PAPCG is a collection of artists brought together by a common fascination.  We enjoy working with polymer clay and incorporate it in our artwork.  We come together to share ideas and friendship, to show our creations,  and to learn more about the medium.  To this end we have regular meetings, sponsor a library for our members, sponsor Guest Artists for all members to learn from, sponsor Master Classes for more in depth study for our members and sponsor the retreat, Polydelphia.
 
We are all volunteers, but there is a “business” bank account to manage.  There are decisions to be made on collecting and disbursing funds.  There is work to be done to make sure our meetings and events run smoothly.  Information has to be disseminated.  Policies need to be generated and monitored. There are some minimal requirements for filing tax documents (1099s for teachers) as well as for maintaining insurance, the library, the website, and our newsletter, The Clay News.  We have to find, reserve and rent the venue.  Teachers need to be recruited, housed, and paid.
 
We are more than a club, but not really a corporation.   The strict structure of officers and bylaws has evolved organically into a more collaborative approach which we have dubbed “The Steering Committee.”  This has turned out to be a great way to get things done, and it has the extra benefit of giving every member of the Guild a chance to be involved in the decision making process.   The Steering Committee is open to all members who wish to attend Guild business meetings (usually occurring during the monthly meeting) and who can receive and respond to email in a timely fashion.  Policy decisions and plans are made by the majority opinion at these meetings or in the email conferences.     Members of the Steering Committee can also take on various jobs that help maintain and grow the Guild.  All policies and the Guild Calendar are published on the guild website, and a general financial report is published twice yearly in The Clay News.
 
Our goal is to be responsive to the needs and interests of members and to be fair in our decision making.  The Steering Committee has helped us to meet this goal.
 
And the Steering Committee is YOU!  Please join us at a business meeting.  Send us an email (info@papcg.org) if you’d like to be on the email group for the Steering Committee. If you think something can be done better, come and be a part of the process and show us how!