Summer 2016 - Alberta Craft Magazine

CRAFTING CONSCIENCE

July 9 - October 1, 2016

ALBERTA CRAFT

THE

MAGAZINE

The Alberta Craft Magazine is published quarterly. Submission Deadline for the Fall Issue: August 25, 2016

The Alberta Craft Magazine makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, but assumes no liability in cases of error or changing conditions. Any business relation or other activities undertaken as a result of the information contained in the Alberta Craft Magazine, or arising there from, are the responsibility of the parties involved and not of the Alberta Craft Council.

ALBERTA CRAFT COUNCIL

Offices, Gallery & Shop

10186 – 106th Street Edmonton, AB Canada T5J 1H4

Office Information

Hours Telefon

E-Mail

Website

Monday - Friday 9 am to 5 pm (780) 488-6611 OR 1-800-DO-CRAFT acc@albertacraft.ab.ca www.albertacraft.ab.ca

Alberta Craft Gallery and Shop

Hours

Telephone

Executive Director

Admin. Manager, Memberships

Marketing Design

Retail Gallery Manager

Financial Officer Gallery & Shop Assistants

Exhibition Coordinators

Monday – Saturday 10 am to 5pm Open until 6 pm on Thursdays (780) 488-5900

Staff

Tom McFall, ext. 228

Joanne Hamel, ext. 234

Jessica Telford, ext. 221 Ruta Nichol, ext. 231

Linda Frena, ext. 232

Wendy Arrowsmith, ext. 234

JoAnna Lange

Vanessa Rae Lee

Joanne Hamel

Ruta Nichol

Jessica Telford

Board of Directors

Chair Directors Tara Owen, Calgary

Jenna Stanton, Medicine Hat

Mary-Beth Laviolette, Canmore

Victor Steel, Fort McMurray

Kari Woo, Canmore

Patti Hartnagel, Edmonton

Dawn Deterando, Red Deer

Jennifer Salahub, Calgary

Meghan Wagg, Edmonton

Kai Georg Scholefield, Calgary

Brenda Malkinson, Edmonton

Jessica Telford, ext. 221 Editor Magazine Sponsors

Alberta Craft Council is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing Alberta craft and the Alberta craft industry.

From the Executive Director

This column seems to be about change and adaptation at the Alberta Craft Council.

As I write this, the ACC’s internet system is being upgraded. This will allow more and faster e-mails, e-news, and social media activity. It will also connect the new ACC Gallery in Calgary with the existing communications and data systems. For instance, if you sell your work regularly through the ACC in Edmonton or in the (future) ACC location in Calgary, staff in either location can provide quick access to stock, sales or profile details. And members, website visitors or social media followers will be able to find more information about ACC exhibitions, marketing, and events in both locations.

Another, yet invisible, change is to this magazine. It is now being composed and designed in-house. Graphic designer Matthias Reinecke of Lime Design has been the magazine designer for a very long time. We want to thank him for his dedication to the publication. The design of this issue is by Ruta Nichol, who you may already know as part of the ACC’s exhibition team. The magazine production has been moved to a single company that will print, package and mail. These changes will make the magazine less expensive to produce and quicker to deliver to you.

Another big change is the new ACC Professional Member category. This has been several years in discussion. Read more about the various continuing and new member benefits on page 2.

Another change, perhaps less desirable yet financially necessary, is to the ACC’s subscription arrangement with Studio Magazine. ACC has been a financial supporter since the Ontario Craft Magazine was converted into a national Canadian craft publication. You receive Studio twice each year because ACC pays for your subscription. This costs about $8000 per year. From now on, a Studio subscription will be a perk for the new professional members. General members will be encouraged to subscribe on their own. See page 3.

On page 4 you will read about Nancy St. Hilaire’s retirement party. This is probably the biggest change at the ACC in a long time. After 27 years Nancy has departed. She is headed west to a new life in Courtenay-Comox. Nancy is irreplaceable, but stepping into her role is Wendy Arrowsmith. Most recently she has been the owner-operator of a nifty Belgravia-district coffee shop in Edmonton. She knows all about the energy, resources, skills and challenges around operating an independent business. Prior to that adventure, Wendy worked in various aspects of small business management, which was also the focus of her Commerce degree. So she will bring her expertise in revenue and expense details, financial planning, budgeting and accounting to the ACC. We want to welcome her to this demanding but fascinating new role.

Finally, on the topic of change… the new NDP government has reneged on promises to improve provincial arts funding. Last year, they announced increased funding to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts of $5 million. This was to compensate for the cut in 2010 of $5.5 million. But, the economy has taken its toll and this increase has been delayed indefinitely. Although this cancelled funding increase doesn’t have much immediate impact on the ACC’s short-term future, it will affect access to grants and other opportunities for individual artists and smaller arts organizations, investment in arts capital projects, much needed arts content in tourism promotions, arts export, and other aspects of our sector.

Tom McFall

On the Cover

Mammoth by Fei Su, 2015 Indian rose wood, sterling silver, fine silver, peridot 2” x 2” x 1”

Fei Su (Edmonton) is inspired by Chinese culture, Art Nouveau and music. She works with wood, metal and gems. Fei graduated from Alberta College of Art + Design in 2015 with a BFA and the Board of Governor’s Award in Jewellery and Metals. In 2014, Fei studied Wood Inlay for Jewellery, a workshop taught by Daniel DiCaprio in Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Tennessee. Fei was a Finalist for the 2016 NICHE Student Awards, as well as for the 2015 Student Jewellery Competition by L. A. Pai Gallery in Ottawa, Canada.

Find Out More...

About the Feature Gallery exhibition Crafting Conscience on page 6 & 7 featuring Eveline Kolijn and more.

Artificial Nature by Eveline Kolijn

The new membership structure takes effect July 1, 2016. Visit the ACC website for more detailed information and Q & A about the new membership categories - www. albertacraft.ab.ca/memberbenefits.

By the way, the last change to the ACC membership structure and fees took place in 2004.

