Autumn's closing in

ADMINISTRATION NOTE: I have added code to the template of this blog to prevent "pinning". We do not condone this behaviour at all: it is clearly stated in our sidebar that copyright belongs to the artist alone, and permission MUST be asked to share images *anywhere* else. If you currently have pinned any from this site, please remove then from your boards as this is in violation of copyright ownership of the artist, who exclusively has the right to disseminate any and all of their own images. 

Images posted here are with the permission of the image owner, and are always credited.

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Opportunity for all:

Hi Artists,

An opportunity has come up for a retail space in Sunridge mall.  It’s on the upper level next to the Bay, 3,800 sq. ft. and would be available for  November 24 to December 7.   Based on the preliminary discussion with the relator it looks like I could fit in between 30 to 40 artist’s work in the store.  Also based on what the realtor said it would probably be $350. 00 a week per artist to participate.  Now, this looks like a prime location:  high end  foot traffic, pre-holiday time of the year and your art work in a place that is 11:00am to 7:00pm seven days a week.  When you consider that a one day show fee can range from $100.00 up to $285.00,  $350.00 for seven days is very reasonable (only $50.00 per day).  Participating artists can do one week or two (depends on the number of artists participating). 

So, I am sending out this notice to see what kind of interest there is with the artists I know.  As for the manning of the shop we would need a some volunteers who have a flexible schedule.  Since it’s only for two weeks I think it could be managed easily enough.

Please let me know what you guys think.

Thanks!

Nikki Nicole Musser <fineartbynicole@gmail.com>

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"Edge of the Forest", the Canadian 2015 SDA exhibit , now has its own dedicated site here. You still have until October 1 to submit.

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 Creative Stitches show in Calgary again, this time at Spruce Meadows. Shuttle bus service is scheduled from the Somerset CTrain station, if you don't want to drive out there. Not a lot of art at these things anymore, but a fair number of vendors where you can snap up supplies, whether fibre or mixed media related. (Sorry about missing the Edmonton dates for those of you further North!)

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Were you at Yoshiko Wada's workshops? Did you lose your indigo vat recipe? Maiwa has a clear set of organic vat instructions here.

If you were at the 2 day Organic Dyes and Pigments workshop, Karin has set up a dedicated blog to share photos and information. Invitation only for participants in this course, so please contact her privately, if you have not received an invite.

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Three - Day Strategic Grant Proposal Writing Workshop (Sponsored by ISFD)
To be held at: University of Alberta

Edmonton, Alberta
October 6 - 8,  2014       8:30AM ~ 5:00 PM

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 Karin and i will be teaching a 4 day course, combining extreme machine work with non traditional hand work,  at the 2015 Embroiderer's Association of Canada National Seminar in May of next year. Information and registration links are available on the site.


I am teaching a class online, open to anyone, The Third Dimension, a hand work course that
will teach you how to add more dimension and tactility to an already textural art, and to look at shape and line critically to implement design and mood.

Remember too, that if *you* are teaching anywhere, please let us know and we will share the information!
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Exhibits:



 Loosely, but in the fibre related exploration:

/WOMANKIND is a peculiar portrait rooted in wabi-sabi: accepting fleetingness and imperfection. Skeletal lines, twisting and winding upwards, climb to sketch out an irregular human form. The tough skinned graceful silhouette portrays an honest image of femininity. Heating the raw steel rods, they transform into soft elegant fibres to be formed, painted, distressed, and finally, weathered in the sun. This woven and tangled figure is a question of permanence, an understanding of mortality, and an appreciation of flesh.
Lisa Hodgkinson
Lisa Hodgkinson is a Calgary sculptor working out of the back of an auto body shop in Forest Lawn. A graduate from the Alberta College of Art + Design, Lisa is inspired by minimalist sculpture, fibre craft, Japanese design and Bob Dylan.

Calls for Entry

Your local reps still need permissions from some of you for emails!  Out of some 200 members, we have a list of perhaps 70 who have responded. You can send me an email with the appropriate response also to arlee dot ar at gmail dot com. Please put "Subscribe to SDA (Alberta)" or "Unsubscribe from SDA(Alberta)" in the subject header and your full name in the body of the email. Please do send as requested---i, and the area rep, get a lot of emails and saying "yes please" is not enough--yes please to what? :)

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Deadline for submitting swatches to the SDA collection has been extended to Aug 31st. Details here.


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SURFACE DESIGN ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 1st INT'L JURIED MEMBERS' SHOW


Materialities: Contemporary Textile Arts
1st SDA International Exhibition
August - October 2015
Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts Gallery

 This first in a series of SDA members' exhibitions will be curated by Namita Gupta Wiggers, an active and respected voice in the world of art & craft. You may know her via her various roles as co-founder/director of Critical Craft Forum, writer, curator-at-large and/or former director of  Museum of Contemporary Craft in Portland, OR (where she lives and works). Wiggers also teaches in MFA Applied Craft + Design program jointly administered by Oregon College of Art & Craft and Pacific Northwest College of Art.

 Call-for-entries will run February - March 2015. Work will be selected from digital submissions with notification in April. Prizes will be awarded. An exhibition catalogue is planned. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available...

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The Grand National is again asking for entries. PDF with info here.  Entries must be postmarked or hand delivered by February 27, 2015 (Entry by CD, not emailed jpg as most are doing now.)

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"Extreme Fibers" call still open at Muskegon Museum of Art. Info here, but entry must be submitted through CaFe.

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Feeling really confident and able to meet a challenge? Submit a proposal to the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum for your own exhibit. Please note, this museum is in Almonte Ontario, Canada, not the Deep South, y'all!

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Again we remind you, this blog is only as interesting and viable as those who contribute. If you have news, publications, workshops, or would like to share the results of workshops, exhibition reviews, etc, please do submit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where is July going???

My apologies for the small font towards the end of this blog post: blogger is acting up again--i will fix as soon as it can be done!
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A reminder that if you are doing squares for the Slofemist Project, they are due, completed or not, to Lois by August 1st.

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YarnBombing Event September 2014

Do you love to knit or crochet? Are you interested in raising awareness about homelessness? We have a project for you!

