Important Notices:

If you would like your work displayed here please send jpg to Karin

Thursday, October 31, 2013

First "Slofemist" gathering at our 6th meeting










A very heartening turn out for October 17th meeting (our 6th!), and the first group to gather and work together on the "Slofemist" project under the auspices and guidance of Lois Klassen and Lori Weidenhammer.




Three particular patterns were available, with the invitation to interpret, or to create one's own response to Feminism and how it has affected one's own life.

For more information, go to Lois's blog, where she will be adding more as it comes.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Some good stuff on this weekend that I didn't want to miss telling you about.
Please click the images to enlarge.



Paul Brown attended our Powered by PechaKucha evening and I feel that a reminder about the 
Artist Trading Card Sessions 
that he oversees would encourage you to attend an important Surface Design opportunity for creative play in design and textural surface, that is so good at taking us to that 'penny drop' place in our brains where creative sparks fly.
He says that we SDA members and others are most welcome to pop by with or without cards to the next meeting John Snow House this Saturday 5 - 7 pm




Artist Trading CardsFriend of Facebook
ATC Trading Session


Come trade your ATCs on Saturday


First-timers, long-timers, young-timers and old-timers - come one, come all! There will be lots of new cards to see and trade. That's a guarantee!

Besides trading your art, you can share techniques, themes, ideas and experiences. It's especially good to see impromptu projects worked on separately or collaboratively within the group. Have you any ideas for group work? Any themes you'd like to see explored by other hands?

Please bring spare card-making supplies to share with other traders. There will be ATC collector sheets and binders to take away free.




Also this came through about the works of Dana Roman

Here are somethings that might be of interest to others:

http://www.artmarketcraftsale.com/ I will be participating this year and will be in the booth #309.

I will be as well this weekend Oct 26 (11-7.30) and 27 11-5.30) at the Banff Centre Mountain Craft Sale at Eric Harvie Theatre (Mountain Film Festival)

And  November 23 and 24 at the Canmore Art Market

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

October end

EXHIBITIONS:








Room by Martina MacFarlane and Amanda McCavour, Art Gallery of Saint Albert, St Albert, AB


Date: October 3 - November 2, 2013
Location: Art Gallery of Alberta, 19 Perron Street, St. Albert, AB

Room features large acrylic paintings by Martina MacFarlane and thread installation works by Amanda McCavour. This exhibition presents notions of the home as both a physical and en emotional space.


