2025 SAQA Conference - Schedule

** Please note: small time changes may still occur as we finalize the schedule. A final PDF copy will be available in 2025 

Learn more about the speakers

Thursday, April 3

Vendor Marketplace: 10am - 6pm 
Be sure to stop by the Vendor Marketplace - a wide variety of hand crafted items will be available for purchase. This event is open to the public. 

Registration: 10am - 6pm  

Ice Breaker Reception: 7pm - 9pm 
Join us as we officially kick-off the conference at our traditional Icebreaker reception. You will have the opportunity to network with other attendees. Light appetizers and cash bar will be available.  Are you new to SAQA and/or attending your first conference? Then join us earlier at 6:30pm where you can meet other SAQA members and learn more about what to expect. ** Everyone is welcome to attend

Friday, April 4

9:00am - 4:15pm 
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Keynote: Don’t Be Scared: Self-Expression and Experimentation - Lauren Austin 
How We Infuse Our Art With Emotion - Hollis Chatelain 
Lunch (provided onsite from noon - 2pm)
Arts Writing: A Fundamental Part of Practice - Sarah Sharp 
What to Know When Working with Museums - panel presentation with Alicia Thomas, Amy Loch, and Andrea Finch

Dinner off-site 

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Opening Reception for SAQA Florida Regional Exhibition Awakenings
Mirella Cimato Gallery at the St. Pete Opera Company
2145 First Ave South 
St. Petersburg, FL 33712.
 

 

Saturday, April 5

9:00am - 4:15pm 
Keynote: The Apple Tree on the Abandoned Railroad Line: A Collaboration - Elin Noble
Creative Freedom: Mastering Art Quilting - Shin-hee Chin
Lunch (on your own from 11:30am-2pm)
Engaging Exhibitions - Lisa Call
Life Begets Art: The Found and Formed Voice - Pat Pauly
 

Banquet and Spotlight Auction: 7:00pm - 9:00pm 
The Saturday evening banquet is an opportunity to socialize and mingle with other attendees. Formal dress is NOT required.

You will also be able to view the Spotlight Auction pieces in person and join in on the excitement as all the bidding tables close. Note that all bidding will be done online via the Handbid app (bidding starts April 1). 

Sunday, April 6

9:00am - noon 
Not in the Plan - Susan Else
The Basics of Quilt Photography - Kestrel Michaud