e-News
Vol 3 No 9, February 20, 2009
www.saskcraftcouncil.org

SASKATCHEWAN CRAFT COUNCIL
1. SCC MEMBER PROFILE - Joan & Al Hiebert
2. Playing with a Full Deck
3. Erotic Craft Show
4. World's Biggest Craft Show
5. SCC Application Deadlines
6. SCC on Facebook
7. Sustainable Craft - Mark Stobbe


EDUCATION/WORKSHOPS

8. Building Creativity with Stephen Hogbin - Postscript
9. Craft Packing Workshop
10. Saskatchewan River Valley Art School
11. Saskatoon Potters Guild: Daven Hee Workshop
12. Medalta International Artists in Residence Program 2009
13. Kiln Building Workshop
14. More Big Fun - Call for Participants
15. Cultural Exchange Society Workshop Tour

CALLS FOR ENTRY
16. Waskesiu Artisan's Show and Sale
17. Bazaart - Call for Entry
18. Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
19. Cheongju Call for Entries
20. Call for Saskatchewan Craft
21. Exhibition Call
22. Snowbirds - Marketing Opportunity
23. Call for Craft Vendors - Fringe Festival
24. "the distill cup 2009"
25. On-line Marketing Ideas


SCC GALLERY EXHIBITIONS
26. Elemental Connections: An Exhibition of Sustainable Craft
27. Obsolete Spaces - Wendy Weseen
28. Saskatchewan's Finest
29. Playing with Dimensions - announcements

AWARDS, GRANTS, FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
30. Saskatchewan Arts Board
31. Canada Council for the Arts

OTHER NEWS
32. Job Posting - SAB Arts Consultant
33. Museum Association of Saskatchewan - Call for Instructor
34. Exhibition - "Portraits of People and the Landan" by Karen Holden
35. SAB New Arts Consultant
36. Vessels for Sale - by David Miller
37. Fine Craft and Cultural Tour
38. CARFAC

SCC Contact Information

1. Joan & Al Hiebert - In Glassland Printable PDF

This weekend, Joan & Al Hiebert finish teaching the final class of their Introductory Glass Blowing Workshop at Blackstrap, before shutting down the furnace for the next few months. The pair won’t be sitting about idle however, as they intend to spend much of the month of March in Australia and New Zealand. Their primary reason for going is to attend /CollaborationZ/ 2009, March 21 – 26 at McGregor Bay, Whangarei on the northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island. The international conference is similar in many ways to our own EMMA Collaboration. In fact, it was Joan and Al’s participation in EMMA ’08 that led to this opportunity as New Zealand glassblower Shona Firman invited them to participate in /CollaborationZ/. “We’re really excited. When we were at EMMA we were busy with the glass section and didn’t get much chance to see what the rest of camp was doing. We’re looking forward to getting involved with other projects, getting to know Shona better and networking with other New Zealand and Australian glass artists.” Outside of the conference, Al and Joan will be bouncing back and forth between the North and South Island, as well as Australia. They hope to build on the relationships they develop at /CollaborationZ/ and visit with as many other artists as they can. Joan Hiebert says “The part of collaboration I look forward to most is that you learn by leaps and bounds from how other people do things ... culturally we all have a different spin on our approach to art. We’ll bring something to the conference participants as well as learning from them.” We look forward to hearing about their experiences after their return in early April.

2. PLAYING WITH A FULL DECK
The craft deck of cards is filling up. We've sold 12 cards to Saskatchewan craft people - and publicity about this is going out nation-wide through other craft councils. We've given SCC members first chance at this - but - you'll need to act quickly to take advantage of this opportunity. For more details see attached PDF.

One more thing. We've received calls from disappointed textile and metal craft people. The unfortunate reality is that a deck of cards has only four suits, so our deck can only feature 4 craft media. We made some arbitrary choices. So... for those of you who are disappointed about your media not being included - sorry. And please have patience. If this works, we'll do it again - and your media will be at the top of the list.

3. EROTIC CRAFT SHOW
It certainly got attention. Our Erotic Craft Show generated much media attention, and drew good crowds. The question becomes: do people want to do this again next year? Let us know what you think by calling Mark at 653.3616 ext. 27 or e-mail scc.director@sasktel.net.

4. WORLD'S BIGGEST CRAFT SHOW
We've got 40 merchants signed up to particpate in the Broadway Craft Gallery. Now we need the craft people in order for this to become the World's Biggest Craft Gallery. PDF Application.