Membership News

The Alberta Craft Council is proud to introduce its new membership structure. This continues the ACC’s efforts to promote, develop and advocate for fine craft in Alberta, to elevate the value and perceptions of fine craft, and to enhance craft professionalism. (For ACC’s mandate, visit www.albertacraft.ab.ca/about-the-acc/)

An up-dated membership structure has been discussed generally for several years, but the specifics of a “professional member” category are surprisingly complicated and sometimes debatable. Despite some internal administrative complexity, this should offer a variety of new opportunities for members who want more services, support and promotion for their careers. ACC research looked at other provincial craft councils as well as similar Canadian and US organizations. For example, the Craft Council in Quebec, the Conseil des métier d’ art, has an exclusively professional juried membership, whereas the Saskatchewan Craft Council and Nova Scotia Designer Craft Council have marketing member categories. Other organizations vary widely in membership structure. Overall it seems that organizations with two levels of membership; one with a general category for aficionados, customers, supporters, students and dedicated amateur craftspeople, and another expanded membership for professional craftspeople or craft artists, academics, curator/ writers, gallery operators, and others working in the craft field; seem to offer the best balance of service, promotion, and member satisfaction.

The General Membership (formerly the Individual Membership) is open to all those working in the craft sector and to anyone interested in supporting the development of Alberta Craft.

The new Professional Membership provides access to additional marketing initiatives including the opportunity to sell in the Edmonton and/or Calgary Retail Gallery Shops, access to national and international projects, entry to the national Citizens of Craft campaign and a subscription to STUDIO Magazine. There will also be future initiatives designed to enrich career growth and promotion, specifically for professional members.

A Professional Craft Artist, as defined by the ACC, has specialized training in their discipline, either academic and/or self-taught or traditional knowledge, and has professional recognition amongst his or her peers and/or public. He or she should also operate a studio practice and create a distinctive body of work that is sold and/or exhibited locally, nationally and/or internationally.

Unlike many other craft organizations, ACC Professional members can also be those with craft related expertise including: academics, teachers, researchers, curators, writers, and arts administrators.

The Business & Organization Membership is open to organizations representing the craft sector and supporting the development of Alberta Craft. This includes single media organizations, provincial, national, and international arts organizations, galleries, shops, craft sales, educational institutions, etc.

The Student Membership is open to individuals who are enrolled in a post-secondary institution and are studying within a fine craft discipline.

The new membership structure takes effect July 1, 2016. Visit the ACC website for more detailed information and Q & A about the new membership categories - www.albertacraft.ab.ca/member-benefits.

Professional Member (check all that apply)

you currently sell through the ACC Retail Gallery you have participated in an ACC exhibition within the last 2 years you currently operate a personal studio practice you sell your work through other galleries, shops, craft sales or studio sales you exhibit work in exhibitions provincially, nationally and/or internationally you have post-secondary education related to craft and/or self-taught or traditional knowledge you have other craft related expertise: teaching, researching, writing, curating, etc. you have received awards and/or grants in recognition of your work you have received public recognition through publications, videos, media coverage, etc.

Alberta Craft Council Membership Types

1 Year

2 Year

Enews

What’s In

CCF Enews

Alberta Craft Magazine

Exhibition opportunities

Invitations to special events

Website member listing & craft related link

Social Media promotions

Volunteer opportunities

Referrals: teaching, business, peer networking, marketing, & commissions

Eligible for Alberta Craft Award nominations

One vote at AGM

Advisory Committee (career development / apply to Gallery Shop)

Eligible for board nomination and to participate on committees

10% ACC Gallery Shop discount

Professional Member Benefits

National and international projects

Marketing - Edmonton Gallery Shop

Marketing - Calgary Gallery Shop

Marketing - Shop artist website portolio page

Marketing - Citizens of Craft profile

Marketing - Membership tent cards

Studio Magazine*

ACC Staff Update

Alberta Craft Council

DISCOVERY GALLERY Call For Proposals 2017

The Discovery Gallery is dedicated to showcasing new work by established and emerging craft artists as well as small group exhibitions.

Submission Content:

Cover Letter that includes: contact information (name, address, phone and email); detailed description and theme of the exhibition; number of pieces/artists in or expected to participate in the exhibition; time of year preferred

Current ACC membership

Current CV - artist resume

Artist biography

Images with image list:

• high quality images of the work to be presented in the exhibition or representative of the work. Include drawings and a written description of the work if it has not yet been created.

• high quality portrait of the artist (in the studio or against a neutral background)

• image list must include: title, year created, dimensions, materials and techniques

Submit to/questions:

ACC Exhibition Team

T: 780-488-6611 ext. 231 or 1-800-DO-CRAFT

E: ruta@albertacraft.ab.ca

W: www.albertacraft.ab.ca/acc-calls-for-entry/

M: 10186 - 106 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 1H4

DEADLINE: JULY 15, 2016

In May, ACC current and former staff, members and friends joined together to wish Nancy St. Hilaire a happy retirement. The ACC thanks Nancy for her immeasurable contribution to the organization over the past 27 years. The ACC welcomes Wendy Arrowsmith as the new Financial Officer, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the position including her most recent experience as a café owner. For a complete staff listing visit www.albertacraft.ab.ca/acc-staff

ACC AGM at Museum of Making

On June 18, the ACC AGM was held at the incredible Museum of Making near Cochrane, Alberta. At the AGM, attendees learned about many exciting projects the ACC is currently working on. Attendees were updated on the Alberta Craft Council Calgary Gallery & Shop in cSpace King Edward Arts Hub. It is expected to open spring 2017 and the ACC needs to raise $40,000 more toward the new space.

The ACC thanks and wishes farewell to Board Treasurer Patti Hartnagel after 10 years served on the Board.

After the AGM, guests had the opportunity to view the Museum of Making’s fascinating private collection, with a tour led by Japheth Howard, resident (master) blacksmith and custodian at the Museum.

Jane Kidd: 2016 Saidye Bronfman Award for Excellence in Fine Crafts Laureate

The ACC is pleased to announce ACC member Jane Kidd (Salt Spring Island, BC) is the 2016 winner of the Saidye Bronfman Award for excellence in fine crafts. Jane Kidd taught in the Alberta College of Art + Design Fibre Program for more than 30 years and has been an active member of the Alberta Craft Council since 1993. She was the Alberta Craft Award of Excellence recipient in 2008. Her work has been featured in multiple ACC exhibitions, publications and acquisition projects.

