SDA hosts a biennial conference to bring members together for workshops, conferences, and an exhibition. In 2015, SDA reimagined the conference as an intensive, a name change that more accurately reflects the retreat-like, intimate nature of the biennial gathering of international artists, educator,s and enthusiasts. This relaxed atmosphere gives participants time to connect with presenters, new ideas, new techniques, and — most importantly — each other.

The 2017 40th Anniversary Intensive will be hosted in Portland, Oregon in partnership with the Oregon College of Arts and Crafts, and Portland State University.  Please check back for more details!

SDA has been hosting biennial conferences for 40 years. Recent SDA Conferences/Intensives include:

2015 Intensive-Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, TN

Catherine Ellis and Rowland Ricketts, Arrowmont

2013 Conference-San Antonio, TX

2011 Conference-Minneapolis, MN

Mary Zicafoose workshop, Arrowmont

2009 Conference-Kansas City, KS

Andrea Vail and Marianne Biagi, Arrowmont