In the News

A Viking Boat Odyssey

En route to the Danish Canadian National Museum and Gardens in Dickson, Alberta

Freydis Joanna is an authentic replica of a Viking boat from about 850 AD; she is on her way (by land!) to the Danish Canadian National Museum and Gardens in Dickson, Alberta (www. dancanmuseum.ca). She was built over the eight months July, 2008 through February, 2009, at the Boat Yard of the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, Denmark ( HYPERLINK “http://www. vikingeskibsmuseet.dk” www. vikingeskibsmuseet.dk). Freydis Joanna is 6.5 m in length and 1.4 m in width, built of Danish oak and fir, and complete with mast and sail, rigging and oars.

Freydis Joanna was built by Danish craftsmen using replica tools and handcraft methods from the Viking period. They are a valued part of the Viking Ship Museum, located not far from Copenhagen, Denmark; it is a part of the Danish National Museum. The

Viking Ship Museum is one of the world’s première collections of Viking boats, and of research in Viking sea-faring. The Museum’s research activity is fostered by the building and sailing of replica boats. Freydis Joanna is the eighth of such boats built by the Museum. She is similar to the boat in the interpretive centre at L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, the Canadian National Historic Site marking the only authenticated site of Viking settlement in North America. The Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec also has a similar boat in its collection.

This acquisition of an authentic replica of a Viking boat was made possible through the generosity of Karen and Kresten Sommer, formerly of Ponoka, Alberta, whose estate on Karen’s death provided $40,000.00 to the Danish Canadian National Museum and Gardens to be used “for something special”. The Danish Canadian National Museum and Gardens collects, preserves and tells the story of DanishCanadian immigrants through its collection of immigrant artifacts, and family stories and community histories. Its Mission is “To enrich Canada through the Danish Canadian National Museum, located in Dickson, Alberta; and to preserve and promote the culture and history of the Danes in Canada for a greater understanding and celebration of all humanity.” Karen and Kresten Sommer and their five children were themselves immigrants to Canada from Denmark in 1957; they came to Ponoka in 1959. The original of this boat was found near Oslo, Norway, a part of a larger collection of boats. It is thought that sometime around 900 AD a Viking of significant wealth and importance died, and was buried with rich grave goods. The goods included the large Gokstad “dragonship” and three smaller boats. Two of those smaller boats were “færings”, or four- oared boats, hence “Gokstadfæring”. One of the færings, after which this replica is patterned, has been well-documented. A Gokstadfæring does not conform to the usual image of a Viking boat – longer and with dragonheads at the prow and stern. However, this smaller craft shows all the construction details found in the larger ships. Research also indicates that it was a common Viking boat, likely often used for activity in coastal waters, and also likely carried, as the original was found, in larger boats and ships.

Freydis Joanna is being brought to the Danish Canadian National Museum and Gardens in August after a cross-Canada tour which started at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (www. museum. gov.ns.ca/mma/) in Halifax in June. She will be seen at many places across Canada where there are people of Danish or other Scandinavian background, and it will be part of special events such as the Icelandic Festival in Gimli, Manitoba. It will also be displayed at Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec and the Toronto Harbourfront.

Carl V. Sorensen, Board of Directors Danish Canadian National Museum

and Gardens

May, 2009

CALENDER SUBMISSION DEADLINE: For the Fall 2009 issue is August 25, 2009

Email: acc@albertacraft.ab.ca

TheAlberta Craft Council is open to submissions of opportunities for craftspeople,from any craft organization in the province, space permitting.If you are interested in promoting a special event,activity,gallery,show,or employment opportunity,please call theACC office.TheACC makes every effort to ensure the reliability of all the programs and services listed below;however we will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of doing business with any of the advertisers contained herein.

Notice to All ACC Members

Alberta Craft Council Members are entitled to free classified listing. Up to 50 words, one per issue, space permitting. Sell your work; promote your studio, place want ads, etc in your Alberta Craft Magazine. Simply email your listing to the attention of Joanne Hamel and make a note of what issue you want it to appear into — acc@albertacraft.ab.ca.

Calls For Artists

Check out www.albertacraft.ab.ca and hit the EVENTS link for up to date and expanded listings for calls for artists.

