by Bobbi Baldwin

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium at The Metropolitan Museum of Art was the site of most of the lectures and demonstrations. John Howard Sanden, who served as host and emcee, introduced Simmie Knox, who was recently commissioned to paint the Presidential portrait of former President William Jefferson Clinton and who presented a surprise slide show.

Jim Oslund presented the demonstration and lecture "Achieving a Painterly Realism", along with his wife/painter Michele Mitchell, who sat as his model.

Fred Ross, www.artrenewal.org, spoke on the effects that the modern art scene has had on academics and realism.

Schuyler Chapin, Commissioner of New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs, enlightened the audience on New York's budget for the arts and spoke of how "the art really deal with the soul of man."

Once again ASOPA has outdone itself in this year's 2001 Portrait Arts Festival. This was the most exceptional event so far. I can't wait to see what will happen next year. The opportunity to stand side by side with those that we know to be among the most brilliant in the world of portrait painters, and have the opportunity to share words of wisdom both on stage and off, is an exhilarating experience.
Excitement enveloped the air as the artists began to gather outside of the Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium at the mesmerizing Metropolitan Museum of Art. I felt a sense of camaraderie as I looked around and recognized other artists as eager to begin as I was. Here I was again where I should be, immersed in the excitement of learning more about what I love the most, the art and business of Portrait Painting. As one artist said to me, "you would have to be asleep and under your seat to have not learned something" from this event. From start to finish there was so much to take in.

ASOPA members from 14 different countries combined together as 685 portrait artists filled the room. The beauty of the national anthem, sung by Judith Pannill, was the most fitting opening experience. Master of Ceremonies John Howard Sanden began with introductions of the artists from around the world. People came from as far away as China, India, Switzerland, Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Russia, Kuwait, Ireland, Mexico and Canada. Sanden pointed out how fortunate we were to have this opportunity to be in the greatest museum in one of the greatest cities in the world-New York, New York.

John Sanden welcomed us with his wonderful and funny overview of the upcoming events, with his words ending in a description of the (illusive) seat belts that would be installed in our seats tonight for the demonstration by Richard Schmid.

I have to commend all involved with this event because the synchronicity of it was obviously choreographed to the smallest detail. The event flowed smoothly and eloquently subject into subject. It was indeed a strong tool from which artists could learn.

Speakers filled our minds with words of wisdom beginning with Schuyler Chapin, Commissioner of New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs, who enlightened us on the wonderful budget that New York has for the arts and spoke of how "the arts really deal with the soul of man." Richard Whitney filled us with pride when he told us that ASOPA now has 2,871 members in 32 countries. Arnold McRae, president ASOPAF, thanked all the talent involved and especially Mr. Sanden for his wonderful attention to detail.