About Us
The Puzzle Parley is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the premier biennial gathering of wooden jigsaw puzzle collectors, designers, makers, restorers, and enthusiasts in the United States.
In the early 1990s, relatively few craftspeople were cutting wooden jigsaw puzzles, and most worked in isolation. Rachel Page “Pagey” Elliott, who began puzzle cutting in 1989, recognized the need to bring this small but passionate community together. She envisioned a gathering where puzzle cutters could share ideas, techniques, and experiences—and thus, the Puzzle Parley was born. Pagey proposed the idea to Bob Armstrong, recruiting him as an organizer. Together with Debby Greeley (Pagey’s sister) and Anne Williams, they brought the first Puzzle Parley to life in 1994.
Over more than three decades, the Puzzle Parley has evolved from an occasional one-day meeting into a biennial weekend-long event. Parleys showcase the work of established puzzle makers while fostering and mentoring new puzzlers. They bring together creators, suppliers, collectors, and enthusiasts through presentations that explore the history of wooden puzzles, both traditional and innovative puzzle-making techniques, and the always-popular Show and Tell sessions.
The Puzzle Parley thrives because of the passion, generosity, and dedication of its volunteers. We are deeply grateful to the individuals who give their time and energy to make each Parley a meaningful and memorable experience for the puzzle community.
In the early 1990s, relatively few craftspeople were cutting wooden jigsaw puzzles, and most worked in isolation. Rachel Page “Pagey” Elliott, who began puzzle cutting in 1989, recognized the need to bring this small but passionate community together. She envisioned a gathering where puzzle cutters could share ideas, techniques, and experiences—and thus, the Puzzle Parley was born. Pagey proposed the idea to Bob Armstrong, recruiting him as an organizer. Together with Debby Greeley (Pagey’s sister) and Anne Williams, they brought the first Puzzle Parley to life in 1994.
Over more than three decades, the Puzzle Parley has evolved from an occasional one-day meeting into a biennial weekend-long event. Parleys showcase the work of established puzzle makers while fostering and mentoring new puzzlers. They bring together creators, suppliers, collectors, and enthusiasts through presentations that explore the history of wooden puzzles, both traditional and innovative puzzle-making techniques, and the always-popular Show and Tell sessions.
The Puzzle Parley thrives because of the passion, generosity, and dedication of its volunteers. We are deeply grateful to the individuals who give their time and energy to make each Parley a meaningful and memorable experience for the puzzle community.
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 Steering Commitee
Roz Rea, President
Diane Bizzle, Vice-President
Conrad Armstrong, Treasurer
Jessica Komarow, Secretary
Lizabeth Stanley
Chris Yates
Sarah Schuler
Maury Hanigan
Diane Bizzle, Vice-President
Conrad Armstrong, Treasurer
Jessica Komarow, Secretary
Lizabeth Stanley
Chris Yates
Sarah Schuler
Maury Hanigan
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.