We are wrapping a house in a prominent NW location with hand knitting and crochet to symbolize the warmth and comfort of home.

The Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF) has purchased a  house. It is slated for demolition and a brand new apartment building, designed to house individuals who are exiting homelessness, will be built in its place.
This is My City Art Society is partnering with Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF) to turn the existing old house into a stunning work of art before it is torn down. We are recruiting interested individuals, groups, families, etc. to knit/crochet 12" squares that will be used to wrap the house.
This sanctioned ‘yarn bombing’ will:
Have a strong street impact that draws people in to learn more
Reflect on the warmth and comfort of home and community
Serve as a reminder that not everyone has a place to call home.

This art project is organized by This is My City Art Society, a volunteer-run nonprofit organization that works with people experiencing who are homelessness and those at risk of homelessness to provide opportunities for positive creative expression in visual and performing arts.

The Details:
Deadline for contributing squares is August 26th
Drop-off locations for knitted donations:
Crowfoot Library: 8665 Nose Hill Drive NW
Fish Creek Library: 11161 Bonaventure Dr. SE
        Louise Riley Public Library: 1904-14th Ave NW
       CommunityWise Centre: 101, 223 12th Ave SW

Please contact Leslie Barnes for more details and information: ljbarnes@telus.net
(p.s. ... We will also be accepting used, unwanted hand knit/crocheted clothing (sweaters, socks, mittens) or blankets

A similar project was recently completed in the Beltline at 222-15 Ave SW. See www.thisismycitycalgary.ca for more information.
For more information about the project or to get involved please contact:
Linda Hawke, Board President
This is My City Art Society 
www.thisismycitycalgary.ca; ljhawke@shaw.ca

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Information re: the Canadian SDA exhibit "Edge of the Forest":
(via Jennifer Love BC/SDA) "Following is the response I received from the Edge of the Forest team, to a query I forwarded from one of our members. I thought others of you might also be wondering about the size requirements for this exhibition. (So I interpret this to mean your piece must be that specific size (16" w x 28" l), not within that size range.)"

The guidelines for the size of each submission are a fixed requirement, and we trust that each artist will rise to the challenge of adhering to it. Artists also have the option of creating a textured work that is up to 2 inches in depth.

Artists are also requested to follow the additional guidelines regarding sleeves for hanging and labeling, etc.

This being a large undertaking, we have set the requirements for ease in shipping and to facilitate packing and hanging of the works. More

importantly, we are aiming for uniformity in images to create a more powerful effect.

The name of the exhibit was given for inspiration, not necessarily for representing the subject matter of the work.
The Edge of the Forest Team

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Ask Harriete always has wonderful information and discussion about various artist related topics. Though she is primarily a jeweller, many of her posts apply to fibre and other media artists. The latest on attracting more traffic to your "official" website is here.

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 Love free motion, free applique, machine play, hand stitch, mixed media, Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn????

 Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn show the power and possibilities of free motion machine stitching in making wonderful, unique textile creations in a new DVD! They demonstrate how to work with a range of soluble fabrics, ways to design edges, cords and dangly bits and how to create wonderful, new, unique, cloths. They show ways to distort fabrics using a sewing machine and how to colour fabric surfaces. They share their sources of design, which include landscapes, natural forms and patterns and present ways of machining into hand-stitching, paper and synthetic materials.

As ever their enthusiasm, artistic skills, teaching ability and friendliness shine through. This is an ideal DVD, full of inspiration and guidance, for those of all levels of experience, including beginners, who want to develop their use of a sewing machine in the creation of their textile art.

Please visit the website: doubletrouble-ent.com to see a clip from the DVD

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Several (many?!) SDA members also took or are taking part in the Contextural 2014 residency at ACAD. Courtesy of Linda and Terri, here are a few action shots :)

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Mention has been made before on this blog about "ISSUU", a free online reader that features many emags on a wide variety of subjects. If you're in need of some pure visual joy, inspiration or an imaginative kickstart, please see Maia Sylba's series of emags "MuseTouch", true feasts for the eyes and heart.
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Textile Museum in Nebraska, a call for entry maybe????

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REMINDER ALSO: http://surfacedesignalberta.blogspot.ca/2014/06/important-if-you-receive-emails-from.html

June meeting and miscellaneous

 Information on the June meeting, Skype talk with Saltspring Island Saori weaver, Terri Bibby, Thursday June 26:

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 I'm sure you remember the viewing we had waaaay back at one of the first meetings of the SDA "Swatch Collection": now you can contribute to a 4th collection to become part of textile design history. Find form & instructions for sending in 12"x12" samples of your signature techniques and experiments at www.surfacedesign.org/get-involved/sda-swatch-collection
SEND IN YOUR NEW SWATCH SUBMISSIONS BY AUGUST 15

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Here's another way you can use your purchases to support SDA - at no cost to you! Shop via Smile.Amazon.com foundation that donates 0.5% of your purchases to SDA.

 1) Go to http://smile.amazon.com/

2) Search for Surface Design Association then select it as your favored charity recipient

3) YOU shop. Amazon GIVES.

4) Amazon Smile will send you an email with links to install an Amazon button directly on your browser for ease of access to this program whenever you shop.

 Father's Day is coming. Shop Amazon and support SDA!

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Entertainment , food AND Art :)

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MISCELLANEOUS:

For the book artists, and ecoprinters/natural dyers, lovely interpretations and results. Jane Marie.

Classic "mark making" at this blog that showcases Asemic Writing, in all its connotations and permutations. And incidentally Sian Martin has a summer draw/mark along thingie. Both are very inspirational for developing new work, in new ways.

Intriguing mash up of collage, text and anatomy. (Some not for the faint hearted or easily offended.)

June start ish

CALL FOR ENTRY: 

Extreme Fibers: Textile Icons and the New Edge, The Muskegon Museum of Art - MI, USA
 Application Deadline: November 14, 2014

The Muskegon Museum of Art announces a call for entries for Extreme Fibers: Textile Icons and the New Edge, a two-part exhibition that will feature artwork from established and emerging textile artists from around the world.

