e-News
Vol 3 No 12, April 6, 2009
www.saskcraftcouncil.org

SASKATCHEWAN CRAFT COUNCIL
1. SCC MEMBER PROFILE - Sandra Ledingham
2. Welcome New and Returning SCC Members
3. AGM Announcement
4. Week of Craft
5. Cheongju Update
6. Korean Cultural Tour Lottery
7. Thought Piece
8. Gardenscape
9. Food and the SCC Executive Director - Call for Recipes
10. SCC Markets
11. Volunteers Needed - Playing with Dimensions Jurying
12. "Playing with Dimensions" - New for 2009!

EDUCATION/WORKSHOPS
14. Saskatoon Potters Guild Workshop
15. Jamie Russell - Found in the Wood

CALLS FOR ENTRY
16. The Better Good Store
17. Sales Opportunity
18. RBC Award for Glass
19. World of Threads Festival
20. Waskesiu Artisan's Show and Sale
21. Call for Craft Vendors - Fringe Festival
22. "the distill cup 2009"

SCC GALLERY EXHIBITIONS
23. Obsolete Spaces - Wendy Weseen
24. Hand Crafted Excellence
25. SCC Gallery Closed
26. Flatland Fibre - Off The Wall

AWARDS, GRANTS, FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
27. Saskatchewan Arts Board
28. Canada Council for the Arts

OTHER NEWS
29. Jamie Russell - Bestiary
30. Interface - Anita Rocamora and June J. Jacobs
31. Lee Brady - Article in Our Canada
32. ARTfullNESS
33. Saskatoon Potters' Guild - Sale
34. Parkland Artisan Tour
35. Be on the Lookout
36. Box Social
37. MacKenzie Art Gallery - New ED
38. South Korea - Cultural Tour
39. CARFAC

SCC Contact Information & e-News Schedule

2. Welcome New and Returning SCC Members
Donna Cutler - Beaver Creek, SK
Jordan Fieseler - Regina, SK
Howard Nixon - Regina, SK

3. Annual General Meeting
Circle Sunday, May 24th on your calendar. It will be the date of the fun, informative SCC Annual General Meeting. It will be south of Saskatoon (Highway 11) at the estate of Louis J. Paquette, with the business meeting, and educational, pot luck supper, and fun.

4. WEEK OF CRAFT
Saskatoon City Council has declared April 12 to 18th as Week of Craft in Saskatoon. Click HERE for a full list of events and activities. A few highlights:
• We will be doing the documentation for our entry of the Broadway Craft Gallery into the Guinness Book of World Records on Tuesday, April 14th at 10:00. Drop down to Broadway Avenue and be part of this historic occasion.
• The Dimensions jury sessions will be at the Mendel Art Gallery Auditorium. Drop by on Wednesday, April 15 between 1 pm and 9 pm to see all of the entered work.
• The Early Bird draw for the SCC Raffle will be at the Dimensions Critique (Mendel Art Gallery Auditorium, Saturday, April 18 at 10am). Get your ticket now to win two days at the Land of the Loon Resort.

Craft Playing Cards. We are now playing with a full deck – all of our cards have been spoken for. About half of the cards are going to craft people from Saskatchewan, there rest from across Canada. We’ll be going into the design of the cards immediately. If someone wants in, let Gale know and you can be put on the waiting list.

5. Cheongju Update
Unity and Diversity Exhibition. Almost 500 craft artists submitted work to this competition. The regional juries will be setting to work this week. It promises to be a really good show – one that all Canadian craft people can be proud of.

Cheongju Market place. We’ve received many very good proposals for work in the marketplace. We’re still working on financing and logistical arrangements. For those of you who submitted proposals, bear with us. We’re going as fast as we can on this. Thanks for your patience.

Tour packages. The tour packages organized by the CCF and Mimi Tours are a great deal for a wonderful experience. LINK HERE. Think about going, or pass on the idea to anyone that you think might be interested.

6. SCC Korean Cultural Tour Lottery.
The Early Bird Draw is April 18th. Get your tickets now by phoning Donna at 653.3616 ext. 0. We’d also like to ask for your help:
• If you know of anyone who has a child, nephew, niece, or cousin teaching English in Korea, let them know about the raffle, or let us know about them. This is a great opportunity for them to have a chance to visit.
• If you are willing to sell tickets, your assistance would be most appreciated. Phone Donna at 653.3616. We’ve got 2,000 to sell, and are currently working on the ticket book that starts 0571. It’s a great start – but we’ve go a long way to go.

