QCI Charity Auction to Benefit Operation Smile

Judy and Will Keep the Bidding Going in Philadelphia

Members who attended last year's annual meeting held in Philadelphia, PA, will recall a lively and entertaining evening with Will, our enthusiastic auctioneer. A total of $2,140 was raised to benefit Habitat for Humanity and Doctors Without Borders.

"Mobilizing a world of generous hearts to heal children's smiles and transform lives across the globe." Thus is the mission statement of Operation Smile, the designated charity to benefit this year's charity auction to be held during the Saturday night banquet at QCI's 10th Anniversary Annual Meeting.

A Child from China Before and After Surgery in 2005

Operation Smile was founded in 1982 as a worldwide children's medical charity. Since that time, a network of global volunteers have treated more than 130,000 children born with cleft lips, cleft palates, and other facial deformities. I urge you to watch the short video below to learn more about this amazing organization. For those who aren't familiar with Operation Smile, I think your heart will be touched by the work of this organization. Operation Smile

truly changes lives to bring smiles around the world!

Above photos from Operation Smile used with permission.

We hope all the members will join in this year to help raise money for this worthwhile charity and help heal children's smiles and transform their lives. Past auctions have included pieces of Quimper pottery and other French related items.

Susan Helps Demonstrate How a Breton Coiffe is Worn

Lucy Shows a Quimper Plate Up for Bid

High Bidder, Eileen, Shows Off Her Recent Acquisition, a Biniou Wall Pocket

Another High Bidder, Janet, Takes Home This Lovely & Unusual Pair of HB Quimper Plates

Professional Auctioneers in France, Didier & Yves, Keep the New York Auction Lively

In addition to accepting donations of French related items and pieces of Quimper pottery, meeting organizers have asked members to spotlight their own individual talents with a donation of something they themselves have crafted. Among our membership are many talented artisans. To add more variety co-chairs have also solicited a few unique items. Other items are being accepted as well. So plan now to donate an item for this worthwhile cause.

2009 Commemorative Plate

A special limited edition 9 inch plate by Faïenceries d'Art de Malicorne was produced as a commemorative plate for this year's 10th Anniversary QCI Meeting. FAM has graciously donated a sample plate of this piece for the Charity Auction. For any member who missed ordering one of these limited editions, here is another opportunity to acquire one of these plates. Plan to bid on this piece at the Charity Auction, October 24. The plates were produced using a special glaze using the same formula of the Pouplard-Béatrix factory. Also of special note, FAM is celebrating their 25th anniversary this month.

In addition to the limited edition 2009 Commemorative plates, Faïenceries d'Art de Malicorne has also produced a "Piéce Unique" Commemorative Plate exclusively for the QCI 10th Anniversary Meeting. This is a different design from the commemorative plate discussed above. Only one of these plates was produced. Photos of this piece will be available by mid October and will be posted on this blog and the QCI Members Only web page. Click here to visit the web page of Faïenceries d'Art de Malicorne.

Below is a small sampling of some more items that have been donated for this year's auction:

Pair of Mikimoto Pearl Earrings

Autographed Copy of Collecting Quimper by Joan Datesman

Beautifully illustrated book, Paul Fouillen by Maurice Fouillen

Handcrafted "Epingle de Pardon" Click here to read about this item.

A variety of Quimper faience

We anticipate this year's auction to be as lively and exciting as the one held last year in Philadelphia. The above list is just a sampling of what has been donated.

We encourage you to make plans to participate in the auction with a donation of your own and to bid in support of Operation Smile during the auction. Look forward to seeing you in Dallas!

The French Connection

Susan and Sarah, Co-chairs of the QCI 10th Anniversary Meeting

Since the 1680s there has always been a bit of French influence in Texas, and believe me there is no shortage of Francophiles living in this state. QCI is set to celebrate its 10th Anniversary Meeting this year as members gather in Dallas, TX, October 21-25 for this exciting event.
Four fun-filled days are planned: from the traditional "Meet and Greet" the night of arrival, to art filled days and antique shopping, to intimate visits of private faience collections, to the annual meeting, faience sale, and farewell banquet with lively auction.

Co-founders, Lucy and Katie, at the First QCI Meeting in Santa Monica, CA 1999

On Friday, four Dallas members will open their homes and share the unique charm of their individual collections. Members will see beautiful Quimper as well as pieces of Malicorne, CA, and much more.

Midday, attendees will enjoy the ambiance of one member's lovely home and gardens and picnic amongst a charming collection of Porquier Beau. Guest speakers will present informal presentations on "The Art of the French Table" and "The Biniou and Bombarde and Quimper Faience." Click here to visit French Affaires, a web site and weekly newsletter of one of our Friday speakers.

French Members and Professional Auctioneers Lend a Hand

for a Charity Auction at a Previous QCI Annual Meeting

The 10th Anniversary Annual Meeting will get underway Saturday morning. Club member and renown author, Millicent M, will present on "Breton Folk Tales on Quimper Plates by Alfred Beau" and club member, Anne S will present on "France, the Two World Wars, and Quimper Faience."

Both of these informative and photo filled presentations will relate to the fine faience collection that members will tour on Sunday morning after a delightful brunch hosted by Pierre Deux. Brunch will also include a talk on "The Textiles of Provence" and private shopping opportunity at Pierre Deux's beautiful shop in the Dallas Design Center.

Miniature of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas

There is still time to register for this exciting meeting.

Registration forms must be post marked by September 25 to avoid a late registration fee, and in order to receive the QCI group discount of $129 per night/double, hotel reservations must be made by September 30.

Meeting details, airport shuttle and taxi information and a list of restaurants close to the hotel can all be found on the Members Only page of the QCI web site.

If you are not yet a member of QCI, we welcome new members. See the sidebar for a special offer for new members. We'd love to see you in Dallas!