A SUNNY PHOENIX GATHERING
The last weekend in October was the perfect time for our APCS Annual Gathering in Phoenix. We began at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino with our Welcome Reception on Thursday evening. It was fun, loud, and a great time to reconnect with friends, new and old, who share our passion for purses.
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The next day was very full and began with a Seller’s Panel presentation given by Cathy Kaminsky, Shara Stewart, and Jeanne Little. These are three women who are amazing founts of knowledge regarding the various venues for selling our treasures, both online, in shops, and in person.
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Then it was time to board the bus and we were off to the Phoenix Art Museum for a tour of the James Galanos fashion exhibit hosted by Denita Sewell, the Jacquie Dorrance Curator of Fashion Design at the Museum. We enjoyed a box lunch and an exclusive look at some of the purses in the Museum’s collection.
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Then back on the bus for a trip south to Mary’s house. She and Vicki Schwager had their collections on display throughout the house for members to enjoy. This included an open bar in the garage, with Carlann and Joe’s Bloody Marys and Deb’s Margaritas. The perfect thirst quenchers!
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Carlann conducted our biggest Purse Auction yet where over 30 purses were available for bid. The Chef on the Go food truck arrived, and dinner al fresco (on the driveway) was next. It was a beautiful evening under the stars and then back on the bus for the return trip to the hotel.
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Saturday kicked off with one of our favorites: The Purse Bazaar, where 15 members offered some of their collections for sale. Such treasures are not often seen and it is a much anticipated event every year.
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After everyone had time to pack up their purchases, we learned about “The Mysterious Miser: The Purse with Secrets” where Virginia Brohard gave us some purse history and Lori Blaser performed the Miser Dance and collected our pennies in her miser.
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Lisa Moreno was our next presenter with "Gemstones and Handbags" and brought some beautiful examples, including handbags, a gemstone ring, and an amazing minaudiere.
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Next, Iris Kaplan had us laughing and crying as she related her experiences growing up as the daughter of Fred Metter, founder and designer of Fre-Mor and Llewellyn Handbags. Her presentation, “Born and Raised with Beads and Plastics: A Bag to Adore…by Fre-Mor (and Llewellyn)” was an outstanding experience as we were delighted and mesmerized.
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Our last presentation that day, “The Purse Goes to War,” was by Jennifer Whitehair who is always informative and knowledgeable, and she didn’t disappoint. She brought service women’s uniforms from World War II, tables full of purses, and a presentation on the history of purses as a part of the military. Amazing information!
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Finally, we had dinner with the cutest purse-shaped cookies for dessert. A special treat prepared for us by Wild Horse Pass Resort kitchens.
Sunday morning began with a breakfast buffet and our traditional Member Show and Tell. Such amazing stories to tell about each purse! And Terri Dillon offered a “raffle purse in a bag” which was won by Sherry Miller. The longest stocking purse was a great treat to see!
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Our business meeting followed with news about our future gathering plans, upcoming elections, membership directory and newsletter, a Memorial Wall addition to the website, and “thank yous” all around.
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Just perfect! Hope to see you next year in Providence, Rhode Island!