7. Thought Piece
“Entering Dimensions is like buying a lottery ticket.”
“It’s the same people who get into Dimensions all the time”
“It’s not the quality of piece that gets you into Dimensions – it’s who you know”

Since becoming ED of the Saskatchewan Craft Council, I’ve heard all these comments about Dimensions. I suspect that many of these statements are the result of frustration and disappointment – people have worked hard, put their best work forward, and not made it in. That is understandably disappointing. And what’s more, each and every person is proud of their piece – and rightly so. Each and every piece represents years of experience and hours of painstaking work. Everyone should be proud of their piece – and to be disappointed when theirs is not chosen.
One issue is simple math. Well over a hundred craft people enter Dimensions. There are usually close to two hundred pieces for the jury to choose from. Thirty-five pieces get into the show. Dimensions is hard to get into because it is supposed to be. That is what makes the show special.

This year, however, we are trying to demystify the selection process. The charge to our jury (Mel Bolen and Chantal Gilbert) has been published on the SCC Website (CLICK HERE). These are the terms of engagement to the two principled and experienced craft producers we have asked to select Dimensions.

We are doing something new this year. Because of the generosity of the Mendel Art Gallery in lending us their auditorium, we are able to allow a public viewing of all pieces entered in Playing with Dimensions. Drop by the Mendel on April 15th between 1 and 9pm to take a look. And while you are there, please select your own show. Pick out the 35 pieces that you would put in Dimensions if you were a juror. We’ll collect these results, and seal them until after the jurying process is completed. After the jurors have done their work, we’ll tabulate the results and let you know you your collective choices compare with those of Mel Bolen and Chantal Gilbert. I’m not completely sure what this will prove, but it will be interesting. And it will give everyone a glimpse of the difficult task the jury faces – trying to select “the best” from a field that is all “exceptionally good.”

8. GARDENSCAPE
Our first experience at Saskatoon’s Gardenscape March 27-29 was a great learning experience and reasonably successful from a marketing standpoint with gross sales of just over $2,000. The weather was warm and sunny bringing out thousands of people who were thinking about being outdoors. Huge display of yard and garden tractors, hot tubs and garden landscaping dominated the floor of the market but our corner booth set-up from the recently retired Dave Collins gave our display a solid professional look. We set up across the aisle from a mega-booth featuring the work of Don Pell and Mike Saretsky so we had a strong SCC presence. New member Jeannette Lussier was down the aisle and Steven Girard/Shon Profit were also nearby. We talked about joining together for 2010 to establish the size of booth display that will match the size of the large commercial displays. I spent many hours talking to countless shoppers and learned how tiring it is to be on your feet for 12 hours at a time much to the delight of the other SCC members. Anyone interested in joining this effort next year should get in touch with Chris at the office.

9. Food and the SCC Executive Director - Call for Recipes

In 1992, the person who is now the Executive Director of the SCC went to New York city on a provincial trade mission. The opposition in the Legislature was criticizing the trip,and demanded to know what Mark Stobbe was doing in New York. It was explained that he was attending meetings, doing things like helping to sell Saskatchewan pasta.

Bill Boyd, the member from Kindersley demanded to know, "And just what does Mr. Stobbe know about pasta?"

Premier Romanow replied, "Are you kidding - have you never seen the guy!"

The point is, Stobbe knows food. And he knows that Saskatchewan craft people are amongst the best cooks in the world. That's one reason he likes the job so much. He believes it is time to share this culinary knowledge - Please send your favourite recipes in to the SCC Cookbook Project.

Just e-mail them to saskcraftcouncil@sasktel.net. And you can write a short statement about you, your craft, or your food.