5. SCC APPLICATION DEADLINES
March 1 - Application deadline for SCC Annual Jury Session.
March 1 - Application deadline for Springcraft Market in Moose Jaw.
For information, please contact Chris Jones, Member Services Coordinator, 653.3606 ext. 24 or scc.memberservices@sasktel.net

6. SCC on Facebook - www.facebook.com
Want to feel conected in a virtual way? All you need to do is register or if you have a facebook account, just type in Saskatchewan Craft Council in the search menu and you will have access to SCC listings and various news events. There are currently 69 members. Dale Anne Potter (SCC Board Member) created the group and anyone can join and invite others to join as well.

7. SUSTAINABLE CRAFT - Mark Stobbe
The show just finishing up at the SCC Gallery is called Elemental Connections: An Exhibition of Sustainable Craft. It’s a beautiful, thought-provoking exhibition curated by Arlene Gehring and presented by the Ontario Crafts Council. Elemental Connections addresses sustainability through exploring material, process, and the perogatives of honouring the earth and the environment.

Earlier this week, we held a panel discussion about the show led by Glen Grismer, Director of Planning-Rural Municipality of Corman Park, Paul Terrion of the University of Saskatchewan and Allyson Brady of the Saskatchewan Environmental Society. Part of the discussion centred around what makes Craft sustainable and environmentally friendly. Questions that were raised included:
• Can the materials be replaced by nature after being transformed into craft?
• Are the materials local – how much energy was consumed in transporting them to the craft person?
• What happens when the craft product decays – does it easily return to nature?
• Does it contain substances harmful to the environment – what’s in those glazes and finishes?
• Is the production process the most energy efficient/least carbon producing possible.

Another interesting line of discussion was the response to the work of Tara Bursey. Her pieces appeared to be bird’s wings on display in frames. Actually, however, they were made of onion skins. Some thought the work didn’t belong in the show as it represented a capturing and taxonomy of nature. Others argued that the use of onion skins to duplicate the magic of a bird’s wing was a celebration of nature – as well as a creative act of exceptional skill. The debate also occurred with a few hundred school students who came in to see this show. Most 10 year olds – when they first saw the wings – recoiled. “Gross” was a common reaction. When they learned that the wings had not come from birds – they reaction changed to “neat”. It’s an interesting thing – the reality of dismembered birds would have repelled the children – but the artistic interpretation and duplication of it fascinates them. In a world where reality is celebrated, could it be that artistic illusion can actually be better?

EDUCATION/WORKSHOPS
8. Building Creativity Workshop by Stephen Hogbin on February 12 & 13.
The 14 SCC members who attended were very enthusiastic about the boost they received to their creativity. "The content was fantastic... the discussions really enhanced the material and exercises... very useful handouts."

If you were unable to attend the workshop, we can offer a vicarious experience. Stephen Hogbin has written two books about creativity and evaluating your work. We have purchased both for the SCC Resource Centre and will have them available in the next couple of weeks. If you are interested in having your own copy of these books, we have one copy of each available for purchase:
"Appearance & Reality, A Visual Handbook for Artists, Designers, and Makers" - $44.95. "Evaluating" - $24.95
If we have more requests, we can bring in more copies from Stephen Hogbin. Please contact Judy or Les at 1-866-653-3616 ext 25 or scc.exhibitions@sasktel.net.

9. Craft Packing Workshop - Printable PDF
From Here to There in One Piece – How to Pack Fine Craft for Transport
SCC Gallery, 813 Broadway Ave, Saskatoon on Monday, February 23, 2009, 7 pm
Presented by Leslie Potter and Judy Haraldson, SCC Exhibitions & Education Coordinators

Come and learn how to pack your craft works so they survive the rigors of public transport. This hands-on workshop will demonstrate the different techniques and materials used to pack a variety of items and will include fun-filled exercises and visual demonstrations. Emphasis will be on how to pack for touring exhibitions.

To register: Contact Les or Judy at 866.653.3616 ext. 25 or scc.exhibitions@sasktel.net.
Workshop Fee: $10 for SCC members / $20 for non-members
Payments can be made to Amanda at 866.653.3616 ext. 0 or in person at the SCC Office.