Part one of the exhibition is comprised of the artwork of some of the world's top fiber artists. Part 2 of the exhibition will feature artwork selected by a 3-juror panel (Ferne Jacobs, Gyöngy Laky, Namita Gupta Wiggers). Entry in this section is open to artists, 18 years and older, from any country. The exhibition will be held August 20 to November 1, 2015.

For questions or additional information, contact Art Martin at amartin@mpsk12.net or 231-720-2575.

Learn more here. 
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WORKSHOPS:
If you are interested in this, please respond ASAP to ensure workshop happens!! 

 David Kibuuka Batik Workshop(s)

Beginner workshop  Tuesday, September 8th and Wednesday the 9th  2014, followed by the intermediate workshop on Thursday , September 10th and Friday the 11th, location is the Millarville Racetrack Hall.


1)     2 day beginner workshop     $195
David has patterned templates to make your own design for fabric and sewing projects.  He also has templates to make portraits.  All supplies are included.

2)     2 days intermediate/advanced workshop   $195
This goes into more detail. All supplies are included.

A mininum of 8 people are needed and a maximum of 15 people can be accommodated. Please contact David directly, or Deb Solc , debbiesolc@gmail.com 

416-825-3228
P.O. Box 76053
1500 Upper Middle Rd. Unit 3
Oakville, Ontario
L6M 3H5
www.modernbatikartworkshops.com

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Tickets are still available :

Yoshiko Wada 

will speak on

Sustainability in Textile Design & Production

Go to Eventbrite EventBriteand buy your ticket with a credit card.

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MISCELLANEOUS:
TextileArtist.org always has fascinating and pertinent information about "being" an artist, in addition to wonderful interviews with fibre artists, and reviews of books and materials. As we are present online so much, this is a great resource for your own personal development online :) The latest goodie is "Internet Marketing for Artists." 



Resource materials abound on several open library type sites, i'm currently in love with this one. Check out OpenLibrary, Gutenberg books or Online Books. There are also some fascinating emagazines available at ISSUU in a variety of topics and styles. (Some very startling as well!)

Thinking your doing yourself a favour by donating art, even to worthy causes?

Artist Spotlights at the Alberta Craft Council website include this month SDA member Margie Davidson and previously in August 2013, another "August" textiles artist, Matt Gould.

little bits

EDGE OF THE FOREST UPDATE

Canadian SDA members: We have exciting news! The John M Parrott Art Gallery in Belleville, Ontario has agreed to accept the Edge of the Forest for a six week exhibition June, 2015 - mid July, 2015.   
(Call for Entry scroll down and click on link--i cannot put a direct link here because of blogger policies  in regards to "email" notifications, even Constant Contact!)

Images/entry forms due: October 1, 2014
Jurying: November 15 - 30, 2014
Jury notifications artwork to arrive: December 1 - 15, 2014
Artwork to arrive: January 1 - February 1, 2015  


Exhibition dates:

Mar. 1 - 30, 2015: Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, June - mid July, 2015: John M. Parrott Gallery, Bellville, Ont.    Aug15 - Oct 15, 2015 Fibre Conference/ Crafts Council of Newfoundland and Labrador

(This brings to date three venues that will be showing the exhibit)


The Edge of the Forest Team
edgeoftheforest15@gmail.com
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EXHIBITS:

Caryl says, "This is my first art show and sale. It is a mixture of pieces that I have been working on this past year including mixed media on fabric, paper and board; acrylic on canvas and paper, with a whole range of exploration and discovery."


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Miscellaneous Interest:

http://thistle-threads.blogspot.ca/ Historical perspectives, the making of period needlework, and interesting tidbits about how, why and where certain threads are made, or why they have gone "out of style"
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http://makeitindesign.com/blog/ The Art and Business of Surface Pattern design---more a commercial site for textile designs on conventional substrates (cloth), but a visual feast nonetheless!
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Concerned about copyright issues? Much info here on how to find where yours are going: http://www.google.com/insidesearch/features/images/searchbyimage.html
and http://karmadecay.com/faq . There is also "src-img" which is added to your Mozilla bar.

Personally, it REALLY bothers me when people plaster copyright notices all over their own site, then pin/use/"share" without permission or correct attribution. When you find your own work linking to porn or equally specious sites, it's rather upsetting. And what to do when you do find them? File a report, though some sites make it very difficult to actually contact anyone. The best is to report to Google https://www.google.com/transparencyreport/removals/copyright/
And please--if you are using popular "sharing" sites, ASK permission first of the image holder and maker!!!

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Karin used to live in The Sultanate of Oman and believes the only thing better than living in Oman would be to go there and study art.  Here is a chance to do just that.
If you want more information get in touch directly.

Greetings from Bait Al Zubair!

Bait Al Zubair is proud to present our new

‘Art History and Practical Summer Course: Renaissance to Street Art’ conducted by visiting lecturer Professor Dickerson MFA. Dr (RCA)

Bait Al Dalaleel’s Art History summer course at Bait Al Zubair is an excellent introduction to the study of contemporary art. It sustains and develops students’ abilities and interests over a four-week period and offers an outstanding opportunity for an intensive engagement with Fine Art practice in a historical and practical sense. The course encourages individual creativity whilst imparting a solid grounding in the practical and the aesthetic.

During the course we will be looking at both historical and contemporary art through a range of lectures, discussion-lead seminars and practical workshops. This will provide grounding in the history and theory of art which contributes to students' overall development as artists and their awareness of the relevance of these critical studies to the contemporary practicing artist.

Please find the Introduction to the course attached as well as the application package with all the details.

Limited space is available. Deadline for application is the 15th of May 2014.

Please contact bazm@baitalzubair.com for more details or call 22084747

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And don't forget our May meeting on the 21st!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

End of April

Next meeting is in only a few days!!! From FB, i have seen that Sian Martin is quite excited about this as well :)

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From Angela Dale: Some SDA members may be interested in this. I am teaching a FOSSHAPE workshop this summer at Series Summer Arts School at Red Deer College July 14-18. It will be 5 days of glorious fun and experimentation in the costume shop there.

People can contact me (fabricadabra4 at gmail dot com) if they have questions about the workshop. There will be a limit of 10 participants. The college has accommodation available in the dorms for a very reasonable price.

 

 

 Many other courses are offered again! To peruse the list, go here.

