The Society of Decorative Painters

The scope of contemporary decorative painting is boundless...

Community - As one artist, I am alone, but as a member of this larger group, I become a participating member of an active artist's community. Join the Society today. The Society of Decorative Painters

Quoted directly from the Society website...

"The National Society of Tole and Decorative Painters, Inc., was organized in 1972 to stimulate worldwide interest in and appreciation for decorative painting; to recognize diversity of and excellence in the art form; and to serve as the resource center for all aspects of decorative painting.

Now known as the Society of Decorative Painters, the Society boasts a worldwide family of painters with interests as varied as the places in which they live. Satisfy your passion to paint and create.  Anyone can belong!

Decorative painting is a diverse art form utilizing a variety of techniques and media to decorate functional and non-functional surfaces.

Because of the systematic methods employed, contemporary decorative painting is a highly teachable art form. The patterns or freehand designs allow a high degree of success without academic training or inherent drawing ability. Approached with creativity, discipline and craftsmanship, contemporary decorative painting offers opportunities for artistic self-expression and creative satisfaction.

The scope of contemporary decorative painting is boundless. Styles and techniques of the past are incorporated into the trends and materials of the present, while developing the decorative art heritage of the future.

Tole painting is the general term historically used to describe decorative painting on tin surfaces, especially in New England and by the Pennsylvania Germans. Contemporary decorative painting encompasses not only the folk art styles of Sweden, Norway, Germany, Russia, England and Mexico, but many facets of Early American decorative painting such as stenciling, faux finishing, bronzing, gold leafing, country painting, theorem and graining." - The Society of Decorative Painters

• Community - As one artist, I am alone, but as a member of this larger group, I become a participating member of an active artist's community.
• Networking - The SDP provides me with a network of my peers, to whom I can turn for advice, brainstorm ideas, find direction, friendship and to enrich my creative social circle. 
• Education - The SDP has provided me with a self directed program for my advanced education - through the Certification Program I have grown as an artist, pushing myself to other levels, both laterally and always forward. I did not find this self directed, self paced framework anywhere else other than through the SDP.
• Goals - Being a member of the SDP has helped me set goals for myself, clarifying what it is exactly that defines me as an artist. The Society exposed me to so much more in regards to historical and popular decorative art styles than I had ever heard of prior to becoming a member.
• Inspiration - There are times that energy ebbs and the creative juices just stop flowing.  The SDP artists community has the potential to offer inspiration and creative direction if we knock on teachers doors. It's all there, hundreds of doors, we just have to knock and a door will open for us, directing us to the style, the topic, or the material that we can each embrace and follow along with.
• Staying informed - An organization like SDP has the potential to keep me informed of what's going on in our artist's community. New developments, new teachers, programs, products, shows, classes, etc. A way to stay in touch with everyone else and stay current with trends and styles.
• Finding 'like minded folks' - The organization helps me meet others and stay connected with those who share similar interests, skills, styles AND my passion for art.
• A future in teaching - The SDP can offer many opportunities and validation for those who wish to teach at conventions. Conventions offer teachers exposure to others on a national and international level.
• Participate in Community Activities - Artists can join a local Chapter of SDP and participate in community activities such as the Memory Box program,  to name but one which is an extremely honorable activity and a way to give back. 
• Attend a National Conference - The SDP offers us a way to come together once per year at a National Conference - to celebrate what we do best. The choice is ours if to attend or not, if for classes or to attend audits, or as a way to network with others or just have a fun week socializing with other artists. (The trade floor is not the only reason for going to a convention)

There is so much more to go on about, the Society of Decorative Painters is a great organization...all organizations go through upheaval and change from time to time, I believe the Society of Decorative Painters is at a cross roads, trying to figure out what is working and what is not working. This organization is still young and evolving to meet the needs of her changing membership. More than ever, we need to support our 'mother organization' as HA Gaby Hunter calls her, and encourage others to re-join, re-build and re-juvenate a Society that can bring about continued growth and challenge for all of us, well into the future.  I have a really good feeling about this and I think everyone on this list, especially those who believe in the Traditions Education Philosophies are just as committed to a bright and successful future in art for SDP with all our shared art forms.

• The Society of Decorative Painters

Setting up an SDP Chapter...

By becoming a member of one of the Society's more than 300 chapters, you can be involved in decorative painting right in your own community. Through a local chapter you can broaden your knowledge of decorative painting through classes and seminars, build new friendships, be involved in community service projects and share your passion to paint with others...

If you are interested in joining a Chapter of the Society or would like to start your own Chapter, please visit the society's web site for more details.

The Society of Decorative Painters

How to Contact the Society ~ www.decorativepainters.org

393 N. McLean Blvd.
Wichita, KS 67203-5968
Phone: (316) 269-9300
Fax: (316) 269-9191