Call for Submissions, The Art of the Book: Calgary Public Library Foundation, Calgary

Deadline August 31 “The Art of the Book” is an art show, auction, and contest that will be featured at this fall’s Calgary Public Library Foundation Literary Awards. We are looking for all different mediums of art that reflect artist’s interpretations of reading, literacy, libraries, or books. Art pieces will be featured at the Literary Awards event on September 24, 2009 and winners from each of two categories (2-D and 3-D) will receive a $1000 cash prize and publicity package. All artists who submit will have a chance to auction off their art. Any and all artists are encouraged to submit for an excellent chance to get their work (and name) out there and showcase their talent! For rules and more information about “The Art of the Book” or the Calgary Public Library Literary Awards, please visit calgarypubliclibrary.com and click on “Donate” or call 403-260-2640.

The Red Hot Show, INFLUX Jewellery Gallery

Deadline for Submissions October 16 INFLUX Jewellery Gallery invites artists to interpret the theme of “The Red Hot Show” for our autumn exhibition of contemporary art jewellery. Some like it Red, some like it Hot and some like it Red Hot. What is your preference? Show us the limit of your passion for art, for life, or for whatever revs you up and keeps your work alive. As always, quality, uniqueness of design, and innovation will be high on the priority list of accepted work. Contact information: INFLUX Jewellery Gallery Shona Rae #201-100- 7 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0W4 403-266-7527 / info@influxgallery.com / www. influxgallery.com.

Call for Artists, SunCatcher’s Design Studio, Bragg Creek

Deadline Ongoing Are you an artist who is interested in putting some of their works in our shop on a consignment basis. We have limited space but are always happy to feature Alberta artists that we feel would be a fit with our environment and demographic. Please email an artist’s statement and image of your work for our consideration info@suncatchersdesigns.com (www.suncatchersdesigns.com).

Call for Entry, Art In The Park, Fish Creek Provincial Park

Deadline July 31. The Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society and Alberta Parks invite artists working in all media to join in this year’s Art in the Park, a one-day creativity extravaganza for artists and arts-appreciators alike! Sunday, September 13, 2009 114pm. Located at Sikome Lake in Fish Creek Provincial Park, artists working in all media display and create their work on the spot. At last year’s event over 700 visitors came out to enjoy the day’s activities. We invite you to consider participating in one of the following three categories: Artist-In-Residence, Commercial Artist, and Demonstration Artist. To receive further information contact Jamie Gray at jamiegray@shaw.ca.

Call for Instructor, Inukjuak, Nunavik

Deadline ongoing. This is a call for an instructor for a project we intended for Inukjuak, Nunavik (northern Quebec). We are opening a jewellery studio and are looking for a teacher. The posting did not bring any candidates here in Montreal so we are looking outside the province. If you are interested please contact Bruna Mastroianni, Education Consultant, Kativik School Board 514-482-8220 ext 343.

Call for Accessory Designers, Urban Knitters, Edmonton

Deadline is ongoing Urban Knitters, a new yarn and accessory retailer is looking for artisans that make unique decorative accessories to use on hand knitted items. Particularly looking for buttons, shawl pins, and purse handles to sell in the store. Contact Valerie at 780-438-3835, 10422-82 Avenue Edmonton.

The Art Gallery of Calgary Shop

Deadline is ongoing The AGCshop is interested to hear from Canada’s artists wanting to display their work on a consignment basis in addition to helping the public recognize the value and broad spectrum of Canadian Artist while finding that perfect gift for special someone. If you are interested in being part of our shop or have any questions please contact Mary-Colleen Rabb, Manager of Visitor Services and AGCshop at 403-770-1350 or mrabb@artgallerycalgary.org. Space is limited and we sadly cannot accept everyone. If you are not accepted please try contacting the AGCshop again in six months.

Artist Roster, The City of Calgary

Deadline is ongoing The City of Calgary Public Art Program seeks Expressions of Interest (i.e. Request for Qualifications) from experienced artists for inclusion in our Artist Roster. This call is open to local, national and international artists. The Artist Roster pre-qualifies artists for consideration on public art initiatives commissioned via limited calls (invitational opportunities) and/ or direct award (single source) contracts. Expressions of Interest submissions are accepted on an ongoing basis. Selection panels convene to review the submissions as deemed necessary by Program staff. To apply: Request Expression of Interest #05-008 from Edwin Whang, Buyer, Finance & Supply (Purchasing), phone: 403-268-4090, email: edwin.whang@calgary.ca.