 

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ACC Around Alberta: Matt Gould, Alberta Craft Council + 15 Window, EPCOR CENTRE - Calgary, AB

 

 
Exhibition Dates: May 3 - June 30, 2014
Reception: Thursday, May 15, 6:00pm-7:00pm, drinks to follow at Wine-ohs
Location: EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts, + 15 Walkway, 205 8th Avenue SE, Calgary AB

The ACC is pleased to announce the first Alberta Craft Council + 15 Window exhibition: Matt Gould, a selection of his fibre art. The Alberta Craft Council + 15 Window is located in the busy + 15 pedway system, with a diverse range of Calgarians walking through daily.

This exciting new exhibition space is possible thanks to ACC Board Member Kai Scholefield's efforts. ACC + 15 Window exhibitions will exhibit exciting new work by ACC members, partner organizations and cross-promote arts events in Calgary. The exhibitions will be two months in duration.

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Exhibition: Hit & Miss: Yvonne Mullock, Project Space, Esker Foundation - Calgary, AB

 

Exhibition Dates: May 5 to July 13, 2014

Adopted as a means to make floor coverings from humble, recycled materials, rug hooking enjoys a long and creative history in Canada. For this exhibition, Calgary-based artist Yvonne Mullock, along with members of the The Chinook Guild of Fibre Arts, will transform Esker's project space into a live, functioning workshop. The artists will produce a hooked rug over the course of 10 weeks using materials sourced from local neighbourhoods, such as threadbare clothing and old household linens.
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Announcement: ACAD Approved for Graduate Program: Master of Fine Art in Craft Media - Calgary, AB

After a recent review by Alberta Quality Council, ACAD has been granted approval to offer a Master of Fine Arts in Craft Media beginning in January 2015.

With the addition of the MFA in Craft Media, ACAD will be a destination for many members of Canada's cultural community wishing to further their education. By offering diverse and cross-disciplinary programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level, ACAD will be recognized as one of Canada's leading art and design colleges.

To read more click here. http://acad.ca/wh_news_2014_04_master_fine_art_craft_media.html
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Announcement: New Gallery, LoveCraft Gallery - Calgary, AB

A labour of love is how most, if not all, passion projects come to life. ACAD Alumna, Tracy Sutherland's most recent artistic endeavour is no different. Sutherland alongside close friend and business partner Daria Fox opened LoveCraft Gallery in 2013.

The gallery specializes in showcasing the works of new and emerging artists. Uniquely (in Calgary at least) LoveCraft Gallery also offer's Calgary artists studio space available to rent.

To learn more, submit a proposal, inquire about studio space or see the list of current exhibited work, visit their website here.http://www.lovecraftgallery.com/
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Event: 27th Semi-Annual Exhibition & Sale, Calyx Distinctive Arts - Calgary

Dates: April 26 & April 27, 2014 
Times: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Crescent Heights Community Centre, 1101 - 2nd St NW Calgary

Artists will be in attendance to discuss artworks and techniques in painting, printmaking, sculpture, jewellery, metalwork, woodwork, ceramics, glass, fibre and more.  Different artists will be participating each day, so please attend both days.  There is normally a line-up of customers waiting for the doors to open at 10 am, so come early for the best selection!

For more information please call (403) 305-6708 or visit their website. http://www.calyx.ca/
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Call for Artists: Festival Gallery of Quilt Art, The International Quilt Festival, Quilts, Inc. - Houston, Texas

Image by: Sonia Bardella, Venice's Carnival, 2013 Theme: Traditions
Deadline for Applications: June 6, 2014
Exhibition Dates:August 2014 through August 2016

An international juried and judged exhibition of Art Quilts Prizes are awarded based on the interpretation of theme, excellence in design, and craftsmanship.

Exhibition theme: Home. Entries are quilts that speak to the theme. Any techniques-piecing, appliqué, embroidery, photo transfer, whole cloth and/or manipulated fabric, etc.-may be used as long as they are appropriate for the quilt (consisting of three layers) and the theme.

To learn more or apply click here. http://callforentriesfestivalgallery.com/

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 Putting Canadian Artists on the Map

ArtsQuest.ca

Corinne and Gary Funk are traveling Canada, building a premier online Canadian arts market. What started out as a question, "I wonder what these artists in these small communities do in the winter to sell their creations?" has turned into artsquest.ca

 Many disciplines and mediums are covered, and here's the shortlist for fibre :)

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Many of you no doubt will have received this from SDA "HQ", but in case you weren't aware, dues are going up. 

 

We are writing on behalf of the SDA Board of Directors with an update about your individual membership dues. After careful and thoughtful consideration, your board decided the annual new and renewal amount will become $75 as of June 1, 2014.

 Full-time student membership levels remain unchanged at $35, however we are extending the student rate for two years after graduation to assist former students as they launch careers. This important outreach is subsidized by your member dues.

 (Postage to Canada/Mexico remains at $12 per year and all other international postage is $20 annually.)    

 SDA membership fees have not changed since 2008 and have been raised only twice in the last twelve years. During that time, expenses have increased for production of Surface Design Journal. Direct costs for the Journal represent 50% of SDA expenses; indirect, including administration, are approximately 70% - plus postage and operational expenses in general.

With your support, we've continually refined SDA website to more vigorously promote your work and events. We've added awards, grants, online exhibitions and other stellar resources. These benefits are funded by our yearly income - 83% of which is derived directly from your dues.

 We strive to constantly enhance and increase the benefits of SDA membership. The short list of future enhancements include:

•     A refreshed SDA Website homepage that puts more emphasis on Surface Design Journal, ease of navigation and real-time information.
•     A digital version of the Surface Design Journal for those who prefer the convenience of a paperless, mobile-friendly format.
•     A 2015 Intensive at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN will offer a venue and program that encourages in-depth discussion and exploration of current topics in textiles.
•     More SDA member exhibition opportunities including an international juried exhibition at Arrowmont Gallery (August - October 2015). Other major exhibitions are being planned for future years.
•     A Member Resource Team comprised of knowledgeable advisors to assist local groups in planning more activities, including meetings and exhibitions.
•     Partner Membership Level will be introduced to develop closer ties with guilds and art centers, resulting in more collaborative opportunities for SDA members.

