The SALON

The SALON is a gathering for International decorative artists to admire each others work, to watch and to discuss techniques and materials, and to exchange information. It is a unique opportunity to follow demonstrations and lectures of famous and talented decorative artists. The main purpose for this gathering is to ensure the continuation of this old and unique craft. SALON-days are meant for decorative artists, teachers and students to learn, participate, demonstrate and communicate freely.

The Salon is conducted typically, for two years in Europe and the third year in the United States. If there is interest in hosting a Salon in another location this schedule will be altered. There is currently a Salon planned for Japan in 2012.

The Salon is hosted by an individual or an organization each year. If the host or hosting organization is connected to a craft or art-school; pupils and students are a welcome addition to the SALON-group to help out and have the unique opportunity to learn. In this light, the organizer is free to choose whether he should invite other students (the better and inspired ones) from craft-schools in hosting country as well as from foreign schools. The purpose of this is to enlighten the general spirit, to welcome future members, to uplift the craft and to ensure the the craft of the decorative arts continues.

The organizer might attempt through invitation letter to lobby for diversity amongst demonstrators. Too much of the same techniques can never uplift the craft, other then progress in perfection; which might imply competition. There is is to be no limitation or discrimination of persons to particiapte, though an application process must be followed.

Not all that enter are given membership. Membership is based on a jurying process (See Applying for Membership Section Below) In general, students wishing to attend should be invited by their SALON-member sponsor. They should be ‘star’ students who have worked for a year or more with their teachers. No workshop students or short-term students should be sponsored. Only actual Salon members can be participants and have a central role at the Salon, spouses, friends and students are not to have a central role at the demonstrations, lectures or other Salon activities.

Those wanting to be members are asked to submit some evidence of their work to those hosting the SALON. The host may decide if they want to include the applicant based on their portfolio, resume, background experience and some research into the character of the person through references. For example: there may be a talented painter who has a very poor character, the host might decide that this applicant should best be avoided.

The SALON-gathering has a central purpose of demonstrations of participants for other members and visitors to observe. In addition, there will be an exhibition of works and a display for portfolio’s (photographs).There will be opportunity for communication and discussion in spare times (like lunches, dinners, evenings). It is common for the demonstrators that they will be given opportunity to explain their demonstration, skills and techniques to an audience at a scheduled time. At the Salon anyone is free to comment on another’s work, but this must be carried out in a friendly and positive way.

SALON-members must obey the wishes of the hosts. Typically this involves following the schedule of demonstrations, lectures, tours and participating in the work of the Salon when asked to. The member must be co-operative and courteous to other members and visitors. Violation of these rules can result in revoking of membership.