. If you are new to the certification process, there are two different entry levels that you can apply for Certified Stenciler (CS) or Certified Stenciling Artisan (CSA). Visit the Certification section of the SALI website to learn more about each program and to decide which program is best suited for you. If you have passed in one or more categories of the Certified Stenciler program, why not make 2008 your year to apply for the remaining categories and earn your CS. I am often asked ‘Why should I apply for Certification’. Here’s what SALI president Karen Osborn CS said when she was asked that question. “I applied for Certification for the challenge. It was important to me to hone my skills as a stencilist and have others look at my work objectively.” When asked about the Certification program in general, Karen stated, “It is judged fairly and objectively, and the program requires thought, effort, concentration, attention to detail and sometimes, sheer determination. I think it’s a great program”. Former SALI president Holly Baumgartner CS said the reason why she applied was “I was a new stenciler, and wanted to see if I could pass any of the categories”. Holly belongs to minority group of applicants who pass all three categories on the first attempt. I asked Holly how she was impacted by receiving her CS. Holly replied, “I certainly keep a copy of my certification in my portfolio as proof of my abilities-being certified by a national organization really meant something. On a personal level, I was thrilled to accomplish this goal-one of the best memories of my life!” Jackie Baxter CS/CST, co-owner of Lasting Impressions said she applied for Certification because “I wanted to show that I had gone the extra mile to achieve this difficult certification and that I wanted to be the best I could be in my field, and have the credentials to prove it”. Jackie commented that receiving her CS and CST gave her “added confidence and credentials”. I hope that reading what other Certified Stencilers have said will inspire you to give Certification a try in 2008. Mary Boquard |
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