SDA membership will continue to offer these outstanding benefits:

•     Quarterly print issues of Surface Design Journal delivered to your door - latest topics to keep you informed and up-to-date in the realm of textiles.
•     SDA Awards & Grants. Membership dues directly fund over $12,000 in annual awards & grants - all designed to foster artistic development.
•     SDA Swatch Collection can be borrowed or downloaded to excite your next meeting or classroom.Three collections, featuring a history of surface design techniques, have been labeled, catalogued and photographed, resulting in high-quality, downloadable PowerPoint presentations thanks to your dues and donations.
•     SDA Website attracts over 100,000 visits a month with its gallery of members' work, online exhibitions, range of community resources and much more.
•     SDA NewsBlog spotlights gatherings, good advice and new resources from both SDA members and the international textile community.
•     SDA eNews emailed newsletter offers monthly updates on SDA benefits and initiatives plus member news and other opportunities.
•     SDA Calendar of Events lists your workshops and exhibitions along with many other events of interest in your neighborhood and around the world.
•     Personal exposure on SDA Website with the ability to add a profile, photo and 2-12 images of your work (also included in the Image Library), bio, artist statement, resume and links.  
•     Opportunity to submit work for publication in Surface Design Journal's Exposure section.

With your help, we're making good things happen! Just take a look at our 2013 Annual Report to review a listing of initiatives from last year. Our momentum is strong and we want it to continue. 

Extend your membership for one, two or three years at the old rates until May 31, 2014. To renew, click on Get Involved in the navigation bar at top of SDA homepage or on Join Us at the top right.

 Thank you for your support. Your membership in SDA is greatly valued. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact either of us or call our office at 707-829-3110 - administration@surfacedesign.org

 

 

April Miscellaneous

EXHIBITS:

Member Exhibition: Western Threads: Contemporary Fibre Art, Royal Alberta Museum - Edmonton, AB

Exhibition Dates: April 12 - August 4, 2014
Location: Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton, AB

Be inspired by beautiful wall art, whimsical dolls, colourful quilts, stunning wearable art and pictorial rugs with over 100 fibre art pieces on display.

This exhibition brings together the remarkable work by members of the ACC Member Focus on Fibre Art Association, the Heritage Rug Hookers of Saskatoon and the Studio Art Quilt Associates, Western Canadian Branch.

Visit here to find out more. http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/events/exhibits/feature.cfm?id=747
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CALLS FOR ENTRY:


NEW Call to Canadian Artists: Fairy Tales and Folklore Exhibition

Deadline: August 15, 2014

Curator Intent - Dawn Saun­ders Dahl : I have always been fas­ci­nated with story telling and pop cul­ture. Many sto­ries have been altered and have fallen fur­ther away from the orig­i­nal. My intent is to curate a con­tem­po­rary art exhibit that fea­tures new art­work inspired by orig­i­nal folklore/fairytales/stories. My spe­cific inter­est is with Cana­dian Folk­lore and Broth­ers Grimm Fairy Tales, but other artworks/stories would be accepted. I am look­ing for 10-15 Artists to par­tic­i­pate in a group exhibition.

This call is open to artists across Canada, once I have submissions I will apply to exhibit the work in artist run centres.

For additional information click here.
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International Call: World of Threads Festival - Oakville, ON

Application Deadline: April 22, 2014

The Festival is one of the most vibrant fibre arts festivals in the world. We showcase contemporary fibre and textile art in all forms. Ontario, Canada which is part of the Greater Toronto Area. Learn more...

Previous Festivals have drawn entries from 20 countries and 8 Canadian provinces. The flagship exhibitions were the Common Thread International exhibitions. The Festival is also famous for our "Weekly Fibre Artist Interviews" series which has already featured 110 artists.

Click here to apply.
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Call for Submissions: Gallery at Milner, EPL - Edmonton, AB

Deadline for Submissions: May 2, 2014

The Edmonton Public Library invites emerging artists working in any two-dimensional or three dimensional medium to submit proposals to show art work in the Gallery at Milner, located on the main floor of the downtown Stanley A. Milner Library. Any three-dimensional works proposed must be suitable for our gallery display cases.

Email: milnergallery@epl.ca or Telephone: 780-496-7000
For more information visit: www.epl.ca/art-gallery

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Visual Arts Alberta has a page for calls for entry as well, calls and dates ongoing and ever changing, so snap 'em up while you can ---i know some of our members have shown at the Southern Jubilee site, but there's also the Northern one! 
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SALES (Marketplaces):

https://www.facebook.com/notes/handmade-here/meet-an-original-at-the-hand-made-here-art-show/690872037643466

http://handmadehere.ca/

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Ujamaa Grandmas will hold its annual Fabric and Yarn Sale at Woodcliff United Church on Friday, April 25 (4:30  - 7:30 pm) and Saturday, April 26 (9:30 - 3 pm). 

Join us for wonderful bargains in fabric (including quilting cottons, fancies, tweeds, fleece, and everything in between) as well as yarn, notions, patterns, books, knitting needles and other items. 

Or, clear out space in your home by donating unused supplies which will be sold to raise money for the Stephen Lewis Foundation's work in Africa. Any leftovers from the sale are donated to other charities. 

See attached poster for details. Hope to see you there!
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NEWS:
 

EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!   2014 RFP Request for Proposals – cSPACE King Edward http://www.cspaceprojects.com/people/rfp/


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WORKSHOPS:

Upcoming Workshops at FibreWorks Studio on the beautiful BC Sunshine Coast.

Surface Design Journal information, next meeting and more!!! Huzzah huzzah!

Membership issues were discussed at a previous meeting.  Following this, several members voiced concerns about the timely receipt of their journals. Karin has been in contact with Susannah Fedorowich who explained the matter:

Cut off date for the winter journal was at the end of January. If a member joined in February, the first journal they are eligible for would be the spring journal, as the mailing list goes to the publisher 26th March with mailing in mid-April.

