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Feature Gallery : Women’s Hands BUILDING A NATION
Women's Hands BUILDING A NATION
Chinook Guild of Fibre Arts
Women’s Hands Building a Nation by Chinook Guild of Fibre Arts commemorates Canada’s 150 anniversary of confederation. The exhibition celebrates women’s contribution to the nation by highlighting women’s achievements and recognizing their perseverance in the face of great obstacles.
Through rug hooking, quilting, needlework and other fibre work, the Guild is recognizing women’s rightful place in the history of Canada. Historically, fibre was sometimes dismissed as a serious art medium, as were women’s contributions to Canada. With their exploration of topics as diverse as fighting for the right to vote, the experience of living in sod houses, yarn bombing and the YWCA, the Guild is celebrating Canadian women with wit, compassion and insight.
“If one believes they can do something, they will generally get it done. Pragmatic and tenacious out of necessity are qualities that women have developed. Women have been able to overcome and move on despite the obstacles and challenges they face.” - Marylin Handy
“[Yarn Bombed Chair is] a tribute to the women of our nation. Women have not only worked the fields, they have driven horse drawn wagons, walked miles for water, tended children, worked alongside men, while softening the home environment with works of art. Yarn bombing is a 21st century worldwide effort by fibre artists to soften sterile public places.” - Corlienne Pennell
“I chose to make this rug because of the significance of the family law decision which impacts people today. Murdoch versus Murdoch in 1973, was a controversial family law decision by the Supreme Court of Canada, where the court denied an Alberta abused ranch wife any interest in the family ranch. The general outcry against the decision contributed to substantial reforms to matrimonial property laws in Canada, giving husbands and wives equal rights to property acquired during the marriage.” - Gail Richards
“During WWII women worked in factories building ships, airplanes, and making munitions. 46% of all women ages 14 to 59 and 90% of all single women ages 19 to 40 worked in the war effort.” - Dixie McCall
The Chinook Guild of Fibre Arts is an organization with over 200 members and has been active in Calgary since 1929. Previously known as the Alberta Handicraft Guild, the Guild has reorganized and changed names several times over the years. Throughout the Guild’s history, they’ve aimed to keep heritage fibre arts alive in their community. Today, the members’ guild proudly carries on this mission in Calgary and area.
Participating Chinook Guild of Fibre Arts members: Marlene Bartlett, Maureen Benning, Mona Birdwell, Cheryl Bridger, Rose Brooks-Birarda, Loraine Constable, Phyllis Davis, Barb Dilschneider, Tracy Fewster, Mary Glass, Flo Haliburton, Sheralee Hancherow, Marylin Handy, Lynne Howard, Lynda Hynes, Margaret Jessop, Sharon Johnston, Eva Laurion, Mary MacTavish, Bonnie Mather, Dixie McCall, Pat Minton, Christine Mueller, Rebecca Nicholas, Bev Patkau, Jan Peciulis, Corlienne Pennell, Cynthia Prosser, Elaine Proulx, Gail Richards, Wendy Rowan, Sally Scott, Kathy Skyole, Karen Smith, Dianne Sutton, Ann Taylor, Judy Thomson, Ruth Walkden, Gay Walker, Nan Williams and Jennie Wolter
