September/December 2017 - Alberta Craft Magazine

LANDMARKS

ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE

The Alberta Craft Magazine is published three times a year.

Submission Deadline for the January - April, 2018 Issue:

November 15, 2017

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

Address: Gallery Hours:

Phone: Office Hours:

Phone: E-mail: Website:

Address:

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Executive Director

Operations, Member Services

Marketing Design

Retail Gallery Financial Officer

Retail Gallery Events Marketing

Chair Vice Chair Directors

Alberta Craft Gallery • Edmonton 10186 – 106th Street NW

Edmonton, AB Canada T5J 1H4

Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm

Open until 6 pm on Thursdays (780) 488 5900

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

Alberta Craft Gallery • Calgary

1721 – 29 Avenue SW, Suite #280

Calgary, AB Canada T2T 6TZ

Wednesday – Saturday: 12 pm – 6 pm (587) 391 0129

Staff Barry Moss, ext. 228

Edmonton:

Joanne Hamel, ext. 234

Jessica Telford, ext. 221

Ruta Nichol, ext. 231

Emilienne Gervais, ext. 232

Wendy Arrowsmith, ext. 234

Calgary:

Corinne Cowell

Jill Nuckles

Victoria Sanchez

Board of Directors

Tara Owen, Calgary

Dawn Deterando, Red Deer

Jenna Stanton, Medicine Hat

Mary-Beth Laviolette, Canmore

Victor Steel, Edmonton

Kari Woo, Canmore

Jennifer Salahub, Calgary

Meghan Wagg, Edmonton

Kai Georg Scholefield, Calgary

Brenda Malkinson, Edmonton

Magazine

Editor Assistant Editor Design

Jessica Telford, ext. 221

Darcy Hoover

Ruta Nichol

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

Sponsors

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

What an exciting time to join the Alberta Craft Council team, with the opening of the Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary in cSPACE King Edward, the arrival of three new staff in Calgary and the retirement of Tom McFall, the man at the helm for 19+ years. There are many aspects of the ACC that attracted me to the organization including the collaborative culture of the Council, and its engaged, multi-faceted and talented membership. With the opening of the Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary, I only see wonderful opportunities ahead for the membership and growth at the ACC.

Upon my arrival, we (I use this possessive because I already feel like one of the family) were in the final stages of planning for the opening of Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary (the space showcases the superb work so well I was gobsmacked) and saying farewell to Tom.

On June 17, the Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary hosted our AGM and later that evening the opening celebration and fundraiser – “Light the Gallery”. The fundraiser provides supporters with the opportunity to sponsor an LED head for the track lighting for $75 per head and to sign the head for posterity. I was honoured to purchase the first light, symbolizing the start of my career with the ACC. On the night, 51 lights were purchased and signed with only 24 remaining waiting for sponsors- PS. you can still sponsor a head

for $75 and sign it. I was very impressed with the turnout for the fundraiser and farewell to Tom (there were over 200 attendees) and I can only hope to see a similar reaction to my retirement in 20 years.

Alberta Culture Days weekend (September 29, 30 and October 1) is an exciting time for the ACC and myself, I look forward to meeting more of you and taking part in the festivities. For Culture Days, the ACC will host artist demonstrations at the galleries in Calgary and Edmonton, and the opening reception for the Along the Bow II exhibition at Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary. You can read more about our plans for Culture Days weekend on page 8 & 9.

So far, I have met some amazing members and Albertans alike. Beginning this fall, I am planning a progress throughout the province to meet members and to visit studios. I hope to meet as many of you as I can. I also look forward to continuing the ACC’s involvement with Arts Habitat on Artist Quarters (ACC’s future home in Edmonton), as well as the ACC’s work with he Canadian Crafts Federation to advocate for fine craft nationally. This September I will travel to Burlington, Ontario to attend the CCF Annual Conference followed by the inaugural Canadian Craft Biennal.

Let’s have a chat when we meet. Cheers for now.

Barry Moss, Executive Director

“This fleeting moment was captured in glass by fusing layers of colour, applying a resist, drawing, cutting out and removing the positive, sandblasting the exposed glass until the next layer of colour is visible, then removing the resist and revealing the image.” –

Katherine Russell

On the Cover Find Out More...

About the Light the Gallery campaign on page 6.

At Rest by Katherine Russell, 2014 Fused-glass, sand-carved 10” x 10”

Lighting the Gallery. Photo by Jeff Yee

2017 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

It was thrilling to host the AGM at the new Alberta Craft Gallery location in cSPACE King Edward. The space officially opened on Saturday, June 17 with the AGM kicking off a day of celebrations. 2016-2017 was a year of tremendous growth and change for the ACC. Chair of the Board, Tara Owen, welcomed members and led the meeting. Executive Director, Tom McFall, reported on the activities and highlights of the past year, and was pleased to introduce his successor and three new staff members. This past year the board undertook a diligent search to find a new Executive Director and we are happy to welcome Barry Moss to the Alberta Craft Council.

A key component in selecting an excellent candidate for ED was the creation of the Governance Plan by board and staff. A special thanks to board member, Vic Steel, who was instrumental in this accomplishment. The Alberta Craft Council’s Governance Plan has its foundation in the Alberta Craft Council Strategic Plan. The eight Governance Plan “Principles” are: Advocacy, Partnership, Excellence, Education & Information, Leadership, Communications, Responsive to Members, and Fiscal Responsibility. To read more about the ACC Governance Plan visit www.albertacraft.ab.ca/about.

Following the AGM, members enjoyed a chance to shop in the Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary. It’s an amazing space with equally

amazing display furniture designed and built by ACC members Talar & Jean-Claude Prefontaine. The furniture helps integrate the two spaces divided by glass doors. Like its sister in Edmonton, the Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary features original exhibitions and fabulous shopping.