Through the act of weaving, Jane Kidd engages in a sensual process and employs a physical language to establish links with the viewer. She creates contemporary objects that convey a deep engagement with the natural world and draws our attention to our constantly renegotiated relationship with it. Kidd

appreciates that she is a participant in the continuum of its makers, the counterpoint it provides to modern life, and the hands-on materiality it embodies.

According to Jennifer Salahub, a historian at the Alberta College of Art + Design, “Kidd emphatically demonstrates that issues central to much visual art practice today – including gender, identity, postcolonialism, economic justice and ethics – are relevant to contemporary tapestry, and by extension to all fine craft.”

Above: Curioser and Curioser # 2 by Jane Kidd, 2015 Woven tapestry 18” x 72”

John Cameron

Photo:

Land Sentence: Arbour by Jane Kidd, 2009 . Woven tapestry, 32.6” x 80.7” . Collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts .

Photo: John Dean

From the original guilds, through utopian societies, arts and craft movements, hippy communes, to craftivism, there is a long tradition of craftspeople making both craft work and radical statements. Crafting Conscience examines some of the more compelling, complex and troubling social issues of our time. Topics include current issues happening both near and afar: the Syrian refugee crisis, environmental causes such as the conservation of natural habitats, greed and overconsumption, political freedom, gender roles and more.

Feature Gallery

of Alan Kurdy, in particular, affected me deeply. As a father of two young children, I wanted to consider the experience of “the other” and how it both relates and differs from my own lived experience and sense of self.

- Andrew Ackerman

Dates

July 9 – October 1, 2016 Artist Reception: 2-4 pm, Saturday, July 16

Left: I’ll show you mine if you show me… by Matt Gould, 2016 Vintage linen, wool batting, cotton thread 9 1/2” x 10” x 4”

Ever since I started working in textile it would appear that I can’t keep quiet! Whether I am looking at sexuality and LGBT rights or making some statement about being a man, or complaining about arts funding cuts - when I have needle and thread in hand…off I go expressing opinions! As my late mother-in-law asked “Don’t you ever shut up?” -

Not Everyone Has A House started with 8 stenciled houses. When arranged in a traditional quilting 9 patch configuration there was an empty space, which made sense to me because not everyone has a house. This empty space invites contemplation. Is it a dream of a home not yet realized, or the loss of a house? - Margie

Davidson

By constructing organisms from plastic and Styrofoam, which share the same source as petroleum, I connect consequences of consumption of fossil fuels in our society with the beauty and fragility of the natural world.

- Eveline Kolijn

Matt Gould

Echo 2 is a hollow large-scale head composed of terracotta clay and resin. The image represented is that of a young child…The impetuous for this work stems from recent news broadcasts of the Syrian refuge crisis, and more specifically, from images and audio describing the effect the tragedy is having on young children. The death

Participating artists: Andrew Ackerman (Callander, ON), Laura Ajayi (Athabasca), PJ Anderson (Winnipeg, MB), Ilse Anysas-Salkauskas (Cochrane), Brenda Danbrook (Opal), Margie Davidson (Edmonton), Matt Gould (Red Deer), Leah Gravells (Edmonton), Barbara Heller (Vancouver, BC), Eveline Kolijn (Calgary), Ken Lumbis (Grande Prairie), Dana Roman (Canmore), Fei Su (Edmonton)

Above: Echo 2 by Andrew Ackerman, 2016 Terracotta, resin, audio 18” x 23” x 22” Visit: www.albertacraft.ab.ca/ feature-gallery

Discovery Gallery

Dates

June 18 - July 23, 2016

Artist Reception: 2-4pm, Saturday, June 25

Above:

Asooyatsimaan - A Bag With Precious Things by Albertine Crow Shoe, 2015 Overlay Silver with SS chain

Minisa

by Sharon Rose Kootenay, 2016 Beadwork on wool strout

Carrying On Bags, pouches & other containers by Alberta Aboriginal artists

The exhibition Carrying On is a new project and opportunity for Aboriginal artists and the Alberta Craft Council. Edmonton, Calgary and other Alberta cities have rapidly growing urban aboriginal populations and burgeoning indigenous cultural scenes. In such an electric atmosphere of aboriginal culture awareness, reconciliation, revival and fluorescence, what of the traditional or contemporary craft arts practices? With this exhibition, the ACC has begun the search for the carriers and containers of new Aboriginal culture; celebrating Aboriginal craft artists, dancers, designers, and others engaged in the making of traditional, contemporary or interdisciplinary objects.

Visit: www.albertacraft.ab.ca/ discovery-gallery

Carrying On includes a spectrum of Aboriginal artists at all stages of their artistic careers. A few are currently students, others are teachers eager to pass on traditional knowledge. They are building on their rich cultural heritage, expressing a new blending of traditional and contemporary cultural energy.

As a result of Carrying On new relationships are already forming. In addition to this being Albertine Crow Shoe’s first exhibition at the ACC, she is now consigning her jewellery in the ACC Gallery Shop. Albertine’s pieces in Carrying On are her interpretation of her family’s signature parfleche (bag)

graphics.

Sharon Rose Kootenay is a longtime member and has exhibited her work many times at the ACC. As a Métis Cree artist and teacher, the beadwork she produces has roots in traditional native women’s artistic practice.

Amber Weasel Head is currently studying at Portage College in Lac La Biche. She is Blackfoot (Kainai) and Bitter Root Salish. Amber’s art reflects her understanding of her cultures and her connections to her ancestors. Her works include beadwork, painting, mixed media, film making, performance and digital arts. View work by Amber and other participating artists by visiting the online exhibition on the ACC website.

Participating artists: Amber Weasel Head, Melissa-Jo Belcourt Moses, Albertine Crow Shoe, Jamie John-Kehewin, Sharon Rose Kootenay, Morgwn Martin, Kathleen McIntyre, Ben Moses

Get Lost Ruth-Anne French

Get Lost is about having an experience without a guidebook. It is about wanting to reclaim and reconstruct an outcome and at the same time venture off into the unknown. It is about accepting the idea that devastation and ruin are built into human development. And lastly it is about possibilities.