*Note: the Open Call process is separate from the Artist Roster. When an open call to artists is issued for a specific public art project, all interested artists (including those on the Artist Roster) must complete a submission in order to be considered. For information about the Public Art Program, contact Rowena James, Public Art Program Coordinator at 403-268-2843 or rowena. james@calgary.ca.

Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft

Deadline is ongoing Where do Canadian and American craft artists sell to retailers specializing in high-quality handmade creations? At the biannual Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft, the largest wholesale trade show of its kind. www. americancraft.com/BMAC/index.html.

The Calgary Allied Arts Foundation Residency Program st[art]@Art Central

Deadline is ongoing st[art] @ Art Central is a short-term residency for artists and designers just out of school, or for those who have worked in a studio and would benefit from some short-term exhibition space. The studio space is available for up to two months and can be used as a work and/or exhibition space. The residency covers the rent for the term and includes a stipend of $500.00 per month. Project proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis with the programming committee meeting three times a year to review the applications. The submission form may be found at http://caafonline.org/documents/caaf_start_residency.pdf.

INFLUX Jewellery Gallery, Calgary

Deadline is ongoing Located in Art Central, the heart of Calgary’s Arts District, we represent a diverse selection of Canadian and international artists and designers specializing in art jewellery and wearable art. To apply please submit up to 8 slides with corresponding slide list, one page CV, artist’s statement and selfaddressed stamped envelope. Deadline is ongoing. Packages may be sent to #201, 100 – 7 Ave. SW, Calgary, AB, T2P 0W4. For more information call 403-266-7527, or email info@influxgallery.com.

Southern Alberta Art Gallery Gift Shop

Deadline is ongoing Are you seeking a select outlet for your finely crafted glass, ceramics, jewellery, weaving or quilting? The Southern Alberta Art Gallery, located in Lethbridge, AB extends an invitation to artists and craftspeople to build an appreciative client base for one-of-a-kind pieces. We currently carry the work of 40 Alberta and Canadian artisans and proudly feature that of several Alberta Craft Council members. Contact: Sue Black, Visitor Services Manager, Southern Alberta Art Gallery, 601-3 Ave. South Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0H4, 403- 327-8770 ext 0 or email sblack@ saag.ca.

The Carrot Community Arts Coffee House, Edmonton Deadline is ongoing The Carrot Community Arts Coffee House is looking for Artists and Artisans to display their work at a Saturday Arts Market that is held from 11:00 – 3:00 pm at The Carrot, which is located at 9351 - 118 Ave. We are hoping to feature new and different artists/artisans each week. We are also looking for Artists for a Gallery Show at The Carrot. If you are interested in participating please contact Karen 780-481-9015 or karenporkka@yahoo.ca.

Northern Alberta Jubilee Rotating Art Exhibitions, Edmonton

Deadline is ongoing The Rotating Art exhibits are an exciting example of the Friends Society’s support of local arts and artists. The exhibit, located in the Kaasa Lobby, will be available for viewing by patrons visiting the Jubilee for performances, functions and special events. Each show and artist is incorporated into the Jubilee’s education programs with youth and seniors. Art rotates on a quarterly basis – this allows us to feature a variety of Alberta artists throughout the year. Submission information is available on the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium website, www.jubileeauditorium.com.

Northern Life Museum, Fort Smith NWT

Deadline is ongoing The Northern Life Museum in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories is looking for qualified instructors for weekend workshops. We are presently looking for acrylic painting, precious metal clay and polymer clay jewellery instructors. We offer air fare, accommodation and instructor fees; meals are the responsibility of the instructor. If interested please contact Laurie Young, Manager at 867-872-2859 during the day and at 867872-2441 in the evening or nlmmanager@northwestel.net.

Invitation for Jurors and Instructors, Canmore Artists and Artisans Guild

Deadline is ongoing The Canmore Artists and Artisans Guild are looking for people to instruct workshops, perform critiques and/or jury works by the Canmore Artists and Artisans Guild in Canmore, Alberta. Please forward any comments or proposals with fee schedule to: Katie_anderson@telus.net / 403-678-9423.

The City Arts Centre, Edmonton

Deadline is ongoing Looking for new pottery instructors. Instructors should be able to throw, hand-build and have a good grasp of pottery as it relates to art, craft and design. Technical experience with electric oxidization kilns and glaze technology will be an asset alongside previous teaching experience. Resumes and CV’s can be sent to the City Arts Centre, 10943 - 84 Avenue, Edmonton AB T6G 0V5 or email ruth-anne.french@edmonton.ca.