e-News
Vol 3 No 7, January 23, 2009
www.saskcraftcouncil.org
The SCC extends a warm welcome to new and returning members.
Wood, Judy – Saskatoon (Photography)
Peter, Trudy – Caronport (Jewellery)
Obuck, Cindy – Regina (Fibre & Mixed Media)
SASKATCHEWAN CRAFT COUNCIL
1. SCC MEMBER PROFILE - Shauna Mitru
2. Education/Workshops
2a. Craft Packing Workshop
2b. Building Creativity with Stephen Hogbin
3. SCC Membership Survey Summary
4. Calls for Entry
4a. Calls for Young Artists
4b. 15th SPACE International Print Biennia Seoul
4c. The Stall Gallery - Call for Submissions
4d. Saskatchewan Cultural Exchange Society
4e. “Flatland Fibre – Off the Wall”
4f. Land of the Loon Resort
4g. Distill Gallery
5. Thought of the Week - Mark Stobbe
6. SCC GALLERY EXHIBITIONS
7. AWARDS, GRANTS, FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
7a. Saskatchewan Arts Board
7b. Canada Council for the Arts
OTHER NEWS
8. SCC Dimensions Assistant
9. Chinese New Year
10. Saskatchewan Flame
11. Up Morelli
12. Cheongju Call for Entries
13. Travel to Korea
14. CARFAC Workshops 2009
SCC Contact Information
| 1. Shauna Mitru- Printable PDF |
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Next month, ladybugs and flowers made by Shauna Mitru will be in Philadelphia at the Buyer’s Market of American Craft – the world’s largest craft wholesale show. Shauna was one of 12 glass bead makers selected by the International Society of Glass Beadmakers to exhibit at this show.
The big show in Philadelphia has the potential to be a major breakthrough for Shauna’s career. It’s well earned. She’s been developing her artistic skill with much work and study – and honing her marketing ability in Saskatchewan with a relentless approach to doing markets. Last year, Shauna was at Sundog, Wintergreen, Our Best to You, Artisans, Waterfront and Bazaart.
Prior to 2003, Shauna was assembling jewellery with purchased beads. Then she discovered lampwork glass. She taught herself the techniques of creating lampwork beads, and enrolled in Megan Hazel’s classes at the Neil Balkwell Centre to learn how to go past assembly in the creation of jewellery. Her study, industriousness and finely honed artistic sensibility enabled her to create glass work so beautiful that it has been selected for Philadelphia – and will likely soon be seen in galleries and stores across North America.
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2. EDUCATION/WORKSHOPS
2a. Craft Packing Workshop - Printable PDF
From Here to There in One Piece – How to Pack Fine Craft for Transport
Monday, Feb 23, 2009, 7pm
SCC Gallery, 813 Broadway Avenue, Saskatoon
Presented by Leslie Potter and Judy Haraldson, SCC Exhibitions & Education Coordinators
Want to learn how to pack your craft works so they survive touring shows? Need to ship a delicate piece to a client? Wondering how to safely store some pieces away for a while? Les and Judy have packed up touring Dimensions exhibitions for years. They’ve handled many other travelling shows that are displayed in the SCC Gallery. They’ve seen good packing and lots of bad packing. This workshop is their opportunity to share what they’ve learned. They’ll cover packing methods for various types of craft – including clay, wood, textiles, glass, mixed media works, furniture, etc.
To register, contact Les or Judy at or scc.exhibitions@sasktel.net or call 653.3616 ext. 25
Workshop Fee: Members - $10; Non-members - $20
2b. Building Creativity Workshop - Printable PDF
Facilitated by STEPHEN HOGBIN
This exciting workshop on building creativity is almost filled (two spots left). Act now to register if you want to get into this workshop by calling Amanda at 653.3616 ext. 0 or e-mailing to saskcraftcouncil@sasktel.net. Procrastination may cost you this opportunity to become even more creative and dynamic in your craft.
DATES Two day workshop, Feb 12 &13, 2009 (all day)
WHERE TBA, Saskatoon
COST $150 for members of the SCC, Mendel Art Gallery, or Students (with valid ID)
$200 for the public
The Building Creativity Workshop is co-sponsored by the Saskatchewan Craft Council, the Mendel Art Gallery and the University of Saskatchewan Fine Arts Department.
3. SCC Membership Survey Results
Summary of Results
183 SCC members (64%) of SCC members filled out the on‐line membership survey. This is a very good response rate: thank you.
Summary of Findings:
• SCC members tend to be long term members. 30.8% have been members longer than 11 years compared with 9.9% who have been members under one year.
• 65.4% identify themselves as professional craft people – that is, deriving a significant portion of their income from the production, sale or teaching of craft. Read more!
4. CALLS FOR ENTRY
4a. Call for young artists!