With over 150 guests attending, it was a great success. Amazing gin and vodka by Wild Life Distillery, a delicious cheese and charcuterie spread by the Springbank Cheese Company, tasty cupcakes and treats by CakePunk, and a special performance by ACC member Shona Rae and the VooDoo Hand all added extra dimensions of fun to the evening. Jeff Yee at Rain Drop Images took photos to capture the evening’s memories.

The Light the Gallery fundraising campaign was launched that evening. The campaign offers a chance for members and patrons to leave their mark in the gallery by signing one of the 75 LED gallery lights. In total 51 lights were signed raising $3825, three square feet were donated, and over $3500 worth of fine craft was purchased. An excellent start for the Gallery. It’s your turn now to add your name to one of those lights (which have an impressive 10-year life span). To make your donation visit the Alberta Craft Gallery – Edmonton or Calgary, or give us a call.

Exploring the new gallery after the AGM. Photo by Jeff Yee

Along with all the celebrations ACC also bid farewell to Tom McFall, who has retired as Executive Director after 19 years. As a symbol of the ACC’s gratitude for his dedication and well-wishes for his future, the board announced that the Alberta Craft Council Honour Award, which is presented at the biennial Alberta Craft Awards to a volunteer/supporter/teacher/craftsperson (individual or group) who have made significant contributions to Alberta’s fine craft culture, will be officially renamed the Tom McFall Honour Award. With the renaming, Tom’s legacy will remain an active part of the ACC even as he moves on.

A special thanks to all the members, donors, and supporters who joined us in celebrating this momentous accomplishment in the Alberta Craft Council’s history. Thank-you to new ACC team member, Jill Nuckles, who did a fantastic job of coordinating the day’s events, and to all the team members who put in an incredible amount of work to make sure Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary was ready to open.

Thank you to the evening’s sponsors: Wild Life Distillery, CakePunk, Springbank Cheese Company, Performance by Shona Rae and the VooDoo Hand, Photographer Jeff Yee at Rain Drop Images, Second Cup and Safeway.

Thank you to the following volunteers:

Mindy Andrews, Sarabeth Carnat, Linda Chow, Crys Harse, Joanne Johnson, Lisa McGrath, Liv Pedersen, Toni Ros, Darlene Swan, Monika Smith and Susan Thorpe.

A full house celebrating the new gallery.

Photo: Jeff Yee

Tara Owen, Tom McFall, Jenna Stanton and Dawn Detarando.

Photo by Jeff Yee

THANK YOU

The Light the Gallery campaign offers members and patrons a chance to leave their mark in the gallery by signing one of 75 LED gallery lights. So far 51 lights have been autographed, decorated and adorned raising $3825.

These lights are a new system for Calgary while Edmonton has had the same halogen system for almost 20 years and is due for the same wonderful upgrade, except we need 200 light heads for both levels. We are working towards the high-efficiency, colour balanced lights for both gallery spaces. Watch for updates on the continuation of this campaign with perhaps a big party to kick it off in the new year.

It’s your turn now to add your name to one of the remaining 24 lights in Calgary, which by the way, have a 10-year life span. To make your donation visit the Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary or give us a call 587-391-0129.

Donated 2 lights:

Jade Ansley, Alison & Peter Faid, Gust Gallery, Doug Galloway, Evelyn Grant, Kai Scholefield, Richard Sunde, Will Truchon.

Donated 1 light:

Mindy Andrews, Lindsay Boon, Marsorie Cameron, Sarabeth Carnat, Al Chapman, Linda Chow, Connie Cooper, Dawn Detarando, Linda Frena, Evelyn Grant, Ann

Haessel, Crys Harse, Doug Haslam, Martha Henry, Fay Hodson, Carol Kehoe, Susan Kristoferson, Brenda Malkinson, Letisha & Tom McFall, Keith Mcphedran, Rosemary McRae, Tami Miller, Barry Moss, Tara Owen, Elizabeth Parker, Carolyn & Bruce Patterson, Jennifer Salahub, Michael Saroka, Bart Simpson, Monika Smith, John SmithJones, Jenna Stanton, Richard Sunde, Jeanne Watson, Julie Wons, Kari Woo and Simon Wroot

Thanks to the following for also donating to the Square Foot Campaign: Linda Chow, Doug Haslam, Tami Miller and Kai Scholefield.

Collaboratively adorning a light head. Photo by Jeff Yee

WELCOME

As part of the planning for the opening of Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary we embarked on a search to add to our amazing staff. We selected a dynamic trio who each have outstanding skills as craft artists and arts administrators. All staff will be highly involved in all aspects of the Gallery, from exhibitions, to retail, events, and coordinating volunteers. We encourage you stop in to visit the gallery and get to know our new team members.

CORINNE COWELL is a Calgary based mixed media artist. She received her BFA in printmaking with distinction from the ACAD, and went on to found an award winning graphic design company. Corinne’s work has been in many exhibitions around Alberta, including a recent solo exhibition at the Harris Warke Gallery in Red Deer, and will be represented in the Alberta Craft Gallery – Edmonton & Calgary.

Corinne will be the main point of contact for retail artists for the Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary. The skills she has gained from running her own studio practice and graphic design company will be a great asset to the team.

JILL NUCKLES has a diploma in Business with a major in marketing from Grant MacEwan, and a BFA with distinction from ACAD majoring in sculpture. She creates whimsical creatures mainly in felt and fibre, but also works in clay, and has taken courses in glass casting and lampworking. She is a current artist in the Alberta Craft Gallery – Edmonton & Calgary, and has participated in many group and solo exhibitions across Canada.

At the Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary, Jill will be the main point of contact for outreach projects, events, and volunteers. There are many new opportunities in Calgary that the ACC is excited to be a part of. We hope that you will visit Jill and join our growing roster of fabulous volunteers.

VICTORIA SANCHEZ is a graduate from the Alberta College of Art + Design’s Jewellery and Metals program. She has studied Arts Management at the University of Barcelona, and participated in the Rozsa Arts Management Program at the University of Calgary. She has experience in communications, event planning, and volunteer coordination within the arts sector.