10. Saskatchewan River Valley Art School - See Brochure for details
The Saskatchewan Wildlife Art Association Inc.'s Second Annual, May 21-26, 2009
At The Shekinah Retreat Centre, on the North Saskatchewan River near Waldheim, SK

11. Saskatoon Potters Guild: Workshop
Daven Hee, Hawaiian Potter
Living Surfaces: forms to glazes
Surfacing techniques and preparations
Albert Community Center, May 29, 30, 31
Friday - Artist Presentation 7 - 9pm, Free to Public
Members & Students: $75 • Non-members: $100 (Lunches and refreshments provided)
To register contact: Shirley Carriere, 343.6566 or email membership@saskatoonpottersguild.com

12. Medalta International Artists in Residence Program 2009
The Medalta International Artists in Residence program will be in full swing in its new state of the art facility early this summer. The Residency will run June 1 to 26, 2009 at the Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District. Application Fee - $15.75, Application Deadline: April 17. Total Program Fees - $540.75

Keep checking the Medalta website www.medalta.org. E-mail queries may be made to the Artistic Director Les Manning at lmanning@medalta.org or the Committee Co-Chair Jane MacKay at jane.mackay@shaw.ca

13. Kiln Building Workshop - Medicine Hat National Historic Clay District - May 14 - 24
Interested in learning about and participating in the creation of a soda / salt kiln? Here is a chance for you to go back home able to create your own kiln. Aaron Nelson, currently with the Archie Bray Foundation in Montana will conduct a kiln-building workshop at the Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District, fondly known as “Medalta”. This site will house a state-of-the art ceramic facility and the kilns are being constructed as part of its establishment. Aaron is widely known for his expertise in kiln building and eclectic firing methods. This workshop will take place at Medalta in sunny Medicine Hat, Alberta over a 10 day period from May 14 - 24, 2009. The fee is $600/person and we have a limited number of spaces.

For more information and/or to apply, please write Les Manning, at lmanning@medalta.org or check our website www.medalta.org and follow the links.

14. More Big Fun - Call for Participants
More Big Fun is back for 2009. From May 15 to 17, 20 craft artists and 10 post-secondary art students will be gathered at the Sculpture Studio of the University of Saskatchewan. A registration fee of $100 will be charged, which includes meals for the weekend and a certificate of up to $100 that can be redeemed at the MBF auction to pay for the purchase of work.

If you would like to be considered for participation in More Big Fun 2009, please e-mail saskcraftcouncil@sasktel.net. Participants will be chosen to balance craft media, technical levels, and experience in collaborative work. Spaces will be filled on a qualified first come basis.

15. Cultural Exchange Society
The Saskatchewan Cultural Exchange Society is seeking submissions from artists for its 24th Workshop Tour. Artists travel to Saskatchewan schools for an eight-week period starting in September 2009. Read more!

Deadline: February 27, 2009
SCES, Attention: Margaret Fry, Executive Officer, 2431 8th Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4R 5J7
mfry@sasktel.net•www.sces.ca

CALLS FOR ENTRY
16. Waskesiu Artisan's Show and Sale - June 27 & 28, 2009
For information please contact Gail Carlson at 306.922.7458 (before May 2) or 306.763.3638 (after May 2)
See PDF for details

17. Bazaart - NEW FOR 2009
With a focus on the local, handmade aspect of our offerings at BAZAART the MacKenzie will be promoting a SHOP LOCAL mandate enhanced by promotional buttons and eco-friendly bags.

We encourage our exhibitors to join us in this venture through promoting the unique and original design of their work as well as the use of any local sources and/or environmentally-friendly materials.

Please open the attached pdf for more information!
www.mackenzieartgallery.ca

18. 2009 Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition (TOAE) Call for Artists
We welcome applications from artists working in a wide range of traditional and experimental art forms. Applications can be downloaded from the TOAE website at www.torontooutdoorart.org. APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 1, 2009

For further information, please contact: Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
264 - 401 Richmond Street W, Toronto, ON M5V 3A8 • 416.408.2754
toae@torontooutdoorart.org•www.torontooutdoorart.org

19. Cheongju Call for Entries
The deadline for entries to the Unity and Diversity Exhibition at the Cheongju International Craft Biennale is March 31. If you want to enter, get working now – the entry form takes a bit of effort. It’s worth it, however. Cheongju will give you a great opportunity for international exposure, and much of the work in this exhibition will also appear at the 2010 Olympics. See PDF for application details.

