Well Into March Newsletter....

Hi folks,
I hope you have all been nicely busy and not overly so, and have had a chance to enjoy the lovely spring-like weather in between drastic snow-storms. 
Here we go for March......  Please do remember to give me feedback... I can take it!

Newsblog of SDA

Don't forget to check into the SDA website from time to time... most of it is open to non-members.
For example, the Newsblog has had a recent facelift... I hope you find it much improved.

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Textile Surface Design Guild of Lethbridge

Sorry that I didn't get this out to you sooner, I hope you all have heard already about--

Inventive Itajime

 with Susan Kristoferson in Lethbridge.  

Registration is by TODAY - ooops sorry for late notification on this but I hope you can still join.  This workshop is open to TSDG members only for a supply fee of $15.00 per person.  There is also a lecture and public event.  Please contact Cheryl  for more details.

The excitement of a child ‘opening a surprise package’ occurs with the opening of each bundle of itajime (Japanese for fold and clamp) dyed paper! This is how Susan Kristoferson describes the afternoon session of her upcoming workshop, Inventive Itajime. 

Please contact Cheryl  for more details, today!!!

Also from the TSDG 
(Click to go to their website, this has been added to our website links at right)

 Spring sale is on Saturday 28th of April 10 - 4pm at the Bowman Arts Centre, go to the TSDG website and check out the flier and calendar for more events.

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Videos videos videos....

May I draw your attention to the column to the right of this blog stream... I have posted a page there to contain videos of interest to all or some of us.  Nice for a bit of light relief from time to time.


If you come across something you think would be fun please send me the link via email and I will upload it.  Here's one that is for those of you out there who enjoy painting and sketching with water-colour, this art was recently (today) highlighted by the BBC).
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/11/tulips/

And from Linda Hawke,

Below is a link to an exhibit at Dorothy McCarthy Gallery in Toronto that addresses craft in contemporary art practice. It’s not specifically fibre but the discussion has resonance for me. I am particularly enjoying the video interviews with the 18 artists in the online catalogue. Check it out:

http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~dmg/html/exhibitions/index.html

Go straight to Videos to view the discussion

And while we are on about it.. here is something else rather lovely that I found online.
The work of Steve Messam... Click on the link, above, to see the works more clearly.

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Art Walk - Looking for a way to sell your art?

If you don't know about this check it out -

Artists,

It's that time of year again when we send out our invitation to participate to our Calgary Art Walks!  This year, we will be hosting 4 Art Walks on the first Thursdays of June, July, August and September (part of First Thursdays).  That's June 7, July 5, August 2 and September 6.  Once again, they will be held on the pedestrian street Stephen Avenue.  It's $100 to participate -- unless you sign up for all 4 Art Walks, then it's $75 per Art Walk. 

Last year, we had a remote debit / credit card machine to service the artists with, so that they could accept more than "cash only".  It worked out really well, added sales to artists and it was a simple process to keep track of each artist's sales and then send them an email money transfer afterwards.

The July Art Walk was our busiest.  We were spilling into 2 blocks for the first time and it was great to interact (and sell to) the many tourists who were in town.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Julie Chandler

canadian artists for the poor

www.artistsforthepoor.ca

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Canadian-artists-for-the-poor/105319686258941

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/cdnartists

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 La triennale internationale des arts textiles

Thanks Nora:-

Moon Rain Centre for Textile Arts in the Outaouais  invites Canadian, international, experienced and young emerging textile and fibre artists to submit proposals to

La triennale internationale des arts textiles
en Outaouais 2013

in the following categories:

                                 .
- OUTDOOR TEXTILE ART INSTALLATIONS

- WORKSHOPS

- EXHIBITIONS

- CONFERENCES

- PUBLIC TEXTILE ART PROJECTS

For complete information including application forms

visit www.moonrain.ca

Deadline for submissions: March 30 2012

Moon Rain le centre des arts textiles en Outaouais

Moon Rain Centre for Textile Arts in the Outaouais

105 ch.de la savane  Poltimore  Val-des-Monts  Québec  Canada  J8N 3B6

www.moonrain.ca

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 Another call for entries this time for the USA - Fibrearts.