Victoria will focus on marketing and communications at the Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary. She will be reaching out to involve members in social media and promotional campaigns to help build excitement and increase knowledge about the ACC and the Alberta Craft Gallery.

AIDEN DAMER - Summer Student

At the Alberta Craft Gallery – Edmonton, Aiden joined us in a summer position as the Marketing and Communications Assistant. He worked with the team to help launch the Calgary location, and assisting with all aspects of the gallery. He is a native Edmontonian, and is going into his second year in the Visual Communications Design Program at ACAD.

EMILIENNE GERVAISRetail Gallery Coordinator

The ACC board and staff is pleased to welcome Emilienne Gervais as Alberta Craft Gallery - Edmonton’s new Retail Gallery Coordinator. She began midAugust. In addition to maintaining a printmaking practice, she is an experienced arts and culture administrator.

THANK YOU – LINDA FRENA

Linda Frena has moved on from her position as Retail Gallery Manager. We thank her for her great dedication to the ACC. Linda’s rich understanding of the Alberta craft scene has been a great asset to the organization, its members, and the public.

New staff (L to R): Jill Nuckles, Victoria Sanchez, Corinne Cowell.

Photo by Jeff Yee

The Alberta Craft Council is pleased to be part of the Alberta Culture Days 2017 celebrations occurring throughout the province. Alberta Culture Days, September 29 - October 1, is about discovering, experiencing and celebrating our unique blend of peoples and passions, and the importance of culture to a healthy and vibrant province.

If you are in or around either Edmonton or Calgary we invite you to join us in our celebrations. Visit the Culture Days website AlbertaCultureDays.ca to search for ACC members hosting and participating in other special events around the province.

EDMONTON

The Alberta Craft Gallery – Edmonton will be celebrating Culture Days with artist demos on Saturday, September 30. This is a fantastic way for ACC members to share their passion for what they create. Patrons will have the opportunity to interact with our member artists, and gain greater appreciation for their process and artwork.

October Spotlight Artist, Holly Boone, will be demonstrating her needle felted animal creations. Her whimsical, lighthearted work will bring a smile to all. Amy Skrocki will be displaying her leather work, and demonstrating the many techniques she uses to create her jewellery, books, and masks. Darlene Storgeoff will be lighting up the gallery with her torch as she creates lampworked glass beads and ornaments.

CALGARY

As part of Alberta Culture Days 2017, the Alberta Craft Gallery - Calgary will celebrate the wealth of talent and creativity that exists within our community with the opening of Along the Bow II at cSPACE King Edward. cSPACE is a dynamic multi-tenant arts and culture hub that is dedicated to fostering community and promoting culture.

There will 12 artists in total demonstrating over the weekend, including Milt Fischbein, Barbara Rumburger, and Nicole Tremblay, as well as featured artists from Along the Bow II; Dana Roman, Talar Prefontaine, Liv Pedersen, Eveline Kolijin, Mindy Andrews, and Luke Weiser.

We hope you will stop in and check out all the exciting happenings. To view a full calendar visit www.albertacraft.ab.ca.

Darlene Storgeoff

Holly Boone

Mindy Andrews

ALONG THE BOW II

The Bow River’s journey begins in the Rocky Mountains, moves through the foothills, and winds a path onto the prairies to join the Oldman River. Along the Bow II is a collection of 16 Alberta Craft Council members who live along the Bow or whose work is directly inspired by time spent on the river.

The exhibition presents a diverse range of work. It includes Ilse Anysas-Salkauskas’ leather tapestry depicting the flowers in the mountains, hot glass work by Darren J Petersen celebrating the river’s ecosystem, and custom fly rods created by Luke Weiser that incorporate traditional jewellery techniques. The artists in this exhibition all have a connection to the Bow, and all feel drawn to the life of the river, and are inspired by its power and beauty.

Along the Bow II is on display September 29 –November 4, 2017 at the Alberta Craft Gallery - Calgary. The opening of this exhibition coincides with Alberta’s Culture Days at cSPACE King Edward. We expect a phenomenal turn out for the three-day celebration, September 29, 30 and October 1.

Participating Artists: Mindy Andrews Ilse Anysas-Salkauskas, Sarabeth Carnat, Linda Chow, Corinne Cowell, Brad Keys, Eveline Koljin, Charles Lewton-Brain, Liv Pedersen, Darren J Petersen, Talar & Jean-Claude Prefontaine, Dana Roman, Dirk van Wyk, Luke Weiser, Kari Woo, and Simon Wroot

Alberta Craft Gallery - Calgary September 29 – November 4, 2017

Artist Reception: 5-7 pm, Saturday, September 30

Above: On the Bench by Liv Pedersen, 2017 Tapestry weaving with cotton warp and weft of wool and synthetic yarn 8” x 17.5”

Left: 2 piece Fishing Rod by Luke Weiser , 2017 Black walnut handle with accents of dyed green and stabilised burch burl, 14krt gold, 14krt plated 7’ & 4/5 weight

Photo by Elizabeth Cook

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

an exploration of the valley by Alberta Craft Council professional members

LIVES ON POTS: Ancient Pottery in Alberta

Pottery traditions have developed across the globe thanks to the versatility of clay as a medium for functional vessels and artistic expression. This combination allows archaeologists to study the diverse ways that ancient pots were made and used. To convey Alberta’s past to the public, the Archaeological Survey of Alberta has teamed up with artists to depict ancient scenes in an ongoing Heritage Art Series. Alberta Craft Council professional member Brenda Danbrook created a ceramic plate that depicts the blend of individual expression and First Nations community traditions that shaped the long evolution of pottery production in North America.