US members can then expect theirs at the end of April to the beginning of May. Delivery to Canada can take 3 weeks even from close to the border. Via a new distributor with our international mailing we have seen much improved service but of course nothing is ever perfect. Anyone who hasn't gotten their winter 2014 journal yet (established members) can email me (Susan) and I will send them their copy, as they definitely should have received it by now. (srodee at hotmail dot com)

I hope this clarifies the matter and thanks to all who have brought this issue to my attention because it is good to get things out in the open to improve communication and needs, or answer any concerns.

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APRIL MEETING NEWS AND INFO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Members and non-members of SDA Alberta, and all interested and interesting fibre folks,

  Skype Speaker Series: Sian Martin

Take advantage of a marvellous opportunity to connect with this very talented British artist and teacher
in her studio, via the internet for her live presentation  "Stitching in the Air". I have arranged for Sian to speak to us directly from her studio in England!! This is the reason for the lunch-time setting and new location.

We will meet at the EMMEDIA screening room in the Beltline (details below) to ensure robust internet connection.

There is plenty of on street parking on 11th and 12th Avenues and adjacent streets, including payable lot parking. It would be lovely if you car pool as SDA:Alberta is an environmentally friendly organization. :)  You may also use the C-Train or bus as transit is accessible from this site. To learn about the location and enable clickable links please open the Eventbrite link at the end of this subject's information .

Please share this information with as many people as possible from your contacts list so that Sian reaches as many people as possible with her illuminating and most unique perspective on stitch.




The link for online ticket purchase is:-
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/skype-speaker-series-with-sian-martin-stitching-in-the-air-tickets-11078440915

For more information about Sian and her work go to  http://www.62group.org.uk/artist/sian-martin/
See you there!

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EXHIBITS and EVENTS:

This Is My City 

 This is My City Festival 2014 kicks off on April 3rd with Telling Our Stories: a musical revue and continues through April 17th with exhibits, music, panel discussions, theatre, walks and tours. This is My City (TMC) invites you and all Calgarians to participate in this local, life-affirming project.

 At the heart of this year’s Festival you will find a series of programs that explore the theme, Telling Our Stories: Flood 2013. Overnight, people who never imagined they`d be homeless were staring it in the face. The city’s most vulnerable people were suddenly even more so. Agencies were evacuated, displaced, and in some cases required rebuilding. Possessions and old ideas were swept away; leaving us with stories of compassion and courage. TMC’s artist-mentors and participants have reflected on and developed this theme over the past months.  You will witness that exploration running like a river through Festival 2014.









Alberta Craft Council Feature Gallery, FURNISH: Contemporary hand-crafted home furnishings and accessories  April 5 - July 5, 2014

The desire to furnish one’s home goes beyond the mere practical. We seek comfort, beauty, meaning and individuality along with function.  Many people reinforce who they are through their home; from a wall hanging, a handcrafted entry table, a favourite chair or a cherished ceramic serving bowl.  Designed to encourage customers to buy and collect local hand-crafted furnishings and products for their homes, this exhibition features over 50 pieces by 21 Alberta Craft Council members. Artist Reception: 2-4 pm, Saturday, April 5, 2014.



Information received via Diane Krys

Remember too that the Alberta Craft Council has ongoing calls for submissions and entries here.
 

CALLS FOR ENTRY:

(Forgive the wording as it has been translated from German.)  PHOTOS ONLY, NOT ACTUAL WORK, for book projects. Sign up for their newsletter* to keep abreast of news.
 Deadlines for two international projects
TextileArt Around the World - Sign up before May 1
As you can see above, we are pleasantly surprised by the beautiful entries we received in the meantime. Were you planning to also upload photos, but have not got it from? Until May 1, 2014 you have the opportunity to do the book TextileArt around the world this.
Upload for that date photos of your best work for a chance to earn a place in this inspiring edition! TextileArt around the world will be published in the autumn of 2014.
All artists whose work is published, get this for June 15 message.
More information can be found on the website.

Worldwide Colors of Felt
For this edition you still have plenty of time to send in work. This book is published in 2015. The closing date will be announced no later than 4 weeks in advance via the website and subscribed to newsletter*. Artists working with felt, we call to create an archive and upload it for Worldwide Colors of Felt. Felt their finest work There is room for ± 200-300 felt artists from around the world.
More information can be found on the website. (see above)

Textile Link is always open for new work
The archives of Textile Link is permanently accessible to login, upload pictures or to make changes. (You must register first, an easy process.) If you're not able to upload for example to 'TextileArt around the World", by May 1, then you still have a chance at a spot in a future book projects of Textile Link. Participation is always free. Through this link, you can create an archive.


Want to get in more shows? Of course you do! We all do and here are a few tips to help.

Marching out

CALL FOR ENTRY:
 

FIBER FEVER
This exhibition highlights the use of fiber arts as media and process towards artistic expression. Dyeing, stitching, surface design, weaving, embroidery, quilting, batik, felting, basketry, textile manipulation, soft sculpture, and other mixed media artworks utilizing fibers as their primary material are just some of the many ways that artwork falls under the broad umbrella of “Fiber Arts”. Traditional and contemporary techniques and materials are welcome, as well as any themes the artist explores through fiber arts. Works may be two- or three-dimensional and must be original artworks conceived of and made by the artist. Pieces may be mixed-media, but must be primarily fiber; no photography or videos will be exhibited.   Downloadable PDF here. Submission deadline June 23 2014----lots of time to enter, even to create new work!



 MISCELLANEOUS:
 
This Is My City Festival 2014     Some of our own SDA members are instrumental in creating art with and for this venture that helps the homeless and the disenfranchised. “We recognize the creative voice of every citizen and believe that we are all richer for having listened.”

Ujamaa Grandmas' annual fundraiser sale of fabrics and yarns is April 25th and 26th--stock up on stash and contribute to a very worthy cause!

Want to write something for the SDA Journal? Guidelines are here.  Future issues are (as always) themed:

Spring 2014	Nature Unbound
Summer 2014	Korea
Fall 2014	Designing Minds

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And don't forget, the opening reception for our own local SDA show is April 11th at Atlantis Fine Framing and Arts Studio! Latest "press" at ArtRubicon.

Marching in like a lion

Next meeting is on the 5th at Atlantis!!! 