For further information visit: artgalleryofstalbert.ca


~~~~~~~~~
Diane Krys

I'm very pleased to offer an invitation to my first solo show. I'm  honored to be having it at the Alberta Craft Council's Discovery Gallery from Oct 26-Nov30, 2013.   My journey with fiber started with rug hooking. It opened my eyes to the wider world of fiber and I soon went on to learn and explore many other techniques and mediums including knitting, crocheting, wet and dry felting.  A few years ago these parallel explorations began to merge as I developed my own techniques to bring knitting, felting and rug hooking together  in my work.  I created a new language  that allowed me to express myself  in a completely new way.  Flat planes of color and pattern have become sculptural expressions with new stories to share.

 I would love to meet more of my fellow SDA members and other fiber enthusiasts. I welcome you to come and say hello at the artist's reception on Saturday Nov.2 from 2-4. Please feel free to get in touch any other time as well.  It doesn't take much to lure me out to talk about art and fiber! (Diane Krys)
Diane also ha sguest blogged here and here.





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On a side note, Diane Duncan's group show at the Canyon Meadows Community Hall was attended by almost 500 people! A well rounded and diverse show, you can see some of it here. I was amazed at the variety of work!


WORKSHOPS:

 Terriea Kwong - international felting artist coming to Langley. Get excited...please help me give a big welcome to Terriea Kwong! She is coming to North America to teach many felt making classes! Starting November 25, Terriea Kwong will be sharing her expertise with us in making a 3D felt clutch purses, or a 3D vessels and/or Eco print scarves. 

    Below is a sneak peak at Terriea's background!

        I love travel and nature.   Natural and handmade crafts are my favorites.  I enjoy the process of handmaking from ceramics to fabrics & fibres.    Some years ago I saw a seamless  wool pouch in a  Cambridge crafts market and wondering how it’s made.  My curiosity brought me to source the roots of felt making. Found wool a marvelous medium and addicted to felt making since 2009.  My passion drives me to pursue  and explore the versatility of wool.

Wool felt is my favorite pastime and I’m very pleased to share with like-minded.   Since 2009 I’ve offered  almost 50 open and private workshops .  I love fibre art and have recently explored eco dyeing and printing.  My works  are  inspired by nature.  I like to do eco prints with leaves – the environmental friendly art.   It’s fun to share the beauty of felting and tutorials  via my blog http://terriekwong.blogspot.com. Please check out  Terriea's blog to see all the wonderful pictures of her work.

Natural print scarf:
    Using natural resources to create unique scarf with leaves prints. Students are taught to make prints with shades of rose leaves and eucalyptus prints on silk scarves. And while the bundles are boiling we will make a wool felt flower brooch or bracelet. 

    Two Dates:
    November 25, 2013 and/or November 30,2013 (this is the same class just two different days)
    Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
    Place: Langley, BC  (walnut grove area) please message me for the address
    Fee: $125.00 incl. materials.
    ** please note: students must bring two bath size towels
   
Wool felt clutch with 3D textural flap :
    The wool felt clutch (handbag) with 3D texture is a unique design of the flap.  After learning the technique of making the 3D textural surface, students can apply such design on other wool felt objects to create the rich texture look

    Date: November 26, 2013
    Time: 10:00 - approximately 4:00 pm
    Place: Langley, BC ( walnut grove area, please message me for the address)
    Fee: $95.00 incl. materials.
    

    3D hollow vessel:
    The 3D hollow vessel will be a fun class learning how to make seamless items to hold many of your favourite things. Once you learn this technique you will have endless ideas for future hollow projects!
    Date: November 27, 2013
    Time: 10:00 - 3:00pm
    Place: Langley, BC ( walnut grove area, please message me for the address)
    Fee: $75.00 incl. materials.
  
If you would like to experience a wonderful time with Terriea Kwong who is a well known international felt maker please contact Sharon Gerhart at 604 916-7633  or email her at gerhart.sharon@gmail.com to book your seat! Seating is limited book your class now as classes will fill up quickly!





MISCELLANEOUS:



Arts For All Grant Program
Deadlines: November 15, 2013 & May 30, 2014

The Arts for All Program is open to individuals, collectives and organizations and will fund art projects that will increase artistic activities and opportunities within the Greater Forest Lawn community. Preference will be given to applicants who are located in Greater Forest Lawn, although applicants from outside the community will also be considered if their projects value participation from local artists and community members as well as the participation of artists, organizations and community members from diverse backgrounds. Applicants are encouraged to connect with International Avenue BRZ early in their project planning to get acquainted with the community and learn about opportunities available, such as artBOX on 17E.

Further Information:
View grant description here
Contact Cadence Mandybura (Community Manager, Calgary Arts Development)
403.264.5330 ext 201 (office) | cadence.mandybura@calgaryartsdevelopment.com

Artist Opportunity Grant Program

Deadline: ongoing

The Artist Opportunity Grant Program is being piloted in 2013 and 2014 to invest in professional development opportunities for individual professional artists With no set deadlines for applications, the program will allow artists to take advantage of short-term opportunities that will develop their careers.

If you have questions about the program or the application process, please email grants@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or call 403.476.203. Learn more here