Archaeology and Pottery

Of the roughly 35,000 pre-contact sites in the province, about 450 have pottery dating from 300 to almost 2000 years ago. Most pottery is from southern Alberta where the tradition was likely introduced to nomadic hunting communities from villages along the Missouri River and Great Lakes to the east. By tracking similarities in composition and style (called “wares”), archaeologists use pottery to track the movement of pre-contact people and ideas across the continent. Later traditions were developed locally in Alberta. Indigenous pottery production ended with the introduction of European goods and there are no firsthand accounts of how pots were made and used. As a result, we rely on a suite of archaeological techniques to reconstruct pottery-related practices.

Making Pots

Clays from former lake deposits were prepared by removing large inclusions like pebbles and wood. Tiny fragments of crushed stone were added (called “temper”) to prevent cracking when heated and several moulding techniques were used (Figure 3). Some decorative elements and patterns are indicative of cultural traditions common to larger groups, while some vessels are unique expressions of individual style. Once decorated, the pot was dried in the sun or near the fire (there is no evidence of kilns in pre-contact Alberta).

Use

Most pottery in Alberta was for cooking based on charred residues. Phytoliths (silica bodies made by plants), seeds, and lipids as well as blood residues indicate that a variety of plants and animals were cooked in pots including rabbit, bison, grasses, shrubs, and corn. Identifying contents provides a more detailed picture of nutrition and helps reconstruct the Indigenous spread of domesticated plants before European contact.

Art and Archaeology

Archaeologists have learned that pottery advertised a library of information to contemporary witnesses including skill, status, and identity. As Brenda Danbrook noted, the study of older pottery informs the evolution of an art medium and sheds light on the traditions we still adhere to. From clothes to home décor, modern cultures still rely on a combination of style and function to let other people know what we do, who we are, and where we belong. We also hope that Brenda’s art piece is a catalyst to discuss issues like cultural appropriation, how the past is ethically represented, and how artistic

heritage is used in modern times. Each artwork in the Heritage Art Series shares an important story about Alberta’s past and we hope it instills a deeper respect for it (https://albertashistoricplaces.wordpress.com/ heritage-art-series/).

by

Kristensen

A variety of pre-contact Alberta vessels (images courtesy of the Royal Alberta Museum)

Todd

and Sheila Macdonald

Todd is a PhD Candidate at the University of Alberta and Regional Archaeologist with Alberta’s Archaeological Survey. Sheila is an avid potter and a Regulatory Approvals and Information Coordinator with the Archaeological Survey.

Ceramic plate (21”) by Brenda Danbrook. Brenda relied on museum specimens to portray ancient pottery techniques on this modern vessel. The piece contains handprinted silkscreen mono prints applied to handcrafted greenware pottery fired in a reduction fire kiln.

We design and build custom furniture tailored to your specific requirements. Our artistic talent combined with exceptional workmanship enables us to assemble fine pieces that you will be proud to display.

LANDMARKS

Julia Reimer, Tyler Rock and Katherine Russell

Alberta Craft Feature Gallery - Edmonton

Landmarks is an examination of the prairie landscape from multiple perspectives. As artists who have lived and worked in rural western Canada and the Australian outback, Julia Reimer, Tyler Rock and Katherine Russell noticed commonalities between the two landscapes. Both places are sources of inspiration for the artists, both being landscapes replete with texture and unique instance and character of light.

Julia Reimer’s (Black Diamond) series of work examines shapes and occurences in nature that are awe inspiring. Quiet moments of reflection inspire Julia’s work, an expression of her reverence for nature. The series encourages the viewer to appreciate the every day miracle of life unfolding before our eyes. Using texture and the delicate character of glass and its ability to transform light, her work highlights the mysterious potent spaces that host life.

After first studying glass blowing at the Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD), Julia has continued her studies in Scotland, the United States, Spain, France, Australia, and in Hungary where she acquired a knowledge of design and traditional European glass making techniques. Her original design and meticulous craftsmanship have earned her recognition and several awards and scholarships.

Tyler Rock (Black Diamond) was raised near the lakes and rivers of northern Saskatchewan and in the Mojave Desert in California. In these wildernesses, he has always been drawn to the edge where the meadow meets forest or where water meets land. These transitional between spaces are the most fertile, full of wildlife and possibility. Similarly contained in the concept of the edge are ideas about limits and connections, boundaries and frontiers and the line between thought and action. The pieces featured in Landmarks represent some of the treasures that can be found in these edges and his love of wilds places.

Tyler is one of Canada’s premier glass artists. His work has received recognition from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, the Alberta College of Art and Design and the Canada Council for the Arts. He has been selected as “Artist in Residence” at the Studio at the Corning

Museum of Glass in Corning, New York. Tyler is an instructor for both the glass program at ACAD and the Corning Museum of Glass.

Katherine Russell (Elkford, BC) saw the Australian outback the slow way. She travelled through it by train for three days straight in an upright seat with nothing to block her view of the horizon. She hiked hundreds of kilometres through the outback. To hear it referred to as “empty land” perplexes to her, and her challenge is to prove otherwise. When she travels between her home in Elkford to Black Diamond she sees Alberta’s Foothills through a similar lens. Her work in this exhibition is an exploration of these spaces, some for the clues to their stories and some purely for their wonder and magnificence.

Katherine has a kiln studio and coldshop in Elkford and blows glass out of Firebrand Glass Studio in Black Diamond. Katherine Russell earned her BFA from ACAD as a Glass Major and went on to further her training in Black Diamond, then Perth, Australia for several years. Internationaly she has exhibited, attended glass conferences and taken master glass courses.

