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

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.

it appears there's still some January left....

Really, i don't know why i thought the 21st was the end of January! My apologies, there are still things going on :)

Calls for Entry:

 George Pegg Botanic Garden Society, Sangudo AB
Deadline for registration: February 15

You are invited to take part in the George Pegg Botanic Garden Art Festival - the first art show and sale to be held at this provincial historic resource. Artisans will exhibit a wide variety of art forms such as fine art, pottery, sculpture, glass, fibre art, jewellery, quilted art, and woodwork. Artisans will be able to demonstrate their talents and can participate in interviews. Food vendors will be present as well as musicians who will entertain visitors throughout the day.

The event hours are 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with set-up in the morning at 8:00 to 10:45 a.m. This is an event with limited indoor and unlimited outdoor space available for the artisans. Artisans are advised to bring a sun canopy/tent (maximum size of 10'x10') in the event of inclement weather. Tables are available if required. Free refreshments will be provided for the artisans. There is easy access to the set-up area and parking. Advertising will be handled by the event planners but artisans are encouraged to promote this event whenever possible.

The first artisans to register will be placed in the most advantageous spaces within the garden and farmstead. Event contact information is found on the registration form. For more information on the George Pegg Botanic Garden check the followings links: www.PeggGarden.org and www.RRTour.ca.

 Call for Submission- Calyx is Coming!, Calgary
Calgary - April 20 and 21, 2013

Calyx Distinctive Arts, founded by a group of professional artists with a collective vision and mutually supportive artistic goals, host art exhibition and sales twice annually in Calgary AB.

The directors of Calyx exhibit and sell their own work and welcome other qualified artists to participate in these events.  If you are an artist with aspirations to sell your work in a high quality, juried event with other like-mined peers, please visit our website at www.calyx.ca for application and submission information.  Our application deadline is February 17, 2013

We have secured a great exhibition space in a central and convenient location, share an enviable mailing list, and offer extremely competitive participation fees.  Please feel free to contact us at (403) 244-8150 or (403) 305-6708 for more information. We hope that you will join us.



BAZAART outdoor Art Show & Sale, Regina, SK
Early Bird Registration deadline: February 15
Regular Registration deadline: March 15

BAZAART is Saskatchewan's largest outdoor Art Show & Sale, showcasing handmade creations by innovative Canadian artists who excel in their chosen medium.  Organized by the MacKenzie Art Gallery as an annual fundraiser, BAZAART admission fees support exhibitions and programs at the MacKenzie Art Gallery.

BAZAART and will take place on Saturday, June 15 from 10 am to 5 pm at the corner of Albert Street and 23rd Avenue in Regina, Saskatchewan; admission fee is $5 per person. Each year over 5,000 BAZAART attendees support independent Canadian artists and craftspeople by purchasing unique, stylish and practical alternatives to mass-produced items. All artists are encouraged to promote the unique and original design of their work and to use local and/or environmentally-friendly materials whenever possible.

Click here http://www.mackenzieartgallery.ca/engage/bazaart for more information or contact Kimberley Fyfe, Corporate Relations, MacKenzie Art Gallery 306-584-4295 | kimberley.fyfe@mackenzieartgallery.ca



Workshops:

The Lisa Grey workshop in April in Calgary is FULL. Names are being placed on waiting list only now.

There are however spaces in the Lethbridge placement. Info here: http://www.surfacedesignlethbridge.ca/ 

NEW Silkscreening on Fabric I workshop, Calgary
Instructor: Margot Van Lindenberg
Tue, Feb 5 - Mar 26, 6:30 - 9:30pm

Imagine your own images on fabric! Print your own designs on yardage, clothing, or accessories using dyes, pigments, and hand-cut stencils. You will be supplied with a silkscreen to use in class to create unique textiles for artworks or functional
pieces. Most supplies are included in the fee, but please see your course supply list online for a few crucial items. Be sure to come prepared for the first class.

Click here (scroll down on site ) to download a PDF of ACAD's Extended Studies FALL +WINTER 2012|13 Catalogue. 

January ends, February looms.....

