PCA Commemorative and Annual PaperweightsIn prior years, it was tradition for the PCA to ask registered artists to submit a special paperweight design to commemorate the biennial convention. From the submissions, 2 or 3 designs were selected and offered as limited editions available for purchase by members and convention attendees. Beginning in 2023 this biennial tradition was expanded and a commemorative paperweight is now selected annually. Proceeds from these sales benefit both the artists and the PCA helping us continue our mission and better empower and support our artists, dealers and members. 2024 Annual PaperweightThis year artists took inspiration from the great state of Rhode Island, the location of the much anticipated 2024 Biennial Convention.
2023 Commemorative 70th Anniversary Paperweights To celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the founding of our organization, we have commissioned two commemorative paperweights. Invitations for submissions were sent to all registered PCA Artist Members. The artists were encouraged to explore PCA history, imagery and iconography as sources of inspiration. Submissions from four artists were received, from which these two designs were selected. Both draw inspiration from the famed antique Pantin "Bird in the Nest" owned by our founder Paul Jokelson. The Pantin “Bird in the Nest” was discovered by Paul in 1925 and is arguably the most important paperweight ever made. In an article titled “The Top Twelve Antique Paperweights” published in the 2005 PCA Bulletin, Kathy M. Moyer writes: “It could be said that this is the weight which begat the PCA. While browsing in the antique stores in Paris in the early 1920’s, Paul Jokelson discovered the bird-in-nest paperweight and purchased it for 50 francs ($10). Little did he know what a tremendous impact would result from purchasing his first paperweight. Since the dealer was unable to supply him with additional information, Jokelson searched for other weights to learn more about the art form. In the process, he became an avid collector, connoisseur, author, and point man to prompt Baccarat and St. Louis to revive the lost art of paperweight making in 1952.” With Paul Jokelson's new found passion it was decided in May of 1953 that an association of paperweight collectors With Paul Jokelson's new-found passion, it was decided in May of 1953 that an association of paperweight collectors would be created. In July of 1953, he announced the formation of the Paperweight Collectors Association by taking out an advertisement in "The Magazine Antique" which featured a photo of the prized "Bird in the Nest". It could be said that the "Bird in the Nest" was the PCA's unofficial logo for many years before the adoption of the current red and blue crown. The PCA is pleased to offer these two limited-edition, commemorative 70th Anniversary paperweights. Weights will be available to purchase at 9am PST on Saturday, April 8th. These special paperweights are available exclusively to current members. You may register to join the PCA here. Each edition is limited on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to one of each paperweight per member. No additional orders will be taken for sold-out editions.
2022 PCA ConventionFor the 2022 PCA Convention in Appleton/Neenah, WI we are proud to offer the following two limited edition paperweights.
2019 PCA Convention |