20. Call for Saskatchewan Craft
Royal Saskatchewan Museum Association - Retail Division is seeking artisan craft for the store in the Saskatchewan Legislative Building.
Please contact Pat McGillis, Retail Manager at rsmgiftshop@gov.sk.ca or phone 306.757.5951

21. Exhibition Call
A juried exhibition interpreting the theme “A Pair…” Juror: Sandra Ledingham
Your Letter of intent form must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, April 1, 2009
For details see printable PDF or visit www.saskterra.sk.ca/aPair.html
For packing instructions visit www.saskterra.sk.ca/pack.html

22. SNOWBIRDS – MARKETING OPPORTUNITY
The Gift Shop at the Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw is looking for expressions of interest by SCC members. They are looking specifically for ideas based on the Snowbirds Demonstration Team as they have permission from DND to sell products using the Snowbirds in their Gift Shop. They are open to any other idea based on the Snowbirds that doesn’t use the logo but relates to any images, aims or goals of the team. They are open to ideas in any craft media including photography, visual arts, ceramics, jewellery, fibre, metal, wood, etc. You can find the Snowbird logo, images and graphics at www.snowbirds.forces.gc.ca and find more information from Debbie Ridley – 693.5989 or
dridley@wdm.ca • www.wdm.ca

23. Call for Craft Vendors
2009 Saskatoon Fringe Theatre Festival • Acceptance is first come, first served.
Find all the details and application at: www.25thstreettheatre.org
We hope you’ll consider experiencing the fantastic Fringe audiences in Saskatoon as we build the "Best Little Fringe" in Canada.
Contact: Robert Wyma, Festival Producer, 25th Street Theatre Centre at 306.664.2239.

24. "the distill cup 2009"
Open to Canadian artists/craftspeople/designers to interpret 'cup' in any medium.
Application deadline is May 10, 2009.
For prospectus please email info@distillgallery.com or download application from at www.distillgallery.com
Exhibition runs from June 9 to June 21, 2009 - located in Toronto's distillery historic district, 55 Mill street, building #47, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 3C4. For additional information, contact Allison Skinner at 416.304.0033

25. Online Marketing Ideas
Great for emerging marketers or for a little extra income between craft fairs. Click here for details.
Check out www.etsy.com

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SCC GALLERY EXHIBITIONS
26. ELEMENTAL CONNECTIONS: AN EXHIBITION OF SUSTAINABLE CRAFT
“Elemental Connections” addresses sustainability through material, process, and honouring the earth and the environment. Coming from the hands of artists from across Canada, you will find water, seashore, mountains, forest, prairie, farm, town, home and person. Presented by the Ontario Crafts Council; curated by Arlene Gehring.
Jan 9 – Feb 22, 2009

27. OBSOLETE SPACES - Wendy Weseen
Photographic and mixed media assemblages along with historical artifacts and installations will explore themes of abandonment and dissolution using imagery of prairie farm buildings and contents.
February 27 - April 8, 2009
Reception: Friday, February, 27, 7 - 9pm. Featuring a ladies-aid lunch, old time music and a chance to dress-up in vintage garb (1900 - 1965).
See Invitation

28. SASKATCHEWAN'S FINEST
EXPO '09 Artists - Selected works by SCC's finest craft artisans who were invited to EXPO '09.
April 12 - 18, 2009

29. “PLAYING WITH DIMENSIONS”
Let’s see what you can do with “playing”, “playing with…”, “dimensions”, “playing with dimensions”, “playing with Dimensions”. Play around with ideas and stuff. Create and make things. Have fun, make fun. Send us your best in April 2009.
Jurors - Mel Bolen, ceramic artist and 2007 Premier’s Prize winner, and Chantal Gilbert, metal artist and 2008 Saidye Bronfman Award winner. (FYI - Some of Chantal's work is currently on display in our gallery)

Important Dates - Printable Dimensions Brochure
March 4, 2009 – Notify the SCC of your intention to enter Dimensions.
April 9, 2009 – Deadline for receipt of shipped entries.
April 14, 2009 – Delivery of works. Details sent after receipt of intention to enter.

Dimensions is our annual, juried craft exhibition open to all Saskatchewan residents. Please pass this information along to your friends who aren’t lucky enough to belong to the SCC. The more entries, the better. The call for entry brochure containing details for entering work to “Playing with Dimensions” is available in the SCC office.

For information contact Leslie or Judy at 866.653.3616 ext. 25 or scc.exhibitions@sasktel.net

AWARDS, GRANTS, FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
30. Saskatchewan Arts Board
The Saskatchewan Arts Board’s upcoming spring grant deadlines include: Independent Artists Grant Program, deadline March 15, 2009; Project Assistance Grant Program, deadline March 15, 2009; SaskFestivals Grant Program deadline March 1, 2009; Indigenous Traditional Arts Grant Program, deadline April 15, 2008; and Contemporary Arts Grant Program, deadline April 15, 2008. For more information, visit
Contact: Program Consultant for your discipline 306.787.4056 or 800.667.7526
Visit the website for details - www.artsboard.sk.ca

SAB - Culture on the Go: Touring and Market Access
The new "Culture on the Go" program will help make it possible for Saskatchewan artists to further their careers and share their art, music or performances with people in our province and beyond. This will help people everywhere better appreciate the fine work of our artists and give them more insight into Saskatchewan's strong and vibrant culture.