Calls for Entry: (dates are in bold as some are very time sensitive)

Stride Gallery Call for +15 Window Proposals, Calgary Deadline: January 26, 5pm
Proposals received by 5:00PM Saturday, January 26, 2013 will be considered for +15 exhibition slots as early as June/July 2013. This special call is directed specifically to locally-based emerging and aspiring artists, but all interested artists are welcome to apply.
Artists exhibiting works in the +15 Window receive an artist fee and professional documentation of their exhibition, which is also included in Stride's Annual Catalogue. +15 Window artists receive complimentary copies of the Catalogue at the time of its launch.
 Stride's +15 Window Space is located in the public +15 walkways in the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts (205 - 8th Avenue SE). This deep vitrine space provides a unique exhibition venue well suited to presentations of three-dimensional works and carefully considered installations of two-dimensional artwork. The +15 walkways are accessible to the public at all times, and welcome a diverse audience. Stride prioritizes projects from Alberta-based emerging artists for the +15 Window Space programming, though all interested artists are encouraged to submit proposals. These exhibitions are two months in duration, totalling six per year. Click here http://www.stride.ab.ca/submissions.html for to review the submission guidelines and additional info.

Sacred Threads: This biennial exhibition was established to provide a venue for quilters of all faiths who see their work as a connection to the sacred and/or as an expression of their spiritual journey. The first exhibit was held in 2001 and the exhibit is held in June of odd numbered years. 


 Talking Heads: A reminder to all SDA members  (and those who might consider becoming members): the Talking Heads exhibition promises to be an exciting display of work by fibre artists working in any media but inclusive of fibre or fibre techniques. At the recent meeting of local Vancouver members of the SDA there was a great deal of interest expressed, and we are hoping for many entries from beyond our own borders. Please let Jennifer, or Ros (rosaqed@shaw.ca) know if you plan to enter, and we would love to have a picture of your entry.. Remember, works must be inspired by a traditional headdress; they need not be wearable; they can be two or three dimensional.
Entry details may be found on the SDA BC blog (http://www.surfacedesignbc.blogspot.ca/) and website (surfacedesignbc.org). Entry deadline is May 4, 2013.

The Cherry Blossom exhibition, sponsored by FibreEssence and the Vancouver Guild of Fibre Arts, will take place at the Silk Purse Gallery in West Vancouver, from April 2 – 21, 2013. The deadline for entries is also early March, and this is an open call to all fibre artists. Please check the VGFA website (http://www.vgfa.org/NewWebsite/call2.htm) for further information. This is always a very popular and well-attended show.



If you are interested in learning how to submit to a gallery, specifically the Marion Nicoll Gallery, ACAD is having an information session at the college in the boardroom, Wednesday, January 23 at 12:15 . (This meeting might be good for general information on how to apply to other galleries with the knowledge you glean.)

EXHIBITIONS:

 (Information from Jennifer Love/SDA BC)

This is a preliminary notice for the exhibition INVOKING VENUS: FEATHERS AND FASHION which will take place at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum at UBC, February 7 to May 5, 2013.  The opening night is Thursday, February 7.

    Overview: The exhibition is comprised of photo-based images by Catherine Stewart and accessories from the clothing collections of Claus Jahnke and Ivan Sayers.  Using bird specimens from the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, Vancouver-based Stewart explores the role colour, patterning and adornment play in courtship and attraction. Through the juxtaposition of images of bird plumage with images of vintage fabrics and actual feathered fashion accessories, the parallels in human and bird behaviour become apparent. The lush and sensuous images magnify details in avian plumage and vintage fabrics, revealing a multitude of rich and varied hues that combine to create the colours, textures and patterns observed when viewing birds and humans at their finest.

    The exhibition opening and fashion show "A Passion for Plumage" will take place on Thursday, February 7.  Featuring historical clothing and accessories from the collections of Ivan Sayers and Claus Jahnke, this show will be hosted by Ivan Sayers and will explore the history of feathers in fashion.
    As there is only a limited number of tickets available for the fashion show portion of the evening (because of fire regulations), we suggest you purchase your tickets as soon as possible through this link:  http://beatyinvokingvenus.eventbrite.com/# . If you are unable to make the 7:30 PM launch, admission will be free after the fashion show wraps up (around 8:30-8:40 PM).

