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.)

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.

First SDA Alberta exhibit a great success

What a wonderful turn out and buzz there was last night at the opening reception!

Centre, top, of above photo: "From the Surface 3" by Ilse Anysas-Salkauskas
Centre, bottom:  Susan Wittrup "All That Glitters"

Above, C.Dana Bush

Above, Wendy Klotz

Below, Wendy Passmore

Above, Virginia Stephen

Below, Siri McCormick

                                                                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Below, Janet Scruggs

I apologize if your name is not on your work, in my haste to get close ups, i neglected to catch names. PLEASE let me know. I also have other photos to post here but am not sure who's work was whose :) It would be a great help, if you let me know what work was yours in the show, and i'd be thrilled to share them here in another post. (arlee dot ar at gmail dot com) (I also am not sure of all the faces put with names, especially surnames, even after having met and talked to most of you!)

Thanks to Atlantis for the venue, and Linda and Karin for their work curating, all the helpers who hung the show and all those who contributed munchies and drinkies! And a big thank you toall those who attended!

Please send us your reviews of shows seen, art you have viewed at a friends' or art you have purchased.

Last night I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Pre-Sale at ACAD and now I can insist you go over there and take a look at all the wonderful work by the students and learn - because they are a great crowd who are very keen to talk, share their passion, and teach us about their techniques and inspirations.  Seems like there are excellent tutors in that place bringing out the character of the students and adding a little spice of technique as these, our future artists, mature.

The star of the show for me was Geoff Genge who is registered as a Jewellery Major (I believe you call it here in Canada) He told me he loves looking into the way things are constructed and he clearly has an interest in de-construction too.  He studied weaving with Mackenzie Frere from the Fibre Dept. and learnt the basics and then he told me cheekily with a grin, how he then decided to (in my words) take the kid gloves off and do something  a little more complicated.... I got him to take a mirror-wise selfie... scan down to see more details of the piece - Earthen Shroud.

Photo credit  and Artist Geoff Genge
Earthen Shroud

His piece is in predominantly wonderfully aged and rusted metal.  Check out the components...with natural fibre as warp and he has re-used things like a fire screen which he painstakingly took apart.  It supplies the tension in the work.  You weavers will understand this far better than I.
See if you can get a sense of his humorous character as you inspect the images below.
(Forgive non-editing of the images... but I think they do the job - please click to enlarge - and sorry I didn't get the right angle to view the piece in its entirety.)

Earthen Shroud

Artist Geoffrey Genge

Photo: karin millson

The top of the piece (not shown) is a large scale metal pipe - giving perfect balance to the entire work.

Earthen Shroud

Artist Geoffrey Genge

Photo: karin millson
 Look at the way the warp has been affected by the springs

Earthen Shroud

Artist Geoffrey Genge

Photo: karin millson
The lower portion is certainly dramatic

First Alberta SDA exhibit!

See you at the opening reception on April 11th!!!

Again!

My apologies for the frequent postings, but some things are time sensitive and cannot be relegated to a once a month post! I post as things come in, hoping to lump several together, but it's not always feasible or giving enough of a heads up for pencilling into your calendar :)


STUDIO SALE:  

Event: Pop Up Studio, Exhibition & Sale, Art Forum Gallery presents Susan Kristoferson - Calgary, AB Dates: January 25 & 26, 2014
Time: Saturday, 11:00am - 7:00pm & Sunday, 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: 8 Coach Gate Place SW, Calgary, AB

ACC/SDA Member Susan Kristoferson - A renowned contemporary paper art specialist and book artist - an extensive collection of artworks that incorporate papers that she and others have created; collages that evoke the energy of interpersonal relationships between people and their environment.

These one-of-a-kind works span more than three decades of creativity, from large landscape perspectives to fine introspection on the fleeting nature of forces that ebb and flow across time and space.

Susan will also display specialty papers that she creates using the techniques of the 16th century book arts technique known as paste-grain painting and a Japanese clamp-and-dye technique known as Itajime. In addition to sheets of these specialty papers, Susan will also offer for sale collage packets, blank books, note cards, and earrings that feature her specialty papers. 

Don't miss this opportunity to tour the studio and acquire quality work of exceptional beauty!

EXHIBITS:

Exhibition: Piece Makers (Quilting): How Our Grandmothers Re-cycled, Musée Héritage Museum - St Albert, AB

Exhibition Dates: January 21-March 23, 2014
Opening Reception: January 23 at 7 pm.