Visit: www.albertacraft.ab.ca/

Alberta Craft Feature GalleryEdmonton September 2 – December 24, 2017

Artist Reception: 2-4 pm, Saturday, October 21

Above: Antler Mound by Tyler Rock, 2017 Sculpted glass 24” x 18”

Photo: John Dean

Left: Gosamer Vessels by Julia Reimer, 2017 Blown glass 6” x 15”

Photo: John Dean

feature-gallery

Alberta Craft Discovery GalleryEdmonton

September 9 - October 14, 2017

Artist Reception: 2-4 pm, Saturday, September 9

Above:

Staycationers (series) by Stefanie (Wong) Staples, 2017 Wood, silk, cotton stuffing, found copper pipe 9” x 11” x 6.5”

Preserved Cerulean Warbler by Dena Seiferling, 2017 Mechanical spinning/singing music box 13.5” x 7” x 6”

PERCH by Dena Seiferling and Stefanie (Wong) Staples

When Dena Seiferling and Stefanie (Wong) Staples first met, they discovered a mutual enjoyment for working within the space that drifts between childhood fantasy and an adult’s reality. While discussing a potential collaboration, the value of bird biodiversity and the preservation of at-risk bird species rose the forefront. For this exhibition, the artists are focusing on distinct aspects of bird conservation. Stephanie explores urban spaces that aim to recreate, conserve, and/or disregard aspects of our natural environments. Dena is questioning the ethics around what is necessary to conserve a bird species, subtly drawing parallels to the conservation of art and culture.

Stefanie highly embellishes her work with repetitive textures and patterns to loosely mimic those in nature. Through the use of recycled and repurposed materials, each piece is imbued with added depth and a unique character not found in mass-production.

added meaning and narrative to each sculpture. Evoking childhood memories and times past, her sculptures express both realism and whimsy with keen observation and thorough attention to detail.

Dena Seiferling (Calgary) graduated from Alberta College of Art and Design with a BFA and Visual Communications Degree in 1999 and began a freelance career as an Illustrator. Years later, she tookup needle-felting to further enliven the characters and narratives from her sketchbook in three-dimensional form. She uses raw wool and a variety of other materials and reclaimed objects to express her ideas through sculptures and dioramas.

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

Dena uses recycled materials similarly and in Perch, the incorporation of antique objects lends

Stefanie (Wong) Staples (Cochrane) relocated from Vancouver to Calgary in pursuit of a textiles education at the Alberta College of Art and Design. Since graduating in 2008, she has dabbled in textiles, film, animation, puppetry, and sculpture just to name a few. She now focuses her time on creating quirky soft sculpture and paper mâché objects inspired by nature and the animal kingdom.

Alberta Craft Discovery Gallery - Edmonton October 21 – November 25, 2017

Artist Reception: 2-4 pm, Saturday, October 21

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

WE MEET HERE

by Laura McKibbon

In The Spectacle of Skill, Robert Hughes argued that “skill was itself the central spectacle of art - the inner, slow passing show that would always escape mass culture. Art was the spectacle that stood still.” Here, I aim to present that passing show - experiments and tests, the unresolved results of a never-ending inquiry.

Incorporating photographic, computer and printmaking techniques, my surface decoration uses imagery and pattern to develop a narrative, reflecting my interest in cultural identity and the human experience. This strong graphic element is a nod to the historical tradition of ceramic surface decoration and to contemporary life.

The shapes and patterns that occur when I place two forms or images together is intriguing. The resultant dialogue creates an intimate relationship in much the same way that we come together to form relationships with one another.

I have explored these ideas of order and disorder at several residencies, most recently at A.I.R. Vallauris in southern France. These opportunities provide me with time away from the routine of production to focus on more challenging work and also to research and develop new techniques. There is an evolution and connection as ideas begin in one place and are carried over - sometimes quite literally started in one location and completed in the next.

Born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Laura McKibbon (Medicine Hat) has been working in clay for over ten years. A self-taught ceramic artist with an academic background in science, printmaking and photography, Laura focuses on custom work and limited-edition series in addition to maintaining a small production line. She continues to exhibit regularly and her work has been featured in several international exhibitions and publications.

Alberta Craft Discovery Gallery - Edmonton

October 21 – November 25, 2017

Artist Reception: 2-4 pm, Saturday, October 21

Left: Loretta by Karen Rhebergen, 2017 Batik on cotton 15” x 23”

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

ORDINARY

by Karen Rhebergen

Using the ancient resist technique of batik, Karen Rhebergen celebrates authenticity in everyday life by portraying its relationships and experiences. Contrasting the fixation our culture has on the commercial, the sensational and the veneer of novelty, she takes an intimate look at human dignity in commonplace moments.

Exploring the somewhat frayed and unraveled nature of daily life, this exhibition speaks of growth and resilience, expression and acceptance. It is an examination of the feeling of being a misfit and the desire to fit in. The viewer is asked to consider the “different” in themselves and others, thereby normalising and celebrating the fact that we have so much to offer exactly as we are.

Ordinary captures the essence and the commonality of a specific moment, while focusing upon the extraordinary worth of this planet and all of those who walk upon it.

Karen Rhebergen’s (Whitecourt) journey with batik began in the Yukon, where she happened upon a book that explained the method. She was quickly taken with everything about it – the texture of the molten wax, the resist process, the absorption and travel of the dye and the unexpected results of each piece upon removal of the wax. Karen’s work can be found in private collections across Canada and the globe. Most recently, Karen’s work has been acquired by the Yukon Permanent Art Collection and Scouts Canada.

ACC Events ROUND-UP

Visit albertacraft.ab.ca/events for the most current listing of events. For upcoming career opportunities and more read the biweekly ACC Member E-news.

Alberta Craft Gallery – Edmonton

10186 – 106 Street NW

FEATURE GALLERY

Landmarks

September 2 - December 24

Artist Reception: Saturday, October 21 from 2-4pm

An examination of the prairie landscape from multiple perspectives by glass artists Julia Reimer, Tyler Rock and Katherine Russell.

DISCOVERY GALLERY

Perch

September 9 - October 14

Artist Reception: Saturday, September 9 from 2-4pm

Mixed media sculptures by Dena Seiferling (Calgary) and Stefanie Staples (Cochrane) concerning the conservation, biodiversity and preservation of birds.