    Additional events during the course of the exhibition will include lectures by fashion historian Ivan Sayers and an artist's talk/tour by Catherine Stewart.  A schedule of these events (with descriptions) will follow. These will also be posted under News and Events on the museum website (http://beatymuseum.ubc.ca) later in January.

    Except for these special events, regular admission prices for the museum will apply after opening night for the duration of the exhibition. The Beaty Museum is a fascinating place through which to browse, so we encourage you to allow enough time to explore the other displays when you visit.

(A side note from arlee: having heard Ivan Sayers speak, this will be quite engaging--the man has an amazing amount of knowledge on past fashions and the cultural aspects of fashion.)

Workshops:

Gloria Daly has a plethora of workshops scheduled with well known textile artists in her Vancouver Island studio.  

Not really a workshop per se, but a request for particpation from Linda Hawkes:

Hello everyone, I hope you can join us as Dream Quilts - a collaborative creative quilt-making project on themes of sleep and dreams - continues.

For three days we’ll be publicly quilting the expressive art quilts we began last fall at the Women’s Centre.

Come add your stitches to these intriguing works of art.Join us on February 13 and 20, 11 am - 4 pm and February 23, 12-5 pm at the Central Library, 616 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary.   

It would be lovely to see you there!

And a workshop and exhibition combined at the Leighton Art Centre, just outside of Calgary! Rachelle LeBlanc, known for her distinct style, technical excellence and for breaking new ground within the traditional craft of rug hooking. With a growing international reputation, LeBlanc’s work is sure to impress.   Exhibition and workshop.

Mid-February Newsletter

There is a lot going on... 
So here is a mid-month update. I hope this helps you not to miss out on registering for workshops, job applications or putting in a proposal for an exhibition.
Good luck to you all.


Do you know that SDA Alberta has a page on the SDA website too.  
Go to the grey menu bar on the SDA home page, put your mouse over "Get Involved" and scroll down the pop up menu to "Meet your area rep" and click it. Scroll down the page that opens till you see "Canada" and Alberta and click on Alberta or adjacent provinces/States to see what is going on in our region.
The folks who are working on the website are making progress, still things to do - and as a newbie and can see some areas of concern, but it is a great resource, so I hope you enjoy surfing it.


Oh, and don't forget  the upcoming joint SDA/SAQA conference, Identity , in Philadelphia.  I will be sending out updated information directly to SDA Members by email.


Any errors or omissions on this blog are unintentional, please help me get it right... and email me any corrections - I won't take offence, and I will post the corrections.  
I try to do a lot well, sometimes I fall short.  But it is only by making mistakes that we improve.  This is a mantra I like to live by.
Karin

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Call for entries

Call for Submissions - FABRICated (fibre arts), Calgary SUBMISSION DEADLINE: March 5, 2012 (DIGITAL) DaDe ART & DESIGN LAB creates and provides innovative and unique products that enhance interior living spaces. With a distinctive product mix and presentation philosophy DaDe offers a complete product range for modern living, including original art & sculpture by local artists, and exclusive furniture from around the world. DaDe ART & DESIGN LAB in collaboration with the Alberta Craft Council will showcase contemporary fibre artists. FABRICated will run April 20 to June 3, 2012, showcase unconventional, contemporary works (portraits, QR codes, abstract shapes & forms, ʻNOT your grandmothers quiltʼ), both 2D & 3D, using traditional techniques (quilting, needlework, felting, weaving etc). Works submitted must be show ready. JURY Darcy Lundgren - DaDe ART & DESIGN LAB co-owner, creative director, designer & artist Greg Fraser - DaDe ART & DESIGN LAB co-owner, general manager, event coordinator Margie Davidson - Margie Davidson is an awarded fibre artist, speaker & educator, based in Edmonton, Alberta. SALES All works will be for sale during the exhibition. For items selected to be included, artists are responsible for setting the retail price (DaDe will collect a 50% commission from all works sold), as well as delivery to DaDe ART & DESIGN LAB. SUBMISSIONS submissions must include * contact info (name, address, phone & email) * artist cv * artist bio * images & image list submit via website http://www.dadeartanddesignlab.com/submissions.html or emailinfo@dadegallery.com only those selected to be included in FABRICated will be contacted. DaDe ART & DESIGN LAB 1327 9 AVENUE SE Calgary AB | T2G 0T2

Call for Artists: Curiosities, Medicine Hat Deadline: March 15, 4 pm

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What's going on at College?

