About Us
The Puzzle Parley is the premier biennial meeting of wooden jigsaw puzzle collectors, designers, makers, restorers, and enthusiasts in the USA. In the early 1990s relatively few craftspeople were cutting wooden jigsaw puzzles, and most of them were working in isolation. Rachel Page (Pagey) Elliott, who had taken up puzzle cutting in 1989, decided it was time to break down the barriers. She came up with the "Puzzle Parley," a gathering of jigsaw puzzle cutters to share ideas and experiences. She proposed this idea to Bob Armstrong and recruited him as organizer. Pagey and Bob, along with Debby Greeley (Pagey's sister) and Anne Williams, were the forces behind the first Parley in 1994.
Over three decades the Puzzle Parley has grown from an occasional one-day gathering of puzzle cutters to a biennial (every other year) weekend event. Parleys have provided a showcase for experienced puzzle makers, and they have fostered and trained new puzzlers. They have brought puzzle creators, suppliers, collectors, and enthusiasts together with presentations on topics that include spotlights into the history of wooden puzzles, new and old techniques to make puzzles, and the always popular "Show and Tell" section. We deeply appreciate the our enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers which make every Parley a success.
Over three decades the Puzzle Parley has grown from an occasional one-day gathering of puzzle cutters to a biennial (every other year) weekend event. Parleys have provided a showcase for experienced puzzle makers, and they have fostered and trained new puzzlers. They have brought puzzle creators, suppliers, collectors, and enthusiasts together with presentations on topics that include spotlights into the history of wooden puzzles, new and old techniques to make puzzles, and the always popular "Show and Tell" section. We deeply appreciate the our enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers which make every Parley a success.
Puzzle Parley Mission Statement
The Puzzle Parley is an informal organization of jigsaw puzzlers and puzzle makers whose mission is to spread the fun, joy, and lore of jigsaw puzzling by bringing together puzzle manufacturers, collectors, enthusiasts, restorers, artists, historians, and dealers for an open exchange of puzzles, ideas, techniques, history and other aspects of jigsaw puzzling. The group first met in 1994. It meets biennially and has held sixteen Parleys as of December 2022.
GOALS
GOALS
- To honor the skill and artistry of custom-made puzzle making by awarding a Best in Show trophy at each Parley.
- To encourage contributions at Puzzle Parleys by offering a scholarship program for in-person attendees.
- To ensure international participation at the Puzzle Parleys.
- To preserve the history and artistry of wooden puzzle making.
- To encourage the study and appreciation of all types of jigsaw puzzles.
About the Puzzle Parley Steering Committee
As one of the largest puzzle events in the US, we need a fantastic group to plan and run it.
Below you will find the contact information for all of the Committee Members. For general information, questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Below you will find the contact information for all of the Committee Members. For general information, questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Puzzle Parley 2024 Steering Committee:
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Chair, Roz Rea
Conrad Armstrong Chris Yates Janell Amely Diane Bizzle Jessica Komarow Sarah Schuler |
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Senior Advisors:
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Massive THANK YOU to our Puzzle Parley 2024 Sponsors!
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Sister Organization: AGPI
The AGPI (Association for Games & Puzzles International) is a world-wide organization of enthusiasts and collectors of games, jigsaw puzzles and 3D mechanical puzzles. The Puzzle Parley was originally a spur interest group that was connected, but not part of the AGPI. Many of our attendees enjoy participating in both the AGPI and the Puzzle Parley. We thank the AGPI for supporting us and keeping interest in old puzzles and games alive!
Visit the AGPI website at http://www.gamesandpuzzles.org to learn more about their annual conventions and the Quarterly, a fantastic puzzle and game magazine they produce.
Visit the AGPI website at http://www.gamesandpuzzles.org to learn more about their annual conventions and the Quarterly, a fantastic puzzle and game magazine they produce.