From August 14th to 29th , 2009, Prince Edward Island will host the Jeux du Canada Games. Once again, the games will include a cultural component called the National Artist Program. Each province/territory is invited to select three artists ages 16 to 22 to participate in a variety of cultural activities. Artists will live in the athletes’ village, and travel and other expenses are covered. The program is open to young artists in all disciplines: dance, drama, creative writing, music, media arts, visual art and multidisciplinary arts. The Saskatchewan Arts Board is partnering with the games committee to invite applications and select the artists though a peer jury process.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS FRIDAY, FEB. 6. Please forward this email as soon as possible to any young artists you know through your programming who might be interested. An application form and information sheet are attached to this email. They are also available on the Arts Board website: www.artsboard.sk.ca and on the games website at www.teamsask.ca/nap.html.
For further information, please contact Dianne Warren, Arts and Learning Consultant, Saskatchewan Arts Board at 787.4659, or dianne@artsboard.sk.ca
4b. 15th SPACE International Print Biennial Seoul
This biennial began in 1980, and has produced many great printmaking artists worldwide.
The entry acceptance just started. We look forward to talented printmakers' active participation.
For detailed information to apply, please refer to: www.spaceprintbiennial.org
4c. 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
4d. The Stall Gallery - Call for Submissions
The Stall Gallery is currently accepting submissions of modern and contemporary fine craft including furniture, pottery, and sculpture. To apply, email jpgs to submissions@thestallgallery.com or follow the link on the website at www.thestallgallery.com.
4e. “Flatland Fibre – Off the Wall”
A SCC Gallery exhibition showcasing three-dimensional fibre works by Saskatchewan fibre artists. We want to show off our fabulous fibre arts during Quilt Saskatchewan 2009 when the Saskatoon Quilters Guild hosts a national quilting conference – The Canadian Quilters’ Association Alternate Year Event, May 27 – 30, 2009. Let’s see 3-dimensional fibre works in all sorts of techniques - quilts, wall hangings, clothing, sculpture, felting, knitting, weaving, and so on. The sky’s the limit.
SCC Exhibitions & Education Coordinators will curate the exhibition from submitted entries. Leslie Potter has a Master's degree in Fine Art and is a sculptor and teacher for U of S Certificate of Art and Design; Judy Haraldson is an award winning weaver with a Diploma in Applied Arts – Weaving from SIAST Woodland. Both have extensive experience with many craft mediums and Fine Craft exhibitions.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Wed, Feb 4 , 2009, 5pm – Deadline for submission of intent to enter
- Wed, Mar 4, 2009, 5pm – Deadline for entries to be delivered to the SCC
- Exhibition at the SCC Gallery – May 1 to 31, 2009
Leslie Potter & Judy Haraldson, Exhibitions & Education Coordinators
306.653.3616 ext. 25 •scc.exhibitions@sasktel.net • www.saskcraftcouncil.org
4f. Land of the Loon Resort - Printable PDF
The SCC will be partnering with the Land of the Loon Resort at Anglin Lake to hold two exhibitions during the summer of 2009. The exhibition will be held in the Raven Room of the Land of the Loon Resort.
One show will run from May 19 to June 29, 2009. The second will run from June 30 to Aug 31, 2009.
Work in the exhibition can be one-of-a-kind, limited edition, or production pieces. Works submitted should be “for sale” with a 40% commission rate being charged. Multiple copies of the same piece can be provided in order to replace exhibition pieces as work is sold.
Work can be in any medium – however, we are looking for work from three craft people for each exhibition, which will consist of:
• Work by one person that is suitable for hanging on walls,
• Work by one person that is suitable for pedestal display, and
• Work by one person that is suitable for display in jewellery display cases.
All photographs and entry information must be received by Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009. Those selected will be notified by Friday, Feb 27. Works must be delivered to the SCC Gallery in Saskatoon one week before the beginning of the exhibition. It will be transported to Anglin Lake and installed by SCC staff.
Contact: Exhibitions & Education Coordinators
306.653.3616 ext. 25 •scc.exhibitions@sasktel.net • www.saskcraftcouncil.org
4g. "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
5. THOUGHT OF THE WEEK - Mark Stobbe
Who should be members of the SCC? Why do people join? Do our membership categories still reflect our needs in the 21st Century.
In 1976, the SCC was founded by and for professional craft producers. The membership category of Active General Membership still reflects this original heritage. It is open to “all craftspeople and supporters of craft” in Saskatchewan, but the description of this membership category makes it clear that it is aimed at producers.
In addition to the Active General Membership, we the somewhat confusing name of Associate Member (which is, in fact, an organizational membership for guilds and other associations) and Non-Voting Membership for people living outside of the province. In reality, this is directed only to out-of-province producers who want to participate in our markets.
All of this creates some confusion and problems. For example:
• Food producers are members in order to access the markets. They are not craft producers (they may supporters, but that is usually not why they have joined) but are treated as if they are.
• Although there “supporters of craft” can join, our services and communications tend not to be orientated towards them. Quite frankly, the SCC does a terrible job in cultivating and encouraging patrons of craft. Our recent membership survey showed that about one third of all our members are not professional craft producers – which shows that a significant number of supporters have joined. We could do better, however.