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New website for Calgary artisans: New Craft Coalition

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Craft Sale: Edmonton Weavers' Guild - Edmonton, AB
Date: Saturday, November 2, 10am - 3:30 pm Location: Strathcona Community League, 10139 - 87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB Admission: $3.00

 The Edmonton Weavers' Guild is holding their annual Weaving, Spinning & Fibreworks Show & Sale. All sale items have been juried to ensure you will find nothing but the best in artisan products. For more information visit: http://edmontonweavers.org/

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GIVE IT YOUR BEST SWATCH! Contribute your work to the history of textile art & design.

Now soliciting new swatches for "Best Of" Swatch Collection #4 - loaded with examples of innovative process, masterful application plus any downright gorgeous or distinctive fabric you've created.

 DEADLINE:  DECEMBER 1 Download Submission Guidelines + Form at www.surfacedesign.org/get-involved/sda-swatch-collection 

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 ELEANOR HANNAN

Anni Hunt has produced a video of an interview with Eleanor Hannan, whom many of you know either as an artist, friend or teacher.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5Kt2ZpKL7o&feature=youtu.be

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COMMON THREADS

 Thomas Roach and Sheila Wex gave a presentation last month at the Vancouver SDA show, about the Common Threads project. Some of you may be interested in following the progress of that project - check out http://common-threads-125.tumblr.com/ for lots of pics and information. We in the Lower Mainland will have a chance to see the completed masterpieces hanging in the Cathedral, in due course.


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We *will* be doing a "report" on the Oct 17th meeting with Lois Klassen and the "Slofemist Project", but are waiting for more photos and information!

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I (arlee) have "nagged" everyone about sharing information on the blog so we can all get to know each other, and Karin reminded me that i too am capable of doing that, so...... i'm personally pleased to have several online interviews this month. They are similar, but answer different questions. Ancora part 1      Ancora part 2   TextileArtist.org part 1




Friday, October 18, 2013

Expression of Interest for Alberta SDA Exhibit 2014

 





EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITY
What’s on the Surface?
An exhibition of the Alberta Surface Design Association
Call for expression of interest
First show by established and emerging artists and members of the Surface Design Association Alberta, (SDA), showcasing the talents of its members.
To be held at Atlantis Fine Framing and Studio 
Calgary, Alberta.
4515 Manhattan Rd SE  Calgary, AB, T2G 4B3
April 5 – April 30, 2014
Submitting artists must be Alberta residents and SDA members at the time of submission. If you do not currently hold a valid SDA membership please visit  http://www.surfacedesign.org


If you would like to take part in this show please email your intent by November 10, 2013 to ioftheneedle@me.com
Please include:-
Your Name
Address
Phone number
Email


The formal submission process is detailed below.
Theme and Context
Exhibition Theme: What’s on the Surface?
There is plenty of room for interpretation of the theme. An artist may choose to produce a meaningful surface that inspires, intrigues, or may simply be viewed as beautiful, ugly, or thought provoking. Perhaps you prefer to respond to the theme in a conceptual way.  For example, one might explore the idea that what a person shows on the surface is not necessarily what the person feels inside.  Or, one might express how cutting through the unappealing skin of the passion fruit reveals the beauty within. There are innumerable ways to address the theme and your approach is completely up to you.
This is a contemporary show open to the original application of traditional as well as experimental techniques.
For the purposes of this exhibition ‘the surface’ is to be a textile, fibre or thread-based work, where 'fibre'  and ‘thread’ are used in their broadest possible sense, from the more traditional materials of cotton/silk/wool to the more innovative: strands of polymer plastics, wire, paper shreds, fibrous minerals, coils of clay etc.
Guidelines
  • A maximum of 3 works may be submitted for consideration.  A small series occupying a total of 30 cm or less in any direction will be considered as one piece.
  • Works of art can be 2D or 3D and must be completed during the past two years.  
  • Art works as individual pieces, or as a small series occupying a total of 30 cm or less in any direction, can be accommodated easily. Larger pieces will be considered in the context of the available space.  
  • This is a curated show.  All works should be of professional standard and finish.   
  • The curators, Linda Hawke and Karin Millson, have final say on inclusion.
  • There is no submission fee.
  • Submission Deadline: February 14, 2014
  • Submission is via email, to ioftheneedle@me.com and should include:-
    • -digital images of a maximum of 3 works proposed for exhibit; (max 3 images per piece, 300dpi sized to a maximum of 800 pixels per side).  Image files should be named with a number and the last name of the artist, eg: 1_smith
    • -a correspondingly numbered list of works including title, size (cm), media, year completed, value (or price, if for sale)
    • -brief explanation of each work (50 word maximum)
    • -artist’s bio, detailing your history as an artist and the philosophical approach to your work (200 word maximum)
  • Transportation and insurance of works is entirely the responsibility of the artist.
  • All works must be supplied ready to hang, clearly and securely labelled with artist’s name, title of work, directional arrow, and price on the back or bottom of the work.