The medium of clay lends itself well to molding and building. Visual and visceral experiences of working with clay can be turned into unexpected and extraordinary shapes and colours. The ceramic vessels in this series are constructed using molds, extruded parts and thrown methods. They are a mix of design elements encountered in the urban landscape; numbers, colour, line, ornament and sometimes wreckage and decay decorate the surfaces.

Since leaving Emily Carr College in Vancouver in 2002, I have been preoccupied with the urban structure of the city. Architecture, space, memory and emotion inspire my perceptions and glossy buildings, slick or deteriorated facades, blank doorways, concrete pathways and the jumble of different constructions inform my process. –

Ruth-Anne French

Discovery Gallery

Ruth-Anne French (Edmonton) is a practicing artist working in ceramics. She follows the studio pottery tradition to produce series of architectural sculptures, vessels and public interventions. She is interested in architecture, design and the social and semiotic aspects of the built environment. Ruth-Anne has shown her work across Canada and engages in ongoing collaborations and exhibitions. Ruth-Anne was born in Windsor, Ontario and raised in Edmonton. She earned a BFA Transfer Degree from Red Deer College (2000), a BFA from Emily Carr University of Art + Design (2002), and an MFA from the University of Regina (2004). She is currently the Fine Art Program Coordinator for the City Arts Centre, City of Edmonton and a Pottery Instructor at the Art Gallery of St. Albert.

Dates

July 30 - September 3, 2016

Artist Reception: 2-4 pm, Saturday, August 6

Above: 112,113,114 by Ruth-Anne French, 2016 Clay, glaze

012 by Ruth-Anne French, 2016 Clay, glaze 15” x 10”

Visit: www.albertacraft.ab.ca/ discovery-gallery

Discovery Gallery

Dates

July 30 - September 3, 2016

Artist Reception: 2-4 pm, Saturday, August 6

Above:

Glenora Back Alley Maple

by Margie Davidson, 2016 Paper, cloth, stitching 10” x 10”

Work in progress (detail) paper, cloth, stitching

Small Works: Paper & Cloth Margie Davidson

In June 2015, through the Alberta Craft Council, I had the opportunity to be a homestay host for two paper artists from Wonju, Korea. Edmonton and Wonju have a cooperative cities agreement, and the Korean artists were visiting to celebrate Craft Year 2015.

While the Korean artists were visiting Edmonton, I presented a workshop and shared my love of sunprinting, the technique I use to print images on fabric with textile paint. I attended two workshops presented by the Korean artists in which I discovered the pleasure of working with the hand-made Korean Hanji papers. I began wondering … “What if I tried the sunprinting technique on the Hanji papers?” So I tried it, and the results were fabulous!

and a newly retired husband, I explored the city and collected different leaves on my bike rides. Twelve different leaves from twelve different locations around Edmonton are represented in this exhibition. - Margie Davidson

Margie Davidson is a textile artist based in Edmonton who works with a variety of textile processes in cloth. Her love of colour and the changing colours of the seasons are joyfully expressed through the fabrics she paints and the artworks she creates. Her award winning art quilts have been exhibited in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the United States.

Visit: www.albertacraft.ab.ca/ discovery-gallery

The idea for this exhibition Small Works: Paper & Cloth was born out of my longing to combine my sunprinted fabric and the sunprinted Hanji papers as a way to physically create a remembrance of this cultural exchange experience.

As a host I was gifted with two small masks in a shadow box frame from one of the artists who stayed at my house. The gift inspired the format of these small works.

By spending time with the Korean artists, I saw Edmonton through new eyes. With a new bike

Discovery Gallery

Transformation – Hooked Sculptures Rachelle

LeBlanc

As an artist distinctly attuned to surface, and whose process explores the possibilities of the rug hooking medium, it comes as no surprise that Rachelle LeBlanc has been working on a series of 3D sculptures. With her new exhibition, Transformation – Hooked Sculptures, she introduces us to her unique exploration of mixed materials and forms.

In this exhibition, Rachelle explores how storytelling, thought, imagination, and emotions are manifested externally on the figurative form. All fourteen figures are made by hand with handdyed linen and woollen fabrics. Other elements that are also created by Rachelle include butterflies, milking benches, chests and beds. Hand-built in red-earthenware clay, these forms incorporate multiple layers of underglazes, stains and slips to achieve depth of color and explore mark-making.

Storytelling connects us to one another and helps explain who we are. When we are displaced, we carry our traditions, memories and history with us and try to recreate what has been left behind to define a new sense of belonging. Physical and emotional displacement can compose the essential elements of human existence. Events such as birth, growth, emotion, aspiration, conflict and mortality are part of who we are and can help

tell our story. Rachelle’s work draws on this storytelling narrative that is motivated by an outward expression of inward thoughts and emotions. It bears bold narratives of human experiences and explores themes of birth, death, and renewal.

Rachelle LeBlanc (St. Albert) is a textile artist whose work explores the shifting paradigms of people and place through narrative figures, landscapes and sculpture. Influenced by the radical reshaping of the rural landscape she grew up in, she investigates how our lives are affected by our experiences, surroundings and the connections we form with other people, friends and family.

Her work has been exhibited internationally in numerous group and solo shows. Recently, Rachelle participated in group and solo shows at Yeiser Art Center in Paducah, Kentucky, The Gallery, University of Connecticut in Stamford, The Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, Art Gallery of Regina, Art Gallery of St. Albert, University of Winnipeg Gallery and the Alberta Craft Council.

Dates

September 10 - October 15, 2016

Artist Reception: 2-4 pm, Saturday, September 17

Above:

First Steps by Rachelle LeBlanc, 2015 Wool, linen, polyester fill, earthenware, glaze, underglaze, wood 33” x 16” x 12”

Sisters (detail) by Rachelle LeBlanc, 2016 Wool, linen, polyester fill, earthenware, glaze, underglaze, wood 38” x 16 ½” x 91/2”

Visit: www.albertacraft.ab.ca/ discovery-gallery

Shop Talk

Still Making It

It’s incredible to fathom that the ACC Retail Gallery Shop has been in existence for over 25 years. Starting in the spring of 1991, that partial year achieved just under $6000 in sales. Fast forward 25 years and 3 locations later, the Retail Gallery is now reaching over $400,000 in sales annually and represents approximately 150 artists.