Call For Entries: Fiberart International 2013, Pittsburgh Digital Image Deadline: August 31, 2012 Exhibit dates: April 19 to August 18, 2013 Fiberart International 2013 is an exhibition of contemporary fiber art presented by the Fiberarts Guild Of Pittsburgh, Inc. It's located at both the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and the Society For Contemporary Craft. ENTRY FEE: $35.00 (U.S. currency) for up to three entries Two images per entry: one full view and one detail AWARDS: Over $5000 in cash awards Click here for more information

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Exhibitions - Two+ in Calgary

Untitled Art Society

Untitled Arts Society has several fibre related exhibitions by its members check out their Satellite Gallery and the Epcor Windows

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MOCA

Congratulations to Linda Hawke who has work in the MOCA exhibition below:-

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Important for your calendars 

Alberta Craft Council News    NEW Alberta Craft Council's AGM, Red Deer Alberta Craft Council Sprout Ring, Melissa Pedersen Annual General Meeting June 23, 2012, 1:00 pm Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery 4525 - 47 A Avenue Red Deer, Alberta Reception for Prairie Excellence after the AGM with dinner at Voyager Art & Tile. Prairie Excellence will be featured in the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery April 28 - August 26, 2012. It is a unique project jointly organized by the Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba Craft Councils.  The exhibition highlights a selection of the best in fine craft in the prairie provinces.  12 Alberta Craft Council members are included: Jackie Anderson, Christian Barr, John Chalke, Margie Davidson, Dawn Detarando, Jennea Frischke, Matt Gould, Sandra G. Kuntz, Rachelle LeBlanc, Brain McArthur, Mariko McCrae, Melissa Pedersen and Tyler Rock.  The exhibition has been traveling across western Canada for the past 2 years. More details to follow!

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And this also gleaned from Alberta Craft Council - if you are looking for studio space in Edmonton

Invitation to the "The Artist Quarters" design charrettes, Edmonton This is an invitation to Alberta Craft Council members in Edmonton and area. Are you looking for permanent studio or live-work space in downtown Edmonton? Are you looking for an exciting arts community experience? Artists Urban Village, Arts Habitat, Communitas, and the City of Edmonton are working on a project called "The Artists Quarters". This is planned as a $27 million mixed-use arts complex located in Edmonton's Quarters District, at the corner of 102A Ave and 96 Street. The project will develop a "village" of residential, live-work and studio spaces for about 50 professional artists and culture workers, along with space for 10+ arts organizations including galleries, performance spaces, studios, offices, etc. (More description is attached.) The Alberta Craft Council is an active partner in this project, with the hope that "The Artists Quarters" might provide a future expanded, custom-built, permanent Alberta Craft Gallery. "The Artists Quarters" project is now moving into design development and feasibility study stages. This is an ideal time for emerging, professional or retiring members of the Alberta Craft Council to participate in an exciting arts community concept. Participating in the project now does not require a commitment of space or money. It simply requires enthusiastic creative thinking by people who might become future residents. Three Saturday design charrettes in March and April, led by the project architects, will define the vision, character, features, social structure and even finances of the project. If joining "The Artists Quarters" interests you, and/or participating in the project conceptualization intrigues you, please send a brief letter of interest (1 or 2 pages) about: your art career, what you do, what kind of studio and/or residential space you might like, what family and lifestyle aspects might be relevant, what attracts you to the project... E-mail this to Linda Huffman at:  lhuffman@artshab.com Click here for more information on "The Artist Quarters" project

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Thanks to Jennifer Love = SDA Rep in BC

Jennifer keeps us supplied with information for BC... I thought you might like to 'meet' her:-

"Taken at the opening reception for the first Exquisite Corpse show we did in 2010. As it happened, I contributed to all three of the ECs behind me."

So the pics of my work:

The first was completed last year, the first in my Garden Abstractions series, which is my current preoccupation; the second pic is a closeup. 

The third and fourth pics were done, I think, in 2007, part of my Submerged series (referencing the gradual sinking of Venice). 

Then a detail from one of them, to show the raw-edge reverse applique technique I used.

"I look at these images and think about all the things I would have done differently now! But I guess that's the nature of the beast - what spurs us on to do the next piece."  Jennifer Love

And from Jennifer this month, information for SDA in BC:-

Jennifer's words are presented in burgundy....

Cher Catwright forwarded this link about a quilting documentary that sounds interesting. I wonder if it's downloadable?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/20/new-quilting-documentary-stitched_n_1288971.html?ref=arts

Here is a link to the film's website: http://www.stitchedfilm.com/home.html 

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If you can't make it to Philadelphia for the 8th International Fiber Biennial, check out all the work online at: http://www.snyderman-works.com/exhibitions/8th-international-fiber-biennial 

Lots of familiar names here including Dorothy Caldwell, Virginia Davis, Lia Cook, Michael James (love his piece!)...

