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Atlanta Military Figure
Society Grand Master The Atlanta Military Figure Society's most distinctive honor is to grant a deserving person the title of Grand Master. The AMFS Club began, and to this day remains, a group of like-minded hobbyists and artists who gather together on a regular basis. We meet to share our knowledge, techniques and experiences in this art form and to enjoy the camaraderie and friendship that results between people with similar interests. A Grand Master is someone who has dedicated themselves to these core principles; teaching, leading by example through prolonged excellence in the hobby and the selfless giving of their time and energy to spread knowledge and understanding of the hobby to his or her fellow members. This is not only a position of honor, but also a position of responsibility. With criteria written and selected by the AMFS, the Grand Master is therefore an active representative of the Atlanta Military Figure Society Club. Being a good modeler, painter or sculptor is only part of the equation. At each Atlanta Show, there is a Grand Master's meeting attended by all Grand Masters who are present. At least one member, usually an officer, of the AMFS Club is always present during this meeting. They are there to insure the club's selection guidelines are followed and to be able to report to the club the workings and decisions of the meeting. If a majority count of the active Grand Masters is not in attendance at the show, then there will be no meeting. It is at this meeting, that potential Grand Masters are nominated, discussed and voted upon. When a person becomes eligible, the name is presented at the meeting and a majority vote is taken to determine if a new Grand Master will be appointed. It should be pointed out that not every meeting results in the appointment of a new Grand Master. What, exactly, makes someone eligible for this honor? In order to be considered for Grand Master, the Atlanta Military Figure Society has created the main criteria used to determine eligibility for a vote: · The candidate has attended the Atlanta Show as a regular practice for an extended period of years. · The candidate has achieved and sustained excellence in the hobby for an extended number of years. · The candidate has a known presence in the hobby as a teacher, leader and representative of the art. · The AMFS Club feels that the candidate will actively promote and represent the best interests and public image of the club, the hobby and the future of the hobby. · The candidate's presence in the figure modeling community contributes to the advancement of the art form for its own sake. · The candidate is a recognized author, sculptor or expert in, or originator of an artistic style, technique or use of a medium. ·
The candidate contributes to the
success of the Atlanta Show by conducting seminars, judging, showing a
willingness to help others and acts as an ambassador of the club while on the
display floor. They also volunteer to assist where needed. ·
The Atlanta Military Figure Society would be proud to have him or her
as a spokesperson. These are just a
handful of the points that the AMFS Club Officer and active Grand Masters
consider before even nominating a potential candidate. Once nominated, the
majority of all Grand Masters and AMFS Club Officers in attendance must vote in
agreement before it becomes official. In many cases
there is little difficulty in selecting a new Grand Master. The difficulty lies
in selecting the time when the candidate is ready to receive the honor. In most
cases, the Grand Master identifies him or her self through their actions,
reputation and works in the figure modeling community. There is never a
surprise at the announcement of a new Grand Master. They have defined themselves long before the
club's nomination takes place. The Atlanta Military Figure Society is merely a
body to acknowledge that person's contribution to the hobby. Being an Atlanta
Grand Master is much more than just being a good painter, sculptor or
modeler. Indeed, not every great modeler
or artist will be nominated for this honor.
In fact, being a great modeler is just the beginning. | ||