But more outstanding is the realization that many artists represented on our current roster of Retail Gallery artists are still producing for the shop. The following celebrates those artists who started consigning in the first year of the Gallery Shop and who continue to contribute to its ongoing success:

Karen Cantine, Jewellery and Small Metals (Edmonton)

Internationally recognized, Karen’s work is in collections including the Canadian Museum of Civilization, University of Iowa and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. In 2005, Karen was inducted into Edmonton’s Cultural Hall of Fame and in 2014 was chosen as a new member of the Royal Academy of Arts.

Sarabeth Carnat, Jewellery (Calgary)

Sarabeth combines gold-smithing with her background in sculpture to create jewellery. Her unique and functional pieces are handcrafted using a Korean technique called “Keumbo” to bond the gold and silver.

Jim Etzkorn, Ceramics (Medicine Hat)

A studio potter and educator, Jim has been creating his art for more than 35 years. Jim’s work is represented in public and private collections in Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Britain, the Netherlands, Spain and throughout North America.

Michelle Gluza, Heritage (Edmonton)

Michelle practices the heritage craft of pressed flowers. Handpicking delicate flowers from prairie fields, woods and roadsides and preserving them to be enjoyed year-round, Michelle’s work elevates and celebrates the flora indigenous to our local landscapes.

Janet Grabner, Ceramics (East Coulee)

Much of Janet’s inspiration comes from living in East Coulee, with its hoodoos, fossils and signature scenery. Her imagery is inspired by the natural world and the

transformations that have occurred to evolve the landscape.

Patti Hartnagel, Ceramics (Edmonton) After working for several years in functional pottery, Patti started experimenting with Raku, a centuries old firing technique developed in Japan. Born in Connecticut, Patti received her degrees in sociology and social work before studying ceramics at Red Deer College and the University of Alberta.

Martha Henry, Glass (Calgary) Martha is one of the founders of Alberta’s exciting hot glass scene. Having pioneered a number of techniques and surface treatments in her long career as a glass blower, Martha transitioned to working smaller scale making glass beads which incorporate the same attention to detail and surface treatments that established her glass career.

Bonny Houston, Glass (Calgary)

A committed member of the glass art community, Bonny exhibits locally, nationally, and internationally while maintaining an active studio practice. Bonny has been creating her colourful line of glass from her studio in Calgary since 1994.

Charles Lewton-Brain, Jewellery and Small Metals (Calgary)

Charles’ work is concerned with process, beauty, function and the tensions between nature and structure. Charles also developed an innovative series of techniques new to the metalsmithing field which allow rapid development of 3-dimensional surfaces and structures using simple equipment, called “fold forming”. In 2012, Charles was awarded the prestigious Saidye Bronfman Award for his lasting mark on fine crafts.

Darren J Petersen, Glass (Red Deer) Darren is a proud regionalist. He grew up in Alberta, “close to the land and wild things”, and feels this landscape has a very strong influence on the objects he creates. “I think that creativity is something which virtually everyone has a capacity for. Being creative is not just a career choice; it is a way of life and a constant exploration of self.”

Sandi Skakun, Ceramics (Edmonton) Recently retired from her ceramic career, Sandi can boast an outstanding 40 year studio practice. Working from her Edmonton studio, Sandi’s shaped the clay

by hand and used a variety of clays and glazes to create her signature bells and ornaments still popular during the Christmas season.

Barbara Tipton, Ceramics (Calgary) Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Barbara received her Masters of Fine Arts in Ceramics from the Ohio State University. Barbara’s work has received substantial recognition, with multiple inclusions in publications, public, private and corporate collections.

Sam Uhlick, Ceramics (Ardrossan) “If all ceramics were divided into two groups, there would be those objects that are dusted and those pots that are washed. Almost all of mine would end up in the kitchen sink.”

Simon Wroot, Small Metals (Calgary) Simon has become known for his extraordinary detailed miniature landscapes created from layers of bronze, copper, nickel, steel and sterling silver. For Simon, “...the stories of Alberta’s old buildings are still visible, still recountable and I feel a real desire to keep them alive.”

With new and emerging artists seeking representation with the Retail Gallery Shop, we cannot forget that through continued dialogue and commitment to professional growth, these relationships can become long and fruitful. Craft artists join the ACC because of its reputation; it is important to recognize those artists who helped build that reputation and who continue to make the ACC Retail Gallery a destination to artists, audiences and enthusiasts alike.

Pendant by Martha Henry

Artist Spotlights

JULY

Tammy Parks-Legge, Stony Plain

Tammy welcomes you to her two newest lines of work Flowers and Lace and Spring Flowers. They have come about gradually through experimentation in her last year of studio work. By combining decoration techniques, both new and long-standing, with established glazes in new applications, Tammy has produced vibrant, colourful results. In her 17 years with clay, Tammy considers these works to be the most reflective of her personality and interests to date. Her appreciation of all things pretty, colourful and natural shine through brilliantly with these new pieces. “I smile every time I open the kiln or use my favorite mug for a steaming cup of coffee!”

AUGUST

Darren J Petersen, Red Deer

Gerber Daisies are to my mind, the quintessential happy flower. When children draw flowers, they often depict the iconic shape and bright colours of Gerber Daisies. They are also the blossom most often found on the lapels of clowns.

The blown glass Gerber Bottles in this spotlight exhibition are designed to house a single daisy or two in a whimsical presentation. While I love fine Venetian glass combined with exotic orchids, the staple in our home is this simple cone vessel with a playfully gestured glass coil and a pink, orange or yellow daisy. Ultimately, my goal with this collection is to make people smile and to enrich their lives with a unique handmade object that can be paired with an inexpensive blossom found in most grocery stores.

SEPTEMBER

Laura Sharp, Calgary

In order to come to terms with our northern climate, Laura has chosen to embrace the natural beauty of Alberta; one that is found nowhere else on earth. Laura celebrates and expresses this beauty through her own unique interpretation of it. She also looks to other northern design traditions such as the printmakers of Cape Dorset, Japanese ceramic traditions, and design traditions from Nordic countries.

Laura produces carved porcelain pieces that are both handmade and hand-carved, allowing for her to continually revisit and handle the entire surface of the pieces, many times over. For the Spotlight series, Laura continues her investigation of surface design by introducing the element of colour through underglazes and luster techniques. These inclusions bring a fresh energy and joy to her work.