NOTE: The Arts Board is currently establishing a Touring Advisory Panel to help shape "Culture on the Go" and ensure it complements existing touring programs. Once objectives and expectations are established, there will be a call for proposals for the pilot program. A select number of applications will be chosen to test possibilities for touring/outreach models in a range of disciplines.

Culture on the Go: Touring and Market Access program news release.

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31. Canada Council for the Arts - Website
Deadline: 1 March 2009
Project Grants provide support for research, professional development, production, networking and career development activities for professional artists and curators (for research only) making a contribution to contemporary fine craft. The project must be significant and advance the long-term artistic and/or career development of the applicant at a key moment in their career. There are three types of project grants. Please visit the website for more information.

OTHER NEWS
32. Job Posting - Saskatchewan Arts Board - Arts Consultant – Creative Industries (Permanent Full-Time)
The Saskatchewan Arts Board is looking for a full-time permanent Arts Consultant - Creative Industries. Reporting to the Associate Executive Director, the successful candidate will provide specialized leadership in the management of programs and services involving the creative industries sector. This position also provides advice to management on program policy, design, and implementation, and functions as part of the team of program consultants for the agency.

The expected start date for this Regina based position is Apr. 1, 2009. To explore this opportunity further, please forward your application by Thurs., Feb. 26, 2009 at 4:30pm in confidence to: Kelly Phipps, Human Resources, Saskatchewan Arts Board, 2135 Broad Street, Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 1Y6 306.787.4056 or 1.800.667.7526 (Sask) or email: kelly@artsboard.sk.ca

33. Instructor for Exhibit Design and Planning Course
The Museums Association of Saskatchewan is looking for an experienced instructor to facilitate the Exhibit Design and Planning Course. For more information, go to www.saskculture.sk.ca/jobs/02-27-09_MAS.htm. Deadline for application is February 27, 2009.

34. Exhibition - "Portraits of People and the Land" by Karen Holden - See invitation
The Gallery, Francis Morrison Library, 311-23rd Street E, Saskatoon, SK
Mar 4- Apr 2, 2009. Reception: Thursday, Mar 5, 7- 9pm

35. New Touring and Access Consultant at SAB
Last week, the Saskatchewan Arts Board announced Noreen Neu as its new Arts Consultant – Touring and Access. In this capacity, Neu will provide specialized leadership to programs and services involving touring initiatives, support to festivals, and funding to provincial cultural organizations, and will serve as the key contact for the Culture on the Go: Touring and Market Access program also announced last week. Neu was the Executive Director of SaskMusic for five years and has worked in the cultural industries for many years.

36. Vessels for Sale
David Miller, renowned ceramist died in January 2008. While in Saskatoon and Meacham , David Miller made some ceramic vessels. He donated those works to Sask Terra. These two vessels are now for sale to the highest bidder. To view go to: www.saskterra.sk.ca

37. Fine Craft & Cultural Tour 2009 - Sept 18 – Oct 1, 2009
The Canadian Crafts Federation, provincial craft councils and partner organizations proudly present a unique 14 day cultural tour of South Korea. With a focus on fine craft and cultural traditions, this tour is a once in a lifetime experience. Travel with fellow Canadians interested in craft and cultural practices, network with artists, academics, and gallery owners, and connect to the many cultural organizations in Korea. A special tour highlight includes a visit to the Cheongju International Craft Biennale, the largest fine craft event of its kind with work from over 40 nations. Canada is the featured guest country for 2009, showcasing contemporary Canadian fine craft. Part of the proceeds raised by the tour will support Canadian participation in the Biennale. Click here to read more information on this exciting holiday package.

38. CARFAC - www.carfac.sk.ca or 522.9788 (R), 933.3206 (S)

SASKATCHEWAN CRAFT COUNCIL
813 Broadway Avenue, Saskatoon, SK S7N 1B5
306.653.3616 • f/244.2711
Amanda Bosiak - Interim Admin Assistant
Mark Stobbe - Executive Director
www.saskcraftcouncil.org