All textile and mixed media artists and friends, members of SDA and non-members, you are invited to join us for the presentation by visiting artist Judith Dios. She will be telling us about "An Unexpected Journey" at the March Meeting of SDA: Alberta in Calgary.

Please RSVP :  wendwilliams@gmail.com if you will be coming to the talk. Cost is $20 and all are welcome.

If you are able, please bring a small snack to add to the pot luck refreshments table.

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If you haven't received the news in your inbox:
(And just giving you a heads up: submission deadline is Oct 1 2014 and is blind juried, so if you blog, please don't post your work, even in progress, anywhere on line.)

From Edge of the Forest Committee

 EDGE OF THE FOREST NEWS

 Dear Canadian SDA members,

Click Here for the call for EDGE OF THE FOREST, a traveling exhibit scheduled for 2015. All Canadian SDA members are invited to submit images of their work for jurying. This is an opportunity to participate in an art event that expresses the unique Canadian perspective.

The Edge of the Forest Team
edgeoftheforest15@gmail.com
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WORKSHOPS:

It is with great excitement that I can release the following information.

Lisa Klakulak will be teaching a 3-Day workshop in Calgary in September 2014.

Patterning Felt: Partial Felt Gradations.

Please go here to see all the details.

http://i-sew.blogspot.ca/2014/02/lisa-klakulak-3-day-workshop-in-calgary.html

email me back to check on space availability.

Your space will be confirmed on payment of a non-refundable $200 deposit paid by PayPal.... see the blog for all the details.

Karin Millson

Kreative Momentum

Miscellaneous interest:

1. Felters list is an email felting list run by Pat Spark info at: http://members.peak.org/~spark/joiningfeltmakerslist.html and more general page is http://members.peak.org/~spark/feltlistFAQ.html#INDEX

2. For the past six years, Contextural: a fibre arts cooperative has held a hugely successful summer residency program within the studios of the Alberta College of Art + Design, Fibre Department. We are now getting ready for our seventh residency and are currently inviting expressions of interest from fibre artists and students who are interested in working within a co-operative studio setting and are seeking affordable studio space with specialized dye and print equipment.

We are seeking individuals who:

•  Are interested in working within a co-operative studio setting
•  Will be actively involved in, and contribute to, our community
•  Seek access to affordable studio space and specialized equipment
•  Are interested in sharing their knowledge and skills through teaching and collaboration
•  Appreciate and practice the diversity of textile arts and craft
•  Embrace an environmental approach to studio production
•  Are ready to commit a fee of $250 for a three-month, or $150 for one-month summer studio rental and access to equipment.
•   Will contribute to the end of summer residency exhibition.

Please visit  www.contextural.ca for more information on our vision statement, goals and values. Interested parties should send an application (as attached) to: residency@contextural.ca with the subject ‘2014 Summer Residency Application’

 Deadline for submissions is Sunday, March 30th @ midnight. If accepted, residency fees are due with the acceptance form and supply order form by May 1st.

Dates for the one-month residencies are May 25 - June 29, and July 20 - August 24 with mandatory attendance for orientation & move-in Sunday, May 25 at 1:00pm or Sunday, July 20th at 1:00pm

Dates for the three-month residency are May 25 - August 24 with mandatory attendance for orientation/move-in Sunday, May 25 at 1:00pm.

Again this year, Contextural is offering the Contextural Summer Residency Scholarship to individuals applying for the three-month residency. The scholarship includes studio fees for the three-month summer residency ($250 value) and $250 for supplies. The scholarship will be awarded based on the quality and completeness of the application.

 Sites of interest:  

Paper Sculptures by Peter Gentenaar

Thomas Vailly and Laura Lynn’s 20 minute dress technique

Thanks to Terri for passing these along.

The written word:

New books for your delectation :)

(Sorry, Blogger is not co-operating this morning, so here are the links to sites that pertain to these books.)

D4Daisy (Maggie Grey)
Jenny Dean
Nick Bantok

Important show news!!!!!!!!!!!!

PLEASE NOTE THE HIGHLIGHTED AREA.

 

 

From Edge of the Forest Committee

EDGE OF THE FOREST NEWS

Dear Canadian SDA members,

We have wonderful news. The SDA has awarded the Edge of the Forest a "Small Events Grant" which will kick start our show into action. The response to the 'Expression of Interest' was overwhelming. Over 70 artists enthusiastically replied indicating their interest to participate. We will be publishing the CFE for this juried exhibition very soon. Two exhibition locations have been confirmed, one in Ontario and one in Newfoundland in 2015 to coincide with the Newfoundland and Labrador Crafts Council Fibre Conference.
We have a gap of time from April 2015 to August 2015 for an east coast venue. Gallery and grant proposals are being drafted, and all contacts and suggestions for hosting are welcome!

The show will be open to travel to any central or western destination in Canada after October 2015.

Please contact edgeoftheforest15@gmail.com with your interest in hosting the show in your region.

Mid January

CALLS FOR ENTRY:

Our Prairie in Fibre, Saskatchewan
Craft Council's Affinity Gallery - Saskatoon, SK
Deadline for submissions is Saturday February 4, 2014

I am putting together an exhibition of 'Prairie' themed fibre art to be exhibited at the Saskatchewan Craft Council's Affinity Gallery from January 16 to February 21, 2015. All fibre techniques will be considered for this exhibition, including but not limited to dolls, soft sculpture, rug hooking, wearables, weaving, felting, knitting, stitching, and quilting. Be as diverse as you like in your choice of work and prairie images / seasons they represent. This will be a great stage to show the diversity
of fibre amongst prairie lovers. Eligible entrants do not need to be juried members of the Saskatchewan Craft Council but must be a resident of the Prairie Provinces.
Mail or email submission to: Monika Kinner-Whalen c/o Saskatchewan Craft Council, 813 Broadway Avenue, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 1B5

For more information please contact Monika at Monika at MySweetPrairie dot ca
For complete listing click here.