Ordinary

October 21 - November 25

Artist Reception: Saturday, October 21 from 2-4 pm

Karen Rhebergen (Whitecourt) explores the richness of daily life through batik.

We Meet Here

October 21 - November 25

Artist Reception: Saturday, October 21 from 2-4 pm

Laura McKibbon (Medicine Hat) explores notions of place and cultural identity through ceramic work produced during a recent residency at the Vallauris AIR in southern France.

Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary

cSPACE King Edward, 1721 – 29 Avenue SW, Suite #280

Along the Bow II

September 29 – November 4

Artist Reception: Saturday, September 30 from 5-7pm

An exploration of the valley by Alberta Craft Council members living in the region.

Culture Days Artist Workshops - Calgary

September 29 – October 1 (Alberta Culture Days weekend)

Join us for artist workshops all weekend long in Calgary.

Let it Snow

Saturday, November 26 from 7 – 10pm

A fun and fabulous evening at the Alberta Craft GalleryCalgary. Tickets now on sale.

Alberta Craft + 15 Window

Arts Commons, + 15 Walkway, 205 8 Avenue SE, Calgary

Good Day by JoAnna Lange

July 28 - September 30

Larissa Blokhuis

October 5 - November 30

Culture Days Artist Workshops - Edmonton

Saturday, September 30

Join us at the Gallery in Edmonton for artists demos all day long.

‘Twas the Night

Friday, November 25 from 7 – 11pm

An evening in Edmonton of fabulous shopping, sipping and mingling. Tickets now on sale.

2017 HOLIDAY HOURS:

Alberta Craft Gallery – Edmonton

Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm Thursdays until 6pm

Alberta Craft Gallery Calgary

Wednesday – Saturday 12pm – 6pm

Edmonton and Calgary Galleries and offices closed December 24 – January 3, 2018 (inclusive)

SHOP TALK: Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary

The Alberta Craft Council is happy to finally settle into its Calgary expansion this past June. The Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary is a 1600 square foot gallery that features both exhibition and retail opportunities for ACC members. Working closely with our original location in Edmonton this gallery presents and markets a selection of work from artists currently retailing their work in the Alberta Craft Gallery –Edmonton.

Selecting the first-wave of artists for the gallery’s opening was carefully considered. Bearing in mind the calibre of the 150 artists whose work is currently on display in Edmonton, this was not an easy task. While we hope to give every interested artist the opportunity to be a part of the retail gallery in Calgary, the smaller space and displays make the selection challenging. Alberta Craft Gallery –Calgary can accommodate as many as 55 artists throughout the year and up to 75 during the height of the gift-giving season when it takes over the exhibition portion of the space.

Many factors will continue to be measured when choosing artists for Calgary. We will continue to ensure that artists from every region, discipline, style, and career status are considered thereby providing the greatest cross-section of representation. As we anticipate working closely with artists able to supply work for both locations, the history of an artist’s working relationship with the Alberta Craft Gallery and their ability to supply work regularly is also considered.

We plan to work closely with all Retail Gallery artists who are willing and able to supply work for both locations simultaneously. Although we cannot showcase the work of every artist at one time, our goal will be to offer this opportunity to artists on a rotational basis, understanding that the roster of artists represented will evolve and develop as we begin to settle into the space and the community.

These are exciting times for the Alberta Craft Council. I am certain that the continued rotation of artists represented and the consistently high quality of craftsmanship evident in every piece of work displayed will make Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary a destination for every fine craft enthusiast.

And speaking of exciting times, it is with mixed emotions that I announce my departure from the Alberta Craft Council to take on the position of Retail Supervisor for Alberta Branded at the Legislative Assembly Office. This position will be a continuation of the work I value most; working with and for artists who are in pursuit of viable, tenable, lucrative careers in the arts. And while I am excited to join Al Chapman and his talented team, I must thank the Alberta Craft Council for all the great moments I take with me. I have been extremely fortunate to work with its members, audience, customers, artists and staff – especially the artists and staff. Now I hope to maintain a tight relationship with the ACC and many of its artists, but when it comes to the friends I’ve made, I’m reminded of the immortal words of Dorothy Gale, “…I think I will miss you most of all…”

Linda Frena, Former Retail Gallery Manager

The new Alberta Craft Gallery - Calgary. Photo by Jeff Yee

ARTIST SPOTLIGHTS

The Artist Spotlight highlights the new and exciting work by Alberta Craft Retail Gallery artists. Visit: www.albertacraft.ab.ca/artist-spotlight/

SEPTEMBER - Candice Meyer (Red Deer)

After working with wire to explore texture and form, Candice Meyer has gone back to basics—with a twist. Although chainmaille weaves have always been a staple in her jewellery, for her latest collection, Candice adds a rubber element allowing her to experiment with depth, colour, and geometry.

The addition of a flexible ring to the rigid stainless steel presents a technical challenge. As the two materials behave differently, it is necessary to re-imagine traditional patterns while still working on the aesthetics of design. For Candice, the rubber rings add a deceptive element that defy instant identification. Surprisingly light, many of the pieces appear to be made from lace or ceramic.

OCTOBER - Holly Boone (Edmonton)

Challenging herself to explore new needle felting concepts, Edmonton fibre artist Holly Boone has begun to reimagine her threedimensional sculptures into two-dimensional scenes and landscapes. Through this process, Holly now creates greeting cards for birthdays and everyday celebrations. Spurred on by her audience’s positive feedback and her own pleasure in making them, Holly continues to work and expand her card designs and ideas. These sweet little scenes, full of joy and whimsy each tell a story and celebrate the events and feelings that colour our lives.

Each scene is hand needle-felted on pre-felt sheets, then handstitched to vellum. A carefully chosen piece of decorative paper provides a background to the completed, shadow-box framed piece.