_________________________________________________________________________Call for Artists (Symposium in Quebec)

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Appel-aux-artistes---Call-to-artists--La-triennale-internationale-des-arts-textiles-en-Outaouais-.html?soid=1109152397805&aid=rcPkhO4vXkc

Apparently the venue is spectacular: in the Gatineau Hills in Quebec, an hour north of Ottawa.

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Some opportunities at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, both to attend workshops and for studio assistant and work-study/scholarship applications: 

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zxu6qlcab&v=001p2v57KM8pgZ1aJYe2L3-jYTQrrPl0KWDkhdEb2dXhVxBWZWwG8Pu-9pe1Ajs_pTYBHHeBwP_uuse_Y6_h_PrA1XwduLkadyxPIflAsmBxR8kz3yq2rJyG6vXsZNr-p7ku7cuP7gEMxakfmcyJzo17WevsSehmi5AjXu0JDnT2VFLUWu5JeQRSfpsVP5fM3J6NhnfB5qmbRTGwLsrJdbbFlcuFEluzIIOF6VRTj_OrxEi5pfsCGD91Sb_Gsg_iKLp

So none of the following is about local BC fibre art events. Except that I am attaching a postcard for the Art of Fashion event on April 1st (I'll send another reminder later in March). But people keep sending me fascinating info or links that I'm sure will interest you (or at least some of them will), so please have a quick look at this list and see where it might take you...

Jennifer Cooper just sent this link for an absolutely wonderful and amazing artist, John Frame: http://artbyjeannebeck.blogspot.com/2012/02/communicating-through-making.html
Jeanne Beck is the blogger that featured / linked John Frame to her blog - it's interesting to read what she has to say about him. And this is the direct link to John Frame's website: http://johnframesculpture.com/the-tale________________________________________________

Today's Globe & Mail had an article about the new show on at the Vancouver Art Gallery, 'Beat Nation: Art, Hip Hop and Aboriginal Culture.' This is apparently a fantastic show.  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/text-gallery-for-lederman/article2352585/ .

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For those who are interested in wearable art, or mixed media work, or just wonderful art, check this out - Jill Flower's blog and website:

http://jillflower-textileartist.blogspot.com/

http://www.jillflower.com/

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Fast and Fabulous wearable art!: Check out this fun new video that Annie Thompson (Toronto designer) made... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfysxQGvVrc&feature=player_embedded

For more information about Annie Thompson Artelier, check her website: http://www.anniethompson.ca/.

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I thought this article about Jane Dunnewold's recent workshop entitled 'In Search of Creative Clarity,' was quite interesting: http://www.surfacedesign.org/newsblog/in-search-of-creative-clarity. The purpose of the workshop was, in part, to "identify the distinctive qualities of their art, minimize distractions and move forward with greater creative clarity." Something that many of us struggle with from time to time.

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Interesting textile design website: http://www.rachaeltaylordesigns.co.uk/index.php 

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Thought you might like to see this article on Fiber Philadelphia 2012:  http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=7c07e4f1c1699bb2bef1672e8&id=514edc2566&e=977e904226 

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Just a reminder that the new issue of Fiber Art Now is about to be released, in case you wanted to subscribe but forgot. Here's their website: http://fiberartnow.net/subscribe/. See ad below:

Get Ready! We're so excited about the spring issue that we're running a limited  time offer of $36.00 for new subscribers to Fiber Art Now! Subscribe Now. Why not surprise your closest fiber friend with a subscription? Not a subscriber yet? Then treat yourself to a year of inspiration. Here is what's coming in the spring issue: Eco Printing Art Wear Design with Felting and Knitting Embroidered Leaves Textile Restoration and Preservation Malian Damask Our Fiber Legacy: Opposite Coasts, Parallel Goals Art Quilt Elements ...and more! Sign me up!

Mid-February Newsletter

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


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


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


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

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Call for entries

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

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

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What's going on at College?

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

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

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Workshops

Jason Pollen's workshops.

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

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Information from Lyn Pleuger.

Sheep Creek Weavers Fibre Arts Guild

Millarville Race Track Hall, Alberta

Beginners 14th and 15th May, 2012     $250

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

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

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

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

                                        

Please Contact Lyn 

E-mail: pflueger@telus.net 

 To learn more about Modern Batik Art, please go to

Modern Batik Art Workshops

www.modernbatikartworkshops.com

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

see spadystudios.com

Pictures, Piles, Potpourri, and Perplexing Curiosities

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

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

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SDA Member News

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

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