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Cherry Blossoms: A Textile Translation Deadline: February 28, 2014

April 1 – 20, 2014, at the Silkpurse Art Gallery, West Vancouver. FibreEssence and the Vancouver Guild of Fibre Arts are the co-sponsors for the 6TH annual Cherry Blossom exhibition. Functional objects, wall pieces and sculpture in any textile medium/technique. Original work only. Guidelines and entry form: CLICK HERE 
Contact: Judy Villett, exhibition coordinator Phone: 604-215-8537 Email: jvillett at hotmail dot com

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This one has been mentioned before, but i have decided to repost as it is a major show, and would love to see members exhibited!

Fibreworks 2014 Biennial Exhibition Deadline: March 31, 2014 
September 12 – November 2, 2014,Cambridge Galleries, Cambridge, ON.

Fibreworks, now in its 15TH edition, is a biennial juried exhibition of contemporary Canadian fibre art. It is a showcase of the most current and versatile approaches to fibre as a medium in form and production. This exhibition is one of the largest group shows in Canada dedicated specifically to fibre based works and serves as a survey of the artists currently working in the medium. For more information: www.akimbo.ca      (Akimbo by the way has listings of  many calls for entry in many mediums if you are interested in stretching your artistic horizon.)



EXHIBITIONS:

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS:

Kensington Art Supplies Relocation Opening
Opening Day:  Saturday, February 1, 2014

The opening day for Kensington Art Supply and Instruction has been set for Saturday, February 1, 2014.   We were hoping to open sooner but we are still under construction and need a little extra time to get everything finished.   The store will open and our first art classes will begin at 9 AM Saturday, February 1, 2014.  Any workshops listed for January will be rescheduled so please check workshop listings to confirm dates.  Everything scheduled for February will be as listed.  Any class fees paid for January will be applied to the February 1 start date.   Go to www.hughesfineart.ca for listings. Thank you for your patience and support! We believe it is going to be well worth the wait!


SLOFEMIST update from Lois Klassen:

I will soon be posting some new information pages on the art-action website: one for the finished squares and one for the finished patterns. The stitchers can have full credit next to their squares on the website, if they choose. If stitchers come up with their own pattern, they will also be credited on the pattern as authors. For the patterns, creators should note that the patterns are assigned a "Creative Commons" licence: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. That means that they will be made available free to anyone (and circulated on the Internet as pdf's) so long as the creator is credited whenever they are copied, and so long as they are not sold or further altered. All of that will be explained on the new web pages. Also, we will be keeping a running list of all of the participants to date, to include when appropriate (for example, in brochures or catalogues).


MISCELLANEOUS INTEREST:

2014 Classes in many quilting and sewing techniques  are now listed on the My Sewing Room website. (Calgary retailer)


Did you know that Laura and Linda Kemshall can digitally print your design on fabric for you? The results are clear and high quality, and while expensive, as shipping from the UK is high, it may be worth your while if you are interested in creating work with your own sketches. Not affiliated, just a share :)

time sensitive-- and special interest

NEW Employment Opportunity: Educational Art Technician, Fibre - Temporary, ACAD - Calgary, AB

Application Deadline: January 13, 2014

ACAD welcomes applications for the following temporary regular part-time position: Educational Art Technician, Fibre - Temporary (to cover a maternity leave), Competition # 1314-DE-AT-31

The Alberta College of Art + Design (ACAD) is seeking an Educational Art Technician to interact with and assist students and faculty in the studio-based Fibre Program.

The Technician in the Fibre Program is responsible for overseeing and facilitating the organization, maintenance and supervision of the Fibre Program print, dye, weaving, papermaking, and multi-purpose studios. Responsibilities and duties of the Fibre Technician include the: implementation and application of health and safety policies and practices; management of materials and supplies; maintenance and oversight of facilities and equipment; supervision of student monitors; provision of instructional support and service to the Fibre Program. The incumbent also monitors approved program area operational and capital budgets and delivers appropriate demonstrations to students as required.

To Apply
Please submit a cover letter that includes a description of your areas of personal skill and experience in the Fibre discipline, current résumé, 8 - 10 digital images of works that represent your technical skills in the Fibre discipline, and the names of three professional references. Please apply with one pdf document via our careers page at https://acadcareers.silkroad.com no later than January 13, 2014.

For complete job listing visit here.

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Call to Canadian Fibre Artists: Fibreworks 2014 - Cambridge, ON

Application Deadline: March 31, 2014

FIBREWORKS 2014, a biennial juried exhibition of Canadian fibre art
Exhibition dates: September 12 - November 2, 2014

CALL FOR ENTRY
Fibreworks, now in its 15th edition, is a biennial juried exhibition of contemporary Canadian fibre art. It is a showcase of the most current and versatile approaches to fibre as a medium in form and production. This exhibition is one of the largest group shows in Canada dedicated specifically to fibre based works and serves as a survey of the artists currently working in the medium. As many as 35 artists participate in the exhibition with works selected by an independent jury. All works selected for the exhibition are eligible for the Juror's award and may be purchased by Cambridge Galleries IDEA|EXCHANGE as part of its permanent collection dedicated exclusively to Canadian fibre art.

Fibreworks 2014 jurors are Hazel Meyer, Artist (Toronto, ON) and Stuart Reid, Director/Curator, Rodman Hall Art Centre (St. Catherines, ON).

For more information visit here and here.

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I know some do not like nor use FaceBook, but as a blogger who has no patience, interest or time to invest in a new blog or a code heavy forum for a specific purpose, i have opened/started a dedicated FB group for serious embroiderers. I have tried to see if there were any specific interest SDA groups around, even if it had to be online, but it appears not. I have talked casually with other members about these specific interest groups and decided to do something about it! There are VERY specific rules to the FB group (no selling, no cute or "whimsical", no current "trends", no artsyfartsy "journalling") and all members are "vetted" to prevent lurkers, spammers and those who join just to join :) --personal history with stitch, a "portfolio" of sorts, dedicated interest are the requirements. Beginners are welcome, but only if committed to making effort to be learning on their own and then applying it to the group discussions, are welcome. You can find the group here, though you won't see much beyond the group description, as it is a closed group. You don't have to be a current SDA member either as i set this up outside the auspices of the SDA. (We could perhaps even have a few small local get togethers/meetings if enough are interested.) If you'd like more information, you can always email me at arlee dot ar at gmail dot com.