Autumn's closing in

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

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

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Opportunity for all:

Hi Artists,

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

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

Please let me know what you guys think.

Thanks!

Nikki Nicole Musser <fineartbynicole@gmail.com>

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

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

~~~~~~~~~~~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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



 Loosely, but in the fibre related exploration:

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

-for Sept--

EXHIBITS:

Solo show by Dana Roman,  at the CAG Gallery, September 25  to October 7, Canmore Alberta


Contextural's end of residency show "Organic Matters" August 25 to September 15, various venues through ACAD, Calgary, Alberta

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FOR SALE:

I am interested in selling to  an artist (surface designer, yardage silk-screener, quilter, sewer?).  The table has a sturdy 4 x 8 foot plywood top which is padded with cotton quilt batting and then covered with a heavy cotton twill/satin surface cloth.  The table is bolted together and is easily disassembled and moved. The shelves underneath the top are removable. The table was designed for fabric silk screening and fabric painting.   The table is screwed together so it can be taken apart and moved.  There are 4 shelves under the table surface which can be removed.

The dimensions are 37” high by 4 x 8 feet.  There are wheels on the table legs which could be cut to make the table shorter if someone needed/wanted a shorter table.  I would like to get $300 for the table or will sell for the best offer.

   

    It is located in Coach Hill on the west side of Calgary.

 Susan Kristoferson 403-619-6875 (h) 403-668-0140 (c) kristudio@xplornet.net

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

THINK spots to visit:

 “If it’s not about the fiber, why work in that medium?”  http://raggedclothcafe.com/2011/07/21/questions-questions-by-olga-norris-2/

John Hopper at The Textile Blog always has interesting, and sometimes quite thought provoking articles and artist spotlights. "We can say with some certainty that artistically and poetically the relationship between the creation and the viewer is an important one. The moment when both the viewed and the viewer come together is one that is both magical and singularly unique. A moment that can never be repeated, never regained. " http://thetextileblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/complexity-and-simplicity-viewer-and.html


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Again (and again, and again.....), this blog is only as interesting and vibrant as members make it. Please send news of exhibits, workshops, publications etc to arlee dot ar at gmail dot com! All files must be as text docs that can be copied and pasted as blogger does not allow the uploading of any files but jpgs.

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

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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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

~~~~~~
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! 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SALES (Marketplaces):

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

http://handmadehere.ca/

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

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!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEWS:
 

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


~~~~~~~~~
WORKSHOPS:

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

Marching out

CALL FOR ENTRY:
 

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



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

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

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

Spring 2014	Nature Unbound
Summer 2014	Korea
Fall 2014	Designing Minds

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

Self Explanatory.

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.

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

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

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.





~~~~~~~~

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

~~~~~~~~

New website for Calgary artisans: New Craft Coalition

~~~~~~~~~

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/

~~~~~~~~~

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 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 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

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!

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

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.


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


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.

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

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!

  

"Creative Stitches" show tickets now available

This may not be everyone's cup of tea/coffee/wine/lager, but the vendors alone are usually worth the trip. Most of the vendors too are either Canadian or Canadian affiliate companies with great specials on threads and fabrics, should your desire run to commercial products. I do hope that Copperfield Books will be there as that's where i drool and shop the most!

As usual, the show will be in Edmonton first, and then in Calgary.

Fully half of the show is "scrapbooking" related, but even there, one can find interesting doodads and fibres to incorporate into work or inspire new explorations.

Tickets can be pre-ordered here for Calgary and here for Edmonton, and are savable as a PDF on your desktop for printing as the show nears.

Mid April Newsletter

I felt it important to add a mid-month newsletter, as there is stuff going on in April/early May that you might miss if I leave it to the end of the month....

Consulting Alberta Craft Council online is an efficient way to pick up news on local events, calls to artists and shows etc for the whole of Alberta.... take a moment to click Alberta Craft Council and follow the links on the left hand menu for events and exhibitions etc.


Don't forget to check the Surface design association BC blog for across BC

And now, here is the news....

CBBAG - Canadian Bookbinders and Book Arts Guild.
Meetings for April-May-June

April 14-July 7, 2012      “Alberta Papers and Books”   exhibit at the Alberta Crafts Council Gallery, Edmonton, AB  opening artists’ reception, 1-4pm April 14

April 19, 2012     7pm , Thursday               659   3 Ave NW, Calgary  403-283-4347

Visit Diana Patterson’s book collection of mainly late 18th century books. She has made particular collections of the novel Tristram Shandy, which contain a hand-made marbled leaf in it, and also of books bound in decorated “wastepaper”, usually marbled wastepaper, but sometimes paste paper. The “wastepaper” is usually printer's waste.  In addition, Laurie Shelton from Burlington, Vermont will join us.  Laurie is a specialist in papermaking used in early childhood education.

Bring new work, work in progress, news and finds to share with the group.

Bring your altered book if it is ready to be handed off to the next alteration partner in your group.

May 9, 2012   7 pm  Wednesday    5007 Norquay Dr. NW,  Calgary  403-228-3373 

Wendy Passmore, puppeteer, and director of W.P. Puppet Theatre Society will talk with us about WPTS' s new puppet show “Finding My Song: By Bird” which features paper as the main medium for the puppets and set. Wendy will talk about the specific challenges of a touring show made of paper and the design process for the unique puppets. Wendy will also address the additional feature of the show which is the projected video of animated paper collages. We will have a sneak peak behind the scenes of this new show, with a possibility to see it live sometime during the spring of 2012.  We may also make some puppets….

Bring new work, work in progress, news and finds to share with the group.

June 2012    End of year BBQ/Potluck   7 pm    At Colleen Rauchers’ home:   2835 45th St. SW, Calgary   403-464-4326

Bring new work, work in progress, news and finds to share with the group.  There will be a materials swap at this meeting, so bring your left over or no longer needed materials to swap or to give to other CBBAG members.

**********************************************************************************************************************
Eveline Kolijn - has this going on...

For the This Is My City festival she has curated a small exhibition from art made in the shelters on the art-wall of the Public Library downtown take a look if you are down there and there is a Grand finale event in Art Central (http://www.thisismycitycalgary.ca/schedule/being_seen.html) on May 3rd! - Don't miss it.

**********************************************************************************************************************

Do you want to save money?
Want to save some money on your shopping for Jason Pollen's workshop....
If you are in Calgary... Don't miss the Mona Lisa annual sale if you are shopping for art materials in April
Date Fri 27th and Sat 28th April, 30% off ... for details contact Mona Lisa 403 228 3618.

**********************************************************************************************************************

Want more information about Maiwa workshops?  Including weaving, bookbinding, felting and machine embroidery... not all in one workshop though, go here.

**********************************************************************************************************************

This from Jennifer Love SDA:BC Representative -

Video: Just had to send you the link to this video - so creative!: http://www.youtube.com/user/LionBrandYarn?feature=watch

>

Be sure to look at their website at: LionBrandYarnStudio.com AND check out their blog, especially if you knit or crochet. 
>

Laura Kemshall (part of the thr3Fold  team) has launched the website for her new enterprise, FINGERPRINT, which offers digitally printed fabric and scarves, and will eventually offer the opportunity to have your own designs printed on her machine. BC SDA member Catherine Nicholls, is also part of thr3Fold - many of you would have met Laura when she was here for an exhibition at FibreWorks and for the debut of issue five of the thr3Fold Journal . Here is the website:

www.fingerprintfabric.com
>

Anyone going to be in Wales during the next couple of months? I'm going to be nearby, but not close enough...

http://www.japanseasonwales.com/

**********************************************************************************************************************