  • Any special installation instructions should be included with the work.




Timeline
Expression of Interest:     November 10, 2013
Submission deadline:     February 14, 2014
Artists will be notified by:     March 14, 2014
Delivery of works:         March 31, 2014
Finished artworks must be with the curator (Karin Millson, 4519 Coronation Drive, Calgary, Alberta, T2S1M5) by the end of the above date
Exhibition dates:         April 5, 2014 – April 30, 2014
Opening reception:         April 11, 2014
Pickup of unsold works:     April 30, 2014


All works must be removed from the gallery by end April 30, 2014.  
If you cannot be there yourself to remove your works, please arrange for another person to collect on that date.
It will be possible to sell works from the gallery.  Atlantis Fine Framing and Studio will take a 25% commission on any works sold during the show. Sold works will remain on display for duration of the show.


Contact Karin Millson for further details or clarification: -
ioftheneedle@me.com
403 453 1823




Tuesday, October 8, 2013

October notes

Don't forget our special "collaborative" meeting on the 17th! 


 Artist Spotlight:

Pat Strakowski


                    "Women" from group show "Hanging by a Thread" at Alberta Craft Council Gallery Edmonton, artist: Pat Strakowski


"I have been creating paper mache sculptures since the 1980’s. About 7 years ago I became interested in books as ready made sculptural objects that I would alter. My love of embellishing my artworks give each book its unique persona as I develop its pages and cover. I am never in a rush to finish the book I am working on. For inspiration I look for the unusual ." 

Pat also has a book, available here, about her work.


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Again, we are reminding members to please send information, photos and news to keep everyone apprised of what is happening. It's in your best interests to publicize yourselves!!!! Don't hide your lights under a bushel basket: share or i'm going to start emailing you one by one and cajoling and flattering you with questions!

  P.S.  A "label" widget has been added to the side bar, so you can more easily find specific topics.

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Kensington Art Supplies is moving to a new location in January:


And so is STASH.


 There's a new art venue in the SE: 

Grand Opening: Art Box on 17E - Calgary, AB

Date: Thursday, October 3, 2013 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Location: 1807 42 Street Southeast, Calgary, AB

Join us for our dinner themed party even Peter Sellers would be proud of....
Plus a special announcement of funding opportunities by CADA for artists....Don't miss it!

It's the Grand Opening of Art Box on 17E - check out the transformation and the possibilities. What was an empty building and former paint store to a thunderbolt of exploding ideas and dynamic art, music & shows. 
Art Box on 17E is a project of International Avenue BRZ and Calgary Arts Development Authority.


Well, we missed the opening, but do check it out on a "normal" day :)

 

EXHIBITS:

Epcor Centre    Rosemary Brown: Plastic Fantastic  




Calls For Entry:

Some of these have been highlighted in previous posts, but are reminders to you.

EPCOR CENTRE Ledge Gallery Artist Residency 2014
Deadline: 4:00 PM on Monday, November 4, 2013
Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts is announcing a call for submissions of visual art open to all professional Calgary artists (please note that students are not eligible). EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts will select one local visual artist to create new work in the Ledge Gallery throughout the months of June and July, 2014. The artwork will then be exhibited for the month of August, 2014. An artist CARFAC exhibition fee as well as a total of $2000.00 in financial support to assist with material costs and subsistence will be provided. Email Tammy McGrath  tmcgrath@epcorcentre.org


PLEASE NOTE: THE BELOW IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ONLY. THE OFFICIAL CALL WILL BE IN JANUARY OF 2014 ******Expression of Interest for Surface Design Association exhibition Edge of the Forest: Exploring Perimeters
 

Boundaries, borders and edges... To what extent is a country defined by its perimeter...by the choices and placement of edges? Whether political, historical, psychological and/or geographical, our comprehension and expression of these points of delineation represent integral parts of who we are, both as individuals and collectively. Be it selvedge to selvedge, raw edge or treated, our textiles have unavoidable beginnings and endings. How these are handled can be as varied as the makers themselves. The SDA welcomes your rich interpretation of this concept in presenting a diverse Canadian perspective on our boundaries.

Opportunities are being explored to mount this exhibition in a number of venues - at the SDA Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, June 2015, at the Newfoundland & Labrador Fibre Arts Conference in Gros Morne National Park, October 2015, and elsewhere. A Call for Entry will be sent out by email in 2014 when a venue has been confirmed.

    All Canadian members of the Surface Design Association are invited to participate. Artists must be current members of the Surface Design Association as of January 2015, and resident in Canada.
    All work is to be created within the boundaries of a two-dimensional 16x28 inch rectangle format, to be hung vertically. Specific hanging guidelines are available.
    The work should best represent your current practice, be it experimental or signature style, and speak to the theme expressed above.

Please email your expressions of interest with your name, address, phone number and email address to Melanie Siegel thebeadofmyheart@rogers.com


 
 


 American Tapestry Alliance (ATA) UNTITLED/UNJURIED exhibition
Deadline for Submissions: January 31, 2014