NOVEMBER - Sara Norquay (Edmonton)

“I am a printmaker and book artist but I have been making stitched felt book objects for several years. I like the tactile feel of felt, buttons, beads and thread. I like the bright colours. I like the activity of cutting and stitching. Some of these pieces were made on trips - on trains, planes, and in hotels. They are conversations that run through my head when I am staring out a window, conversations I wished I’d had, conversations I have overheard, conversations I have revised in the recollection of them. Here they are in coloured shapes, buttons, beads, and thread stitches.”

Candice Meyer

Holly Boone

Sara Norquay

IN THE NEWS

If you are an Alberta Craft Council member who has recently won an award, received a grant, recently been published or have an upcoming exhibition... Let us know! email news@albertacraft.ab.ca

Nickle Galleries’ recent acquisitions are the subject of their exhibition Speaking Notes (June 8 – August 18, 2017). Nickle Galleries at the University of Calgary has benefited from the generosity of countless individuals who have donated precious art objects, time, and occasionally funds. Each new arrival not only expands the collections, they help to rejuvenate them— facilitating new connections and narratives. Speaking Notes introduces a selection of recent donations and purchases including Mary by ACC professional member Kari Woo (Canmore).

Kenton Jeske (Edmonton) was interviewed by Mark Connolly on Edmonton AM, CBC Radio 1 on April 13, 2017. He spoke about his studio practice and the furniture he created for his Alberta Craft Discovery Exhibition Ceremony. The exhibition ran from April 15 - May 27, 2017. http://www. cbc.ca/player/play/920537155835

TransAtlantic Fusion by Louise Mcbeath Schoepp and Al Schoepp (Warburg) ran from July 11 - July 28, 2017 at Spruce Grove Art Gallery, Spruce Grove. The exhibition was a melding of two artists’ minds, one Canadian and one Scottish, to create a fusion of pewter art inspired by both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

Katherine Russell (Elkford, BC) was awarded a commission by the Sparwood Arts & Heritage Council to create an artwork to celebrate Canada’s 150th. The work is comprised of fused and sandcarved glass panels, it depicts Elk Valley’s offerings, with a theme of sustainability and protection. The artwork toured Elk Valley communities this summer and will find its permanent home in Sparwood, BC this fall.

The Royal Tyrrell Museum, Drumheller opened their new Grounds For Discovery exhibit May 12, 2017, including two steel wire-work sculptures designed to showcase a pair of very important partial-fossil specimens. The artwork was conceived by Jeff de Boer. ACC professional member Christine Pedersen (Calgary) was part of the artist team that built the work in Calgary.

Dawn Detarando and Brian McArthur (Red Deer) were featured in the Edmonton Journal article #Landmarks: Immense Mode stands tall as artistic and technical marvel on June 9, 2017. The article explores how they brought the public art piece to fruition and how “the legs” have become a beloved part of the community to many since their installation in 2009. http://edmontonjournal. com/life/homes/landmarks-immense-modestands-tall-as-artistic-and-technical-marvel

Detail of Canada 150 commission by Katherine Russell

Pewter bowl by Louise Mcbeath Schoepp and Al Schoepp

Bottomer Stool by Kenton Jeske

Artist project team at Royal Tyrrell Museum

On July 1, 2017, a launch event was held to celebrate the Capital Boulevard Legacy Public Art Project at the Alberta Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre, Edmonton. The public art commission commemorates Canada’s 150th. The first installed sculptures, Transect by artists Julia Reimer and Tyler Rock (Black Diamond) and Star Gazer – Koo-koosint by Dawn Detarando and Brian McArthur (Red Deer), will eventually stand with three others. The event hosted by The Places, featured the first two installed sculptures. On June 22, 2017, Transect was featured on the front cover of the Edmonton Journal: http:// edmontonjournal.com/gallery/newpermanent-public-art. CTV Edmonton reported on the new installation on June 25, 2017. http://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/two-newpieces-installed-on-capital-blvd-in-timefor-canada-s-sesquicentennial-1.3475754

The Canadian Craft Biennial exhibition Can Craft? Craft Can! brings together over 60 craft artists from across Canada. The exhibition presents works in glass, ceramics, wood, metal and fibre that address three sub-themes exploring ideas of Identity, Sustainability and Materiality. The exhibition takes place at Art Gallery of Burlington, Burlington, ON from August 19, 2017 - October 29, 2017. ACC members participating in the exhibition include: Karen Cantine, Robin DuPont, Matt Gould, Greg Payce, Anne Drew Potter, Shona Rae and Barbara Tipton.

Vue Weekly reviewed Amy Skrocki’s (Edmonton) Discovery Exhibition Stories Brought to Life in the article “Skrocki Designs Touch on Mythology”. It was published March 22, 2017. Stories Brought to Life ran from February 25 – April 8, 2017. http://www.vueweekly.com/skrockidesigns-touch-on-mythology/

The spring/summer 2017 issue of Studio magazine explored education in craft. Many ACC members were featured: 2016 Alberta Craft Award recipients Anna Burger-Martindale, Sarabeth Carnat, JoAnna Lange & Dan Miller (page 12). Feature Exhibition Women’s Hands Building a Nation (page 14). Aaron Nelson in article Past, Present, Future Education Design (pages 25 - 31). Retired ACC Executive Director Tom McFall in Retiring but Never Shy (pages 46 - 50). Charles Lewton-Brain in Portfolio (page 57).

By Caroline Forde

Chromatic Geography examines new trends in natural dyes, and presents a diversity of approaches to the use of natural dyes, from scientific research and raw material development, to innovative, contemporary applications in craft, fashion, design and art, with personal approaches to materials and aesthetics. The exhibition took place June 8 - August 26, 2017 at Craft Ontario Gallery. Participating artists included ACC members Mackenzie Kelly-Frere (Calgary) and Caroline Forde (Calgary).