Laura is also intent on translating the surface designs into 3-dimensional forms. The pieces are both functional and sculptural, inviting them to be handled, used and of course, cherished.

Cream & sugar by Tammy Parks-Legge

Glass vases by Darren J Petersen

Flower bowl by Laura Sharp

In the News

Kudos

Voices for the Vote is a current exhibition at the Borealis Gallery in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Edmonton from June 6 - August 14, 2016 exploring how the places, people and culture of the prairies combined to create an atmosphere where women’s suffrage campaigns could succeed. Participating artists include ACC members: Judy Weiss, Sharon Rubuliak, Susan Kristoferson and others.

Outside The Box 4.0 and the Edmonton Box made their way to Industry City in Brooklyn, NY from May 7 – 17, 2016. Participants include ACC members Karen Cantine, Matt Heide (Concrete Cat), Terry Hildebrand, and Diane Krys This year’s Edmonton Box theme, Multiples, represents the strong undercurrent of opportunity located in the prairies of Alberta.

Tony Bloom (Canmore) participated in RÉcréation La matière en jeu at the Centre MATERIA, Québec City (April 8 – May 22, 2016). Curated by Nathalie Racicot, the exhibition included ten multidisciplinary artists. On April 6, the Maison des métiers d’art de Québec hosted a lunch conference with Tony Bloom.

Dana Roman (Canmore) and Dawn Saunders-Dahl (Canmore) participated in the exhibition Abstraction at the Canmore Art Guild Gallery. It was the Gallery’s first exhibition focused on abstract art. April 14 - 26, 2016.

Aaron Nelson (Medicine Hat) exhibited SEE & Innovation at Medalta’s Yuill Family Gallery from April 14 – May 31, 2016. Aaron took the public through the research and development of combining industrial analogue technologies and emerging digital technologies with a studio ceramics practice.

Liv Pedersen’s (Calgary) tapestry was juried into The International Biennial of Miniature Art 2016 at the Mansarda Gallery of Fine Art and Design in Timișoara, Romania. Her tapestry is now in their permanent collection.

Sharon Willas Rubuliak (Sherwood Park) was featured in an exhibition at Centre d’arts visuels de l’Alberta in Edmonton. She presented a new mixed media series of work about prairie suffragettes. March 11 - 30, 2016.

Larissa Blokhuis (Calgary) held her solo exhibition Into The Woods at the Craft Council of BC in Vancouver, BC on May 12 – June 23, 2016. Her mixed media work (glass, ceramic and fibre) explores our deeply ingrained human connection to nature as we move toward a more urban population.

Diane Krys (Edmonton) is featured in the new publication Worldwide Colours of Felt released by Textile-Link of the Netherlands. Worldwide Colours of Felt is the latest edition in a series of books on international contemporary textiles and felting.

Keith Walker (Edmonton) has been awarded a month long glassblowing residency at Salem State University for July 2016. He will work with three other glass artists from Hawaii, Alaska, and the United Kingdom during his residency.

INNOVATION, a juried exhibition of fine jewellery and metalwork was presented by the Metal Arts Guild of Canada in celebration of their 70th anniversary at 18Karat in Toronto. Shona Rae (Calgary) was awarded Best in Show - Steel Trophy for Sugar Skull Swing Ring and Sugar Skull Bone Box The Design Award went to Jackie Anderson (Calgary) for Looking Forward: Sorrento Lorgnette. The exhibition also featured Charles LewtonBrain (Calgary). May 5 – June 2, 2016.

Tammy Parks-Legge’s (Stony Plain) exhibition Set It Up was featured at the Parkland Potters/Crooked Pot Gallery in Stony Plain for the month of June 2016. The exhibition featured a collection of Tammy’s functional decorative pottery sets.

Home Remedies by Sharon Rubuliak

Mr. John. by Liv Pedersen

Flowers & Tea for 4 by Tammy Parks-Legge

Brenda Raynard’s (Edmonton) exhibition

21 KONSTRUKTIONS: A Language of Thought was on display at the Annex Gallery at the Craft Council of Newfoundland & Labrador from March 12 – April 16, 2016. Also, Brenda was awarded third place for Rust and Tar in FANTASTIC FIBRES 2016, Yeiser Art Centre Paducah, KY. April 9 – June 4, 2016.

Connie Pike (High River) participated in the exhibition How to Paint Infinity at Artpoint Gallery and Studio Society in Calgary from June 3 – 25, 2016. Connie strives to make beautiful, passionate work that enriches people’s daily lives.

Donna Brunner (Battle Lake) was featured in Showcase Your Art at the Art Gallery of Alberta with her piece Indian Paintbrush. Donna enjoys working from Purple Finch, her straw bale constructed studio.

Paula Cooley’s (Saskatoon) exhibition Mix was on display at the Humboldt and District Gallery, SK. Curiosity and experimentation drove Paula to work in various media, shapes, textures and firing methods. The result was a ceramics show which encapsulated her full artistic talents in ceramics and mixed materials. April 1 – June 18, 2016.

Ilse Anysas Salkauskas (Cochrane) and Barbara J. West (Canmore) participated in the exhibition Hanging by a Thread at the Casa Gallery in Lethbridge. The genesis for the group exhibition arose when Ilse and Barbara were studying the Marie Erickson Rug Collection (Middle Eastern) at the Nickle Arts Museum. April 30 - June 15, 2016

Focus on Fibre Arts Association’s biennial exhibition My Heritage is at Enterprise Square, Edmonton from May 5 – August 31, 2016. The exhibition continues on to the Artstream Gallery at PageMaster, Edmonton (September 1 – 30) and Dow Centennial Centre Fort Saskatchewan (November 1 - 30, 2016). Participating ACC members include Brenda Raynard, Sharon Rubuliak and Leah Gravells.

Eveline Kolijn (Calgary) presented new work in her exhibition Metabolism at DaDe Loft Gallery in Calgary. The June 2016 exhibition resulted from two residencies, one at the Vorres Museum of Contemporary Art in Greece in 2015 and at a lung cancer research laboratory at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California in 2013.