This call is open to all artists working with hand woven tapestry. ATA invites entries not only from artists who work within more traditional definitions of tapestry, but also those artists who work expands upon the core principles of the medium as it explores new techniques and processes.  Multi-media work is welcome as long as the primary technique is tapestry.  The size of the tapestry may not exceed 10" by 10" by 1" deep.  Artists may submit only one piece.  Group challenges and mentoring pairs are encouraged.  Work must be original, executed by the entrant, of recent completion and not shown in a prior ATA show.  UNTITLED will hang at URI Feinstein Providence Campus Gallery, July 1 - August 23, 2014.

For more information and entry forms see here. Questions?  Contact Janet Austin
nitsuanaj@verizon.net
   or at 401.885.5595. 



Call for Instructors for Fibre Arts Conference 2015 - Newfoundland and Labrador

Deadline for Proposals: January 31, 2014


Celebrating Craft in Newfoundland and Labrador and Craft Year 2015, Fibre Arts Newfoundland and Labrador will take place from October 15 - 18, 2015 in beautiful Gros Morne National Park.

The Instructor Committee is now calling for proposals from interested designers, makers, and teachers.  We invite you to be creative, and develop sessions that will inspire our Conference participants to reach beyond the boundaries of their current studio practices, and think in new ways, explore new ideas and develop new products.  The Committee welcomes innovation in techniques and materials.

Please follow this link for more information or contact events@craftcouncil.nl.ca for answers.

 
 Miscellaneous:
 Studio Space: UAS announces 5 NEW Studios! - Calgary, AB Application Deadline: October 20, 2013

UAS is excited to announce the creation of 5 new studios in the upper-level of Satellite Gallery! Studio will be roughly 200 square feet, and priced at roughly $260.00 - depending on size and actual square footage. These studios will be available starting November 1st. To book a viewing, please email info@uascalgary.org Learn more about these spaces.

Harcourt House has a large variety of classes for the young and the young at heart. Take a look at their website for more information on classes, or if you have any specific questions please contact Education Programming: Brittney Roy @ 7804264180 | harcourtexhibit@shaw.ca

FEATURED CLASS Marketing Strategies: For Artists
Instructor: Alexis Marie Chute
Date: Saturday, 10:00am - 3:00pm October 19, 2013
Cost: $30 ($20 members)
Maximum: 20 participants. Please RSVP at harcourtexhibit@shaw.ca

We create art in a time of digital literacy. In this course you will learn how to use online tools to market your work and yourself. The goal is to engage your target market, interest the media and establish yourself as a professional in your field. You will learn how to use Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and a blog to make important connections and attract interest to your work. To top it all off, you will leave the course with a plan to automate these networks so you still have time to make your art! Learn more about this class and others  here.


Most of us have struggled with writing artist statements, bios and CV's. What information is  important? What's the difference between a statement and a bio? Why do i need a CV? From a Vancouver blog focusing on art and art business, lots of information.  Click on the appropriate tag for a wealth of tips and practical advice. 
And from a different site, why do you need an art statement at all? 


Need to stock up on stash?
Craft Sale: Sheep Creek Weavers Fibre Arts Guild - Calgary, ABDate: 10am - 4pm Saturday October 19, 2013
Location: Millarville Racetrack located 20 minutes SW of Calgary, near the intersection of Highways 22 and 549E.

One of a kind finds from local artists! Sheep Creek Weavers, a local fibre arts guild is hosting their ever-popular annual show and sale, Sat. Oct 19 at the Millarville Racetrack, 10 am - 4 pm, with free admission and Tea room.

This is a wonderful opportunity to purchase unique handmade art pieces directly from the artists. Enjoy the country drive and down-home hospitality (just in time to beat the holiday shopping). You'll find a range of beautiful woven, felted, quilted and knitted items and garments, handspun yarns, wall hangings, see a fashion show and gallery of selected pieces from our guild's celebrated artists.

For more information about the sale or the guild, go to: www.sheepcreekweavers.ca




THIS JUST IN:

Perhaps a bit of a drive, but if you are in Vancouver during that time frame:

Just Ten Days Away!
10000 Hours: Craft Invested
The CCF/FCMA and the Craft Council of British Columbia (CCBC) invite you to Vancouver for the 10,000 Hours: Craft Invested Conference. From October 17th to the 20th, 2013, the CCBC will present a wide variety of lectures, panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions and a gala fundraiser supporting the work of the CCBC during their 40th Anniversary year.


Conference discussions will be lively, touching on topics such as 'Craft - Origin, Place and Influence', 'Craft and Cultural Migration', 'The Function of Function', 'Craft: A Scary Word', and, closing out the conference, the CCF/FCMA's own National Symposium titled 'Connection & Collection', featuring Dr, Sandra Alfoldy (NSCAD University), Victoria Henry (Canada Art Bank), Jonathon Bancroft-Snell (Jonathon Bancroft-Snell Gallery) and Denis Longchamps (Craft Journal and the Burlington Arts Center). 

With over fifty speakers in total, it will be a whirlwind of debate!
Each panel is $20 per person, or a two day pass can be purchased for $130 (for CCBC Members) or $145 (for non-members). The CCF/FCMA National Symposium is not included in the two day pass, but is a separate $20 ticket for the event, which runs 6-9pm on Saturday, October 19th.


Check out the full schedule of events and register online today!


  

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Exhibition news


(Found via FaceBook)

Remember to send in your information! It doesn't have to be strictly "SDA", as we all benefit from seeing new work by everyone.