BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MASTERS REGISTRY

In the early days of metal clay, certification classes were created to encourage serious exploration by a wide range of talented artists. Because these programs were tied to specific companies and brands of metal clay, there was no comprehensive or uniform standard.

In the summer of 2004, the metal clay community was sorting out several issues. There was confusion about the various certification programs, a desire for more instruction and higher levels, a need for international programs, and academics were asking for a formal credential. The concept that would become the Masters Registry was born in response to that mix of issues.

Since then, dozens of people have volunteered hundreds of hours to create the Masters Registry program. The program is difficult to grasp until you let go entirely of the certification format. The Registry includes no classes and no discounts. Instead, it consists of a comprehensive program of project descriptions and an evaluation component. Artists sign up for the program and submit work according to their own schedule. The work must be original, but candidates are entitled, even encouraged, to take

whatever classes they want to help them prepare.

Launching the Registry has required an investment of several thousand dollars, and more will be needed to complete the program. The PMC Guild has fronted this funding because, frankly, there was no one else to do it. Eventually the program intends to become self-sufficient. The mission of the Guild is to promote artistic use of metal clay by supporting artists and increasing visibility. This program is consistent with that mission.

Because all the project descriptions are posted on a public website, anyone can run through the entire program for free without taking advantage of the evaluation part. Those who are seeking official credentials (as opposed to individuals who are willing to audit) will pay a fee, half of which goes to a professional evaluation team, and half of which will support the program. We will invite a wide range of leaders of the metal clay field to become evaluators, and that list of artists, along with their credentials, will be public.

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