Amy Skrocki (Edmonton) presented her new collection of wearable art, jewellery and accessories on the runway during Western Canadian Fashion Week on March 28, 2016 at ATB Financial Arts Barns, Edmonton.

Leah Gravells (Edmonton) was awarded second place in the Small Wall Quilts Pictorial category at Paduach Quilt Week (April 20 to 23, 2016) for Approaching Storm. Also, Summer Solstice by Leah was in the Canadian Quilter’s Association National Juried Show at The International Centre in Toronto (June 15 - 18, 2016).

3 Choices by Ilse Anysas Salkauskas

Smoky Prickle by Paula Cooley

KONSTRUKTION No. 12 by Brenda Raynard

Metabolic Rift by Eveline Kolijn

Approaching Storm by Leah Gravells

Recent work by Amy Skrocki

Opportunities

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:

For the Fall 2016 issue is August 25, 2016

Email: news@albertacraft.ab.ca

The Alberta Craft Council is open to submissions of opportunities for craftspeople, space permitting. If you are interested in promoting a special event, call for entry, educational activity, gallery, or exhibition please call the ACC office or email news@albertacraft.ab.ca. The ACC 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.

EVENTS

Annual Canadian Crafts Federation Conference, Calgary

The Canadian Crafts Federation, in partnership with the Alberta Craft Council and the Alberta College of Art + Design, invites you to attend the 11th Annual National Craft Conference. Delegates will be treated to a wide variety of presentations, panels, networking sessions, and lively discussions on contemporary craft issues. The conference will foster professional development across Canada and beyond, bringing together key players in the craft field and increasing your professional craft network. Dates: October 13-16, 2016. www. canadiancraftsfederation.ca/conference

Art Market Art and Craft Sale, Calgary Art Market has established a reputation as an excellent marketplace for high quality art and craft. The 2016 sale features over 200 artisans from across Canada exhibiting over four days (November 17-20) in Calgary, Alberta, at the Calgary Telus Convention Center. Deadline: April 1. Full show details and application are available at artmarketcraftsale.com under exhibitor’s information.

CALLS FOR ARTISTS

Front Room Gallery, Harcourt House Artist Run Centre, Edmonton Harcourt House Artist Run Centre is a charitable organization that promotes contemporary visual art to interested individuals and organizations by providing education, exhibitions and resources. The Front Room Gallery is a space for individual and collaborative artists to showcase new work fresh from the studio, experimental work in progress, or timely projects from artists residing in the Edmonton region. Deadline: Ongoing For more information: 780-426-4180 or www.harcourthouse.ab.ca

Extended Artist in Residence, Banff Deadlines: January 20, March 2, April 20, August 31. Be surrounded by a community of artistic peers, attend inspiring talks and performances by world-renowned visiting artists, and enjoy a spectacular mountain environment where you can engage or seek retreat.

The EX BAiR program provides time and space for artists, curators, and researchers to create, experiment with and develop production techniques, and cultivate new directions in their work during an extended stay.

www.banffcentre.ca/programs/extendedbair

Hambidge Creative Artist Residency, Georgia, US

Deadlines January 15, March 1 and September 15. Hambidge provides a residency program that empowers talented artists to explore, develop, and express their creative voices. Situated on 600 acres in the mountains of north Georgia, Hambidge is a sanctuary of time and space that inspires artists working in a broad range of disciplines. www.hambidge.org/who-comes-tohambidge.html

EDUCATION

Cultural Human Resources Council, Ottawa

The CHRC has released a career self-management guide for artists and cultural workers. Artists and cultural workers developed the Art of Managing Your Career Guide to provide pertinent and practical information to better manage artistic careers. The guide is available for $20 per copy plus shipping and handling charges/ info@culturalhrc.ca

Portage College Aboriginal Art Program, Lac La Biche

Inspiring artistic creativity, the Aboriginal Art program provides students with the unique opportunity to study Aboriginal art in a variety of media within a studio environment. The qualified and skilled instructors have vast knowledge of Aboriginal art from a cultural and historic point-of-view. This certificate program prepares students for further study in the diploma program at Portage College. www.portagecollege.ca/Programs/ Aboriginal_Art_Certificate.htm

City Arts Centre, Edmonton

The City Arts Centre in Edmonton offers many courses in art, craft, dance, theatre, and active living throughout the year. Craft courses include: paper marbling, wire jewellery, ceramics, quilting, silversmithing, stained glass and more. For a complete catalogue of all classes offered contact the City Arts Centre in Edmonton at 780-496-6955.

North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre, Calgary

A centre of excellence for ceramics and pottery in western Canada. With a modern ceramics wing, experienced potters have the opportunity to use specialty kilns including raku, salt, wood and gas-fired. Our award-winning Instructors are some of the finest working artists in Calgary. Classes in both visual arts and ceramics are scheduled yearround for all age and experience levels. www.calgary.ca/recreation and look under Arts Centres.

ACAD Extended Studies, Calgary

Credit-free Craft Courses in ceramics, fibre, hot glass and jewellery courses are offered this fall and winter at Alberta College of Art + Design through Extended Studies. View courses online at www.acad.ca and select ‘Extended Studies’. Registration is ongoing.

Wildflower Arts Centre, Calgary

Seasonal registered programs in clay, drawing, painting, mixed media, glass as well as dance and drama for people of all ages and abilities. Other opportunities include custom programs for groups, birthday parties, artist residency, school arts programs, and studio memberships for established artists. Our instructors are professionally trained practicing artists. Our approach involves patience, skill, humour and encouragement, with an emphasis on self-expression and technique, in a safe, creative and noncompetitive environment. To learn more visit www.calgary.ca/recreation and look under Arts Centres.

Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts, Edmonton Register for Art and Folk Art courses held by the ACUA. Courses include: stained glass, block printing, white work, graphic art, and more. For brochure or more information contact the ACUA office 780-488-8558 or info@acuarts.ca.