Mary by Kari Woo

Up at the Stars by Matt Gould

ALBERTA CRAFT COUNCIL www.albertacraft.ab.ca

Jewellery artist Wayne MacKenzie’s (Black Creek, BC) 40+ year professional career has centered on one-of-a-kind and custom jewellery. His studio, Wayne Mackenzie Designer Goldsmith Ltd. has been serving its clientele since 1985. Wayne has a keen interest in the style of the early Greeks and Romans, the ancient Aztecs, contemporary Europeans and the Alberta landscape. These elements are further supported by his love of spatial relationships, textural statements, color contrasts, accenting lines, and gemstones. Wayne creates unified pieces that stand not only as practical, wearable fine jewellery, but as works of art.

RECENT NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS

New Professional Members

Wayne Mackenzie, Black Creek, Metal - Jewellery

Giselle Peters, Lethbridge, Clay

Renewing Professional Members

Jackie Anderson, Calgary, Metal - Jewellery & Sculpture

Ilse Anysas-Salkauskas, Cochrane, Fibre

Pat Borecky, Wellington, Fibre

Kalika Bowlby, Golden, Clay & Mixed

Sheila Fendall, Okotoks, Metal

Janet Grabner, East Coulee, Clay

Crys Harse, Calgary, Metal

Lisa Head Harbidge, Rocky Mountain House, Glass

Matt Heide, Edmonton, Concrete

Andrea Itzeck, Edmonton, Metal - Jewellery

Robert Jakobsen, Nanaimo, Wood

Kenton Jeske, Edmonton, Wood

Luc Josh, Edmonton, Wood

Jane Kidd, Salt Spring Island, Fibre

Hannelore Krieger, Wildwood, Wood, Fibre, Pineneedles

Loretta Kyle, Bonnyville, Stone

James Lavoie, Edmonton, Glass

Charles Lewton-Brain, Calgary, Metal - Jewellery

Mynthia McDaniel, Calgary, Clay

Wendy McPeak, Ardossan, Glass

Ezequiel Morales, Calgary, Clay

Jill Nuckles, Calgary, Fibre & Wool

Benjamin Oswald, Edmonton, Clay & Stone

Tara Owen, Calgary, Metal - Jewellery

Todd Safronovich, Edmonton, Glass

Jenna Stanton, Medicine Hat, Clay & Glass

Stonecrop Studio, Canmore, Metal

Stefanie Wong (Staples), Cochrane, Fibre, paper

Do-Hee Sung, Airdrie, Clay

Keith Walker, Edmonton, Glass

New Members

Carmen Belanger, Red Deer, Clay

Ana Buzzalino, Calgary, Fibre, paint, paper, photo transfers, embroider, beading, etc

Daniel Cournoyer, Edmonton, Supporter

Leslie Delanty, Calgary, Fibre - dyed, block and screen printed fabric

Jacki Flaata, Edmonton, Fibre

Mike Fournier, Edmonton, Wood

Rob Froese, Moose Jaw, Clay

Jason Holley, Edmonton, Clay

Tobla Howell, Calgary, Clay

Katherine Hutton, St. Albert, Wood, Fibre, Paper

Michael James, Edmonton, Wood

Heather Kehoe, Calgary, Fibre

Yelena Khudaibergenova, Edmonton, Metal & Stone

Adam Lagace, Calgary, Metal, stone, leather

Robin Lambert, Red Deer, Clay, Wood

Lorie Taylor Leech, Edmonton, Fibre, Paper, Paint

Aldo Marchese, Calgary, Clay

Rosemary McRae, Millarville, Fibre

Beth Meier, Sylvan Lake, Wood, painting (oil & acrylic)

Tami Miller, Calgary, Glass (flameworking), Photography

Laura O’Connor, Edmonton, Fibre

Gordon Pengilly, Calgary, Clay, Stone, Wood + Writer & Curator

Kellie Reid, Okotoks, Fibre

Carlos Rojas, Calgary, Clay - Porcelain

Evonne Smulders, Black Diamond, Clay

Medalta in the Historic Clay District, Medicine Hat, Clay

Allison Tunis, Edmonton, Fibre

Christy Wade, Calgary, Wood, Metal, Fur

Luke Weiser, Calgary, Mixed (wood, stone, metal)

Rebecca Whenham, Calgary, Glass, Fibre, Paper, Clay

Sara Young, Cochrane, Fibre

Renewing Members

Verna Allison, Red Deer County, Clay

Blain Askew, Grande Prairie, Wood

Robert Barclay, Spruce Grove, Clay

Franca Boag, Edmonton, Supporter

Paul Boultbee, Red Deer, Paper & Canvas

Carol Jane Campbell, St. Albert, Glass

Barbara Cockrall, Edmonton, Supporter

Jean Connor, Edmonton, Fibre

Vicki Hackl, Edmonton, Fibre

Judi Suni Hall, Lethbridge, Mixed

Priscilla Janes, Canmore, Clay

Terry Juzak, Edmonton, Metal - Jewellery

Carolyn Lutz, Calgary, Glass

Stacey Maddock, Calgary, Metal - Jewellery

Patricia Meyer, High River, Clay

Native Arts & Culture Program, Portage College, Lac La Biche

Bill Reynolds, Edmonton, Metal & Glass

Jennifer Salahub, Calgary, Craft Historian

Henry Schlosser, Calgary, Wood

Lori Sobkowich, Calgary, Glass

Brian Stearns, Edmonton,

Catherine Thomson, Victoria, Fibre

Keith Turnbull, Edmonton, Clay

Julie Wons, Calgary, Wood

Ilonka Wormsbecker, Edmonton, Pressed Flowers

Return Address:

Alberta Craft Council 10186-106 Street

Edmonton, AB T5J 1H4

Pendant by Wayne MacKenzie

New & Renewing ACC Professional Members Photo Gallery (L to R): Ceramic sculpture by Jill Nuckles, Platter by James Lavoie, Woven basket by Hannelore Krieger, Mug by Giselle Peters