Needle arts education is at the heart of our mission here at EGA. As part of our many educational opportunities, several times a year we offer Extended Study Programs where members get to visit and enjoy beautiful locations around the world as they participate in classes, textile tours and more.
A while back, Mary Wyman, a member from our Bristol TN/VA Chapter, participated in an ESP we offered in Hershey, PA with beaded embroidery artist Sherry Serafini. Read about Mary’s experience below:
“My first Extended Study Program was in Hershey, PA, with Sherri Serafini. It was a wonderful experience! Of course, I arrived with some anxiety, doubts and concerns. Are my beading skills up to par? Did I bring the right supplies and tools? Will my cabochons work? I hesitate getting kits because of my tendency to change/alter something in the design or color to suit my fancy. But I have found out that many teachers encourage you to do so to make the piece your own. In my stash was a kiln-made crystal I had for at least ten years and never knew what to do with. Too large for the cuff everyone was making but just right for a necklace. Discussing it with Sherry gave me the courage to go for it.
What a learning experience! Yes, in retrospect, I would do some things differently, but that is what learning is all about. The end product, which you can see in full below, I am well pleased with! Wish I could wear it more often. But there is another reward of the experience: the fellowship; exchange of ideas; learning about new products; the sharing, encouragement, support and friendship of your fellow participants. Those are priceless!”
Join us for an upcoming Extended Study Program, we are going to: Mexico, San Francisco, Charleston and the United Kingdom.