Hey check this out: http://fibre.acadnet.ca/

Does your local college have a fibre department?  Why not let us know what they are getting up to.
And if you are in Calgary you might want to sign up to receive email updates fronm the ACAD students' blog.

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Workshops

Jason Pollen's workshops.

Thanks to everyone - there has been a tremendous response to these workshops.  If you are still interested in attending please email me, or comment on the blog, below.

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Information from Lyn Pleuger.

Sheep Creek Weavers Fibre Arts Guild

Millarville Race Track Hall, Alberta

Beginners 14th and 15th May, 2012     $250

         Intermediate - 16th and 17th of May, 2012   $100

Advanced and Masters - 21st and 22nd of May, 2012  $100

Please note that the Beginners is a prerequisite for the Intermediate and the Intermediate for the Advanced

and there will be approx. $10 per day student fee for the rental of the facility.

                                        

Please Contact Lyn 

E-mail: pflueger@telus.net 

 To learn more about Modern Batik Art, please go to

Modern Batik Art Workshops

www.modernbatikartworkshops.com

Sheep Creek Weavers will host ROBYN SPADY on April 2, 3, 4 2012 for the following workshop:

see spadystudios.com

Pictures, Piles, Potpourri, and Perplexing Curiosities

This is a workshop designed for intermediate-to-advanced weavers (and adventure-seeking beginners) that want to learn new weave structures. In this round-robin workshop, participants will expand their knowledge and experience in weave structures they may have heard of but, may not have woven. A surefire weaving adventure and challenging journey of warp and weft. Structures covered include multi-block swivel and bead leno, corduroy, velvet, samitum, corkscrew twills, lampas, and Beiderwand

This workshop is only offered as a three-day workshop because of the advanced nature of the weave structures covered and the amount of time required to review and weave them.
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Materials fee: $20.00 per person
The workshop fee will be $125 -$150 (depending on travel costs)
please email Lyn Pflueger (pflueger@telus.net) to enrol, or for further information

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SDA Member News

And whilst we are talking about Lyn, Lyn Pflueger's fibre pieces 'feltskin' and 'ruana' are featured in Lark Craft's 500 Felt Objects: Contemporary Explorations of a Remarkable Material.   Congratulations Lyn.  Send me an image so I can show your work off!   ============================================================== This from Jennifer at Surface Design Association : BC

Don't forget you can read the SDA page for BC on the SDA blog, or take a look at Jennifer's BC blog - linked in the right hand side menu bar ( HERE and HERE). Below are a selection from Jennifer's recent newsletters to BC members. Joe Lewis (Canada) invited SDA to submit a profile to his *fibreQuarterly* on-line magazine for a feature about international textile-focused organizations. Check it out here; several SDA members are profiled. A brief history is included - plus a link to the interview Patricia Malarcher did with Jack Lenor Larsen wherein they discuss how SDA got its name. The Velvet Highway - Surface Design Association: Enduring Advocate of Textile Arts by Ann H. Brocket www.velvethighway.com Julia sent me this link - it's AMAZING! Love the men's jackets and pants: http://slowtextiles.blogspot.com/2012/02/gijs-fireling-for-dries-van-outen-ss12.html?spref=fb  SDA CALENDAR is now operational on the website (the parent organization - not our local website)! Add your events, ones that have resonance for all SDA members.  The Calendar is open to anyone to update, even non-members. Events will be moderated. (We've been asked to post our local meeting info on our state/area page instead of the calendar - which I will do). Exhibitions are encouraged on the calendar.  Check it out!    ============================================================== Thanks for reading to the end of this post. Now give me a buzz and post a comment! It'd be nice to answer the question... "Is there anybody out there???"