Honorees

Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement

The Hall of Fame inductee and the Lifetime Achievment Award recipients from 2020 will be recognized at the Welcome Reception on Saturday, April 9, at 5:30 pm in the Junior Ballroom of the Rosen Centre.

Steve Aufhaüser NAMTA Hall of Fame

Continental Art Supplies

Steve has been in the art materials industry since practically birth. He served on NAMTA’s Board of Directors, including a term as NAMTA’s president. “His brash and sarcastic wit is a breath of sassy air,” noted his peers in the association, along with, “Very popular and vocal, and had tons of friends in the industry. Always concerned with quality and integrity,” and “Steve always brought levity to the table, but when it was time to get down to business, he was relentless in his efforts to improve the art materials trade.” Steve joined his family’s retail business at the age of 25 and ultimately ran the store. It operated for 50 years in Southern California. During his career, Steve was a great supporter of the Los Angeles art community, attending gallery shows, art walks, and open studio events. He lectured at local schools, provided space for art shows in his store, and donated art materials to private non-profit organizations that wanted to start their own art programs.

David Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award

DLT2

A true gentleman, independent representative Dave Thompson is described by the people who know and work with him as a professional, industrious, honest, and collaborative, with a lifetime of commitment and care for a wide swath of customers. Dave advocates for both his customers and his manufacturers. With his expertise regarding products and marketing, and attention to details that others may have missed, he is dedicated to retailer success. Dave was instrumental in getting the Independent Art Materials Retail Marketing Co-Op – iAMart – up and running and continuing to grow. He was awarded the iAMart “Golden Mannikin” for his dedication to the group and to independent retailers.

Deirdra Silver Lifetime Achievement Award

Silver Brush Limited

Dee has been a mentor and a friend to many members and artists involved in the manufacturing, sales, and use and care of artists brushes. Well-known thoughout the industry, Dee has contributed to NAMTA and the industry for more than 40 years through continuous membership as a manufacturer’s representative, and as a manufacturer. Dee is one of the first women in the industry to start and run a U.S.-based art-materials manufacturing business, pioneering the way for the many women leaders who now populate the industry .