Perhaps it is time that we redid our membership categories and criteria to reflect what we are now and what we could become. This would entail creating different categories of membership with different membership fees and access to different services.
For discussion purposes, here’s what it could look like:
Professional Craftperson Membership: Open to those that produce, teach, or exhibit for a substantial portion of their livelihood. The provincial government has recently introduced legislation that quite nicely defines what a professional artist is – we could easily adopt this.
Affiliated Marketer Membership: Open to those who market non craft items (such as food and visual arts) or marketers from outside Saskatchewan.
Craftperson Membership: Open to all people who make craft for pleasure rather than for livelihood.
Student Membership: Defines itself.
Patron Membership: Open to appreciators of craft.
Organizational membership: Open to guilds, etc.
Honourary Lifetime Membership: Open to those selected by the Board.
With something like this, we could design services that are targeted to specific members. For example, we could offer patron members a free referral service for commissioned work. The professional members would be eligible to receive these referrals. We could also change what we are doing now – for example, the Fine Craft Guide on our web-site could be changed to make it part of the membership package. We could have separate sections for different membership categories – both professional and non-professional producers could show off their work – and a patron could show off his or her favourite piece(s).
For any of this to happen, we would need some by-law changes at our Annual General Meeting in May. So... if you have any thoughts or ideas on this issue, please share them with me (Mark at 653.3616 ext. 27) or any Board Member.
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6. SCC GALLERY EXHIBITIONS
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
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
SASKATCHEWAN'S FINEST
EXPO '09 Artists - Selected works by SCC's finest craft artisans who will be featured in EXPO '09.
April 12 - 18, 2009
“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” are available in the SCC office.
For information contact Leslie or Judy at 866.653.3616 ext. 25 or scc.exhibitions@sasktel.net
7. AWARDS, GRANTS, FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
7a. Saskatchewan Arts Board - Independent Artist Grants
Independent Artists Grants support the creation, development or performance of new work in any art form; professional development for artists; and research in the arts. These grants support the ongoing development of artistic practice in Saskatchewan as well as independent curators and critics in all arts disciplines.
Grant amounts vary depending on category.
Deadlines: March 15 and October 1
Contact: Program Consultant for your discipline 306.787.4056 or 800.667.7526
Visit the website for details - www.artsboard.sk.ca
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7b. 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, as follows:
• Research/Professional Development: This type of grant allows for a period of independent research at a key moment in the artistic practice of the fine craft artist. The project must demonstrate the capacity to advance the artistic practice of the artist The grant also support critics and curators in the research of editorial or curatorial work leading to the production of articles, books and exhibitions in the field of contemporary Canadian craft.
• Production: This grant supports production costs of one or more works where there is at least one confirmed public presentation of the work(s) in a professional context. Production support is also available to assist fine craft artists in the development and fabrication of one or several production-line prototypes. The project must demonstrate the capacity to advance the career of the artist
• Career Development: This grant supports the advancement of an artist’s career through development of specific tools such as websites and portfolios; career development activities; and/or the growth of a professional network with partners such as critics, curators, art dealers or publishers. The applicant must demonstrate that the project occurs in a key period with regard to its impact on the progression of his or her career.
OTHER NEWS
8. DIMENSIONS' ASSISTANT, Saskatchewan Craft Council – Contract Position – April 14 to 21, 2009
We need someone to assist us with all the tasks involved in the jurying the works submitted for our touring exhibition “Playing with Dimensions”. The details are available on the SCC web site or by following the link in this newsletter. Send a one-page resume outlining your qualifications for the position of Dimensions Assistant by letter mail, email, or fax by 5 pm, Tuesday, March 17, 2009. See PDF for details
Attention: Leslie Potter or Judy Haraldson
Saskatchewan Craft Council
813 Broadway Avenue, Saskatoon, SK S7N 1B5
scc.exhibitions@sasktel.net• 306.244.2711
9. Chinese New Year - Jan 26 2009 - Year of the Ox
Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is sometimes called the Lunar New Year, especially by people outside China. The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month (pinyin: zheng yuè) in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th; this day is called Lantern Festival. Chinese New Year's Eve is known as Chúxi. It literally means "Year-pass Eve".
10. Saskatchewan Flame - Wood Fired Ceramics
Art Gallery of Prince Albert
Dec 10, 2008 - Feb 3, 2009
11. Up Morelli has two pieces on display at Willow Studio, in Saskatoon, for their "Branching Out" Show running from January 16 to March 15, 2009.
12. Cheongju Call for Entries
Cheongju International Craft Biennale 2009. One of the largest Craft Expositions in the world is held every two years in the South Korean city of Cheongju. Canada will be the guest country in 2009. Attached is the call for entries for the core Canadian exhibition for Cheongju. Also attached is a guide for photographic standards for the entries. See PDF
13. Travel to Korea: As part of Canada’s involvement with the Cheongju International Craft Biennale in South Korea, the Canadian Craft Federation has developed a craft tour package. Circle a week in October 2009 on your calendar and click here to read more information on this exciting holiday package.
14. CARFAC Workshops 2009 - 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 |