Edmonton Weaver’s Guild, Edmonton Classes in beginner and intermediate weaving and spinning are offered along with workshops on drop spindling, dyeing, felting, rag rugs, tapestry weaving, and weaving for kids. Registration is open to anyone, but space is limited. www.edmontonweavers.org

Heritage Weavers and Spinners Guild of Calgary

The HWSGC began in 1978 and continues to be actively involved in the Calgary fibre arts community. They offer weaving, spinning, dyeing and related fibre art workshops and classes throughout the year and hold an annual fall sale.

www.heritageweaversandspinners.org

GRANTS/ AWARDS

Alberta Craft Awards and the Linda Stanier & Family Memorial Award Nominate someone who deserves to be recognized for their dedication to Alberta’s fine craft culture. Biennial Deadline: August 1.

Linda Stanier & Family Memorial Award - $2000 – This endowed award celebrates the life of Linda Stanier and honours excellence in ceramics. The nominee should work and reside in Alberta and be primarily a studio-based, full-time professional ceramic artist. Honour Award - $1000 – for contributions to Alberta’s fine craft culture.

Excellence Award - $1000 – for excellence in craft by an established craftsperson.

Early Achievement Award - $1000 – for an emerging craftsperson/student, in recognition of achievement to date and/ or potential. For more information visit www.albertacraft.ab.ca

Calgary Arts Development’s Special Projects Grant

This program invests in specific projects of artists, organizations and ad-hoc groups in Calgary. Special Project Grants are usually in the $1,000 to $10,000 range. Annual Deadlines: January 15, May 15, October 15. www.calgaryartsdevelopment.com

Edmonton Arts Council Individual Grants

The EAC provides a number of individual grants for artists: CIP Travel grants.

Annual Deadline: Feb 1, June 1, October 1; Project grants for individuals. Deadline: July 1; Micro-grants – with no set deadline and amounts up to $1,000. The micro grant enables you to respond to opportunities quickly. www.grants.edmontonarts.ca/eac_ grants/

Alberta Foundation for the Arts Project Grants for Individuals. Annual Deadlines: Feb 1 & Sep 1. Art Acquisition by Application -The AFA invites eligible artists resident in Alberta to submit applications for the collection art purchase program. Annual Deadline April 1. www.affta.ab.ca

Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Foundation

The Distinguished Artist Awards program gives up to three awards of $30,000 each in recognition of outstanding achievement in the arts or significant contribution to the arts in Alberta.

Annual Deadline: Jan 20. The Emerging Artist Awards program gives up to ten awards of $10,000 each to support and encourage promising artists early in their careers. Annual Deadline: Feb 15. www.artsawards.ca

Artiphoria

[ahrt-i-for-ee-uh]

1. n. a state of heightened emotion while experiencing art and design.

2. n. the transcendent feeling of connecting with a work of art.

THE WORKS: ART & DESIGN ReDEFINed

downtown edmonton june 23 - july 5, 2016 theworks.ab.ca

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Albertine Crow Shoe (Piikani Nation) considers her art to be a bridge that connects to today’s modern non-Native world. Traditional Blackfoot culture still exists and thrives within modern society. It is a rich and spiritual world that she interprets through the art of jewelry making. By remaining true to the traditional art forms as a base, Albertine combines modern and traditional materials to

NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS

New Members

Helene Blanchet, Margaree Valley, Fibre

Louise Burd, Calgary, Clay

Albertine Crow Shoe, Brocket, Jewellery

Marney Delver, Fort Macleod, Clay, graphite, pastel, watercolour

Cindy Hoppe, Biggar, SK, Fibre

produce a connection between cultures. Her designs flow from images that, symbolic in Blackfoot culture, envoke memory, history and spiritual power. Albertine uses traditional materials such as elk and buffalo horn, shell, types of pipe stone, and other local materials. And while she puts these on nontraditional bases [silver and brass] she strives to remember her path and roots in life.

Jamie John, Lac La Biche, Natural & Contemporary Native Cultural Arts

Morgwn Martin, Lac La Biche, Traditional & Contemporary Native Arts

Susan McKay, Edmonton, Glass

Almira Mikhailova, Edmonton, Fibre

Eyrn Prospero, Nelson, BC, Clay

Emily Sedor & Lucy Hlachuk, St. Paul, Clay

Julie Wons, Calgary, Wood

Karen Woywitka, Edmonton

Recent Renewing Members

Sharon Aaltonen, Medicine Hat, Clay

Pat Borecky, Wellington, Fibre

Terry Cass, Nanton, Stone & Mixed

INFLUX Jewellery Gallery, Amanda Clark, Calgary, Metal - Jewellery

Fran O Cuyler, Edmonton, Clay & Stone

Patricia E Denholm, Stettler, Clay

Jim Etzkorn, Medicine Hat, Clay

Sheila Fendall, Okotoks, Metal

Kathy Griffiths, Red Deer County, Glass

Harry Hamilton, Edmonton, Wood, Metal, Fibreglass

Jill (Diana) Houghton, Calgary, Metal - Jewellery

Kenton Jeske, Edmonton, Wood

Madison Jordheim, Calgary, Fibre

Luc Josh, Edmonton, Wood

Sharon Rose Kootenay Cherweniuk, Vilna, Fibre

James Lavoie, Edmonton, Glass

Rachelle LeBlanc, St. Albert, Fibre

Return Address:

Alberta Craft Council 10186-106 Street

Edmonton, AB T5J 1H4

Dale Lerner, Medicine Hat, Clay

City of Lacombe, Lacombe, Organization

Melissa Pedersen, Calgary, Metal

Julia Reimer & Tyler Rock, Black Diamond, Glass

Loreen Riley, Edmonton, Clay

Mia Riley, Edmonton, Clay

Shirley Rimer, Red Deer, Clay

John H Robertson, Calgary, Clay

Dalia Saafan, Edmonton, Glass, mixed - copper, brass

Todd Safronovich, Edmonton, Glass

Joan Sandham, Calgary, Clay

Natalie Sharpe, Edmonton, Supporter

Louise Tessier, Regina, Clay, Fibre

Keith Walker, Edmonton, Glass

Susan White, Parksville, Jewellery - Polymer Clay / Metal

Stefanie Wong, Cochrane, Fibre, paper

Kari Woo, Canmore, Metal - Jewellery

Glass

Silver Pendant by Albertine Crow Shoe

New and Renewing ACC Members Photo Gallery: Left to Right: Slough in the Peas by Cindy Hoppe

Teapot and Tumbler by Louise Burd

Sculptures by Keith Walker