Feature Gallery: THIRTY

THIRTY Feature Gallery

January 16 – April 3, 2010

The Alberta Craft Council celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2010. THIRTY includes 30 pieces and written insights from a selection of long-term, emerging and new members.

THIRTY ACC members have been invited to participate in this exhibition; it includes craft artists who have been active in the ACC for up to 30 years, members who contributed something to 30 years of change and growth, as well as craft artists who are going to be part of the next 30 years.

Each piece selected for this exhibition is representative of an artist’s involvement with the Craft Council. Many are from the past, such as a year when an ACC award was received, or when an artist joined the ACC board, or participated in a memorable ACC exhibition or event. Others are more recent work that shows some aspect of the ACC’s current role in their careers; and some represent or speculate a future that a member sees for their career or for the fine craft scene in general. THIRTY looks back and forward, through craft objects… and ACC member’s thoughts.

“As my serious work in warm glass didn’t really begin until I became a member of the ACC, and every milestone since that time has been associated with this outstanding organization, I see my entire career through the lens that is the Alberta Craft Council. “ James Lavoie

John Chalke Hinged Pod of Melting Snow, ceramic

James Lavoie Strata, warm glass

“Upon moving to Edmonton in 2006, I was surprised how strong the craft community is in Alberta and how supportive its members are of emerging artists.” Meghan Wagg

Dee Fontans

Defined, sterling silver, copper , enamel, tack soldered chain and Sgraffito enamel

Meghan Wagg , Red Domed Pendant, sterling silver and plastic

“When beginning artists ask me for career advice I tell them: join the ACC! I do this for the following reasons; the ACC promote the work of emerging artists, the ACC puts the artist first and works hard for your benefit, and the ACC is scrupulously honest. After bumping around the ‘Art Biz’ for many years I defy you to name another gallery that operates like this.” - Jeff Holmwood

Jeff Holmwood, Windy Day, forged steel and blown glass

Grethe Jensen, Wheat Weaving

Participating Artists

Bee Kingdom, Karen Cantine, John Chalke, Danny Choi,Dawn Detarando, Dee Fontans, Alanyee Goodwill, Martha Henry, Gillian Hillerud, Jeff Holmwood, Bonny Houston, Joan Irvin, Grethe Jensen, Stephanie Jonsson, Brad Keys, Christina Koscielnuk, James Lavoie, Charles Lewton-Brain, Brian McArthur, Tom McFall, Melissa Pedersen, Darren Petersen, Lyn Pflueger, Julia Reimer, Tyler Rock, Carol and Richard Selfridge ,Barbara Tipton,Sam Uhlick, Meghan Wagg, Kari Woo, Simon Wroot