"Waste not, want not" was not just a catchy phrase for our predecessors.  When a family had little or no money, every scrap was used to cobble together the necessities of life.  The women of earlier generations showed great creativity and skill when creating quilts out of old dresses, suits and other bits and pieces around the house.  Their work was sometimes very utilitarian but their skill and talent often resulted in beautiful heirlooms.

Quilts from both the Royal Alberta Museum and our own collection highlight the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the creators in making attractive items to decorate their homes and keep their families warm.

The Musée Héritage Museum is pleased to be hosting "The Alberta Quilt Project" on Saturday, February 15.  Sign up to have your heritage quilt documented by staff of the Royal Alberta Museum and other quilt specialists as part of a permanent record of Alberta's quilting history. Click here for more information on this special event.

See more here. 



Special Events and Meetings:

SDA:Alberta meeting for  March 5, 2014.
Judith Dios is coming to teach here and I have convinced her to give us a talk.
Location as usual Atlantis Fine Framing and Studio.  7 - 9:30 pm.
There will be a small charge for entry

RSVP to ioftheneedle@me.com (for numbers)

Ongoing Projects:

"Slofemist" happenings, in Vancouver, but if you are travelling :) 

Slofemists 

=Upcoming Events=

Slofemists enable the unhurried production and circulation of feminismS through collective embroidery. We aim to build a patchwork of new feminist embroidery projects, and a set of patterns and resources, in the process. 

Lois Klassen & Lori Weidenhammer

Slofemists are excited to announce the starting line-up for the 2014 embroidery season! We hope you can make it to one or more of these studio embroidery circles in Vancouver, Canada:

Saturday, February 8, 1-3pm = Special Guest, Elisa Ferrari will talk about how she came to embroider an Alighiero Boetti textile.

Saturday, February 22, 1-3 pm = Special Guest, Cindy Mochizuki will discuss her grandmother’s practice in the Japanese art of Bunka Shishu (or thread painting).

Saturday, March 29, 1-3 pm = Special Guest, Lexie Owen will talk about why her projects (The Collaborative Embroidery Society, and more) bring critical theory alongside handwork like embroidery.

These are small, free events that take place at the Yukon Street studio near the O. Village Sky Train station. No skill or equipment is needed (but you are invited to bring your own embroidery supplies if you have them.) Please reply to this email to reserve a place, and to get details on the location.

If you can’t join us, you can keep track of our project here - http://loiszing.blogs.com/

If you want to embroider Slofemist patterns on your own (and read the notes), you can find the growing collection here - 

http://loiszing.blogs.com/artaction/slofemist-embroidery-patterns.html

WORKSHOPS:

If you have ever wanted to try encaustic painting, or just add to your skill set and have some fun, this workshop is for you! (arlee says "you can do this with textiles too!")

Encaustic Workshop
with Ken Bourassa

Feb 21, 22 & 23
Attend 1, 2 or days. $150, $250 or $300
(most supplies included)
Atlantis Fine Framing Studio

 A full 3 days of learning beginner to advanced techniques. Explore traditional and contemporary mixed media. Ken will teach you some encaustic history, mixing medium & paints, a variety of applications and techniques. Its visual and physical properties, and its range of textural and color possibilities make encaustic eminently suitable for use in several different contemporary styles of painting. Come try it out!

Register now! 403-258-0075 Register for all 3 days, or any combination of the 3.

TidBits to Tantalize

Firstly, may i remind everyone that our own "local" SDA show still has time for you to do your EOI to Karin :) All the info is here.

Whilst cruising around the interwebs this morning, i found a very pertinent and informative article about pricing our Art. Do you get emotional about certain pieces and not want to sell them? That's covered too! It's a lengthy read, but there are salient points for emerging and established artists. LINK. On their main article page, you'll find a plethora of articles on a lot of arty type subjects too.

As a floral designer by day and an artist (in those pesky spare five minutes's i can find), this is rather inspiring! Do check her Galleries page as well. Earth materials art by Chicago fibre artist Karen Gubitz

TOP TEN TIPS for Getting Into a Juried Exhibition, Craft Show, Book or Magazine ---there are never any guarantees, but you don't know unless you try. (via Ask Hariette.)

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I'm pleased to say that three of my current works will be included in the "Drought" exhibit at the Great Plains Art Museum at the University of Lincoln-Nebraska, March to April of this year. (No info on the site, but will update as i know.)




Again, we remind you, if you want YOUR news, exhibits, workshops, publication or events brought to the attention of our other members, please send timely information to Karin or myself.

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 :)

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


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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

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!