10. SCC Markets
Application deadlines for the SCC markets are as follows:
Waterfront – May 1, 2009
Handcraft Festival – May 31, 2009
Wintergreen – June 14, 2009
Harvest Moon – July 1, 2009

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11. Volunteers Needed - Playing with Dimensions Jurying
Want to experience some of the hands-on excitement of Dimensions jurying? We need volunteers to help out with taking in and returning entries for “Playing with Dimensions”. See all the craft works as they come in, unpack the entries, display the pieces for jurying, help keep things organized, and enjoy the ‘chaos into order’ that precedes and follows the jurying session for Dimensions. We even provide lunch to people who volunteer for long enough! Contact Judy or Les if you can help out for all or part of the following times:

Tuesday, April 14, 10 am to 5pm – Receiving entries at the Mendel Art Gallery Auditorium
Wednesday, April 15, 1 to 9pm – Security during public viewing of entries at the Mendel Art Gallery Auditorium
Saturday, April 18, noon to 2 pm – Return of entries at the Mendel Art Gallery Auditorium

Judy Haraldson & Les Potter, 653.3616 ext. 25 or scc.exhibitions@sasktel.net

12. “Playing with Dimensions” – New for 2009!
We have changed a few things about the jurying session for Dimensions this year – locations, times, a new opportunity. Have a look:

Tuesday, April 14, 10am to 5pm – Receiving Saskatoon entries at the Mendel Art Gallery Auditorium, lower level/river side
Tuesday, April 14, from 11am to 1:30pm only – Receiving Regina entries at the Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre, 2420 Elphinstone Street
Wednesday, April 15, 1 to 9pm – Public viewing of all Dimensions entries at the Mendel Art Gallery Auditorium
Wednesday, April 15, 7pm – Jurors’ talk at Frances Morrison Library, 311 – 23rd St. E., Saskatoon
Saturday, April 18, 10am – Jurors’ critique presentation at the Mendel Art Gallery Auditorium

EDUCATION/WORKSHOPS

14. Saskatoon Potters Guild: Workshop
Daven Hee, Hawaiian Potter
Living Surfaces: forms to glazes • Surfacing techniques and preparations
Albert Community Centre, 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

15. Red Deer College - Summer School of the Arts
Found in the Wood with instructor, Jamie Russell
July 20 - 24 (Course # 913)
Fees: $545.00 - To register call 403.357.3663 or visit www.rdc.ab.ca/continuingeducation

CALLS FOR ENTRY

16. The Better Good Store will be opening on Broadway Ave in early May.  We are a store specializing in environmentally and socially sustainable products.  We are seeking local artisans who make things from recycled, reclaimed or sustainable materials. Please call 242.4663 and speak to Laura or Corey Neufeld if interested.

17. Sales Opportunity - Cheongju International Craft Biennale
The SCC hopes to participate in a Canadian Marketplace at the Cheongju International Craft Biennale in October, 2009. We are planning to purchase work for sale at this event. See PDF for details

18. RBC Award for Glass
The RBC Award for Glass is a national award for glass artists. Thanks to the recent partnership with the RBC and the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery, the award is presented to a practicing early career artist who has been working professionally for between 5 to 10 years.
DEADLINE: received by July 31, 2009 by 5pm. The winner of the RBC Award for Glass will receive $7,000.00. Please see the attached PDF for details.

19. WORLD OF THREADS FESTIVAL "Common Thread" - International Juried Exhibition
We currently have a 2009 Call for Submissions for our /Common Thread/ international juried exhibition, and a Call for Participants to organize their own shows as part of the festival. Application Forms - www.worldofthreadsfestival.com

20. 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

21. 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.

22. "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

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SCC GALLERY EXHIBITIONS
23. OBSOLETE SPACES - Wendy Weseen
Photographic and mixed media assemblages along with historical artifacts and installations explores themes of abandonment and dissolution using imagery of prairie farm buildings and contents. Last week to see the exhibition.
February 27 - April 8, 2009
See Invitation

24. Hand Crafted Excellence
Selected works by some of SCC's finest craft artisans featured as part of the World's Largest Craft Gallery on Broadway Avenue during Craft Week in Saskatoon.
April 12 - 18, 2009

25. SCC Gallery Closed for “PLAYING WITH DIMENSIONS” preparation
April 19 - 30, 2009

26. Flatland Fibre - Off The Wall
Three dimensional works by Saskatchewan textile artists, in conjunction with Quilt Saskatchewan 2009, a national quilt conference hosted by Saskatoon Quilters Guild. Panel Discussion Evening will be held on Thursday, May 28 at 7:30pm. Mark your calendar: details will follow in upcoming newsletters.
May 1 - 31, 2009
Reception: Sunday, May 24, 2 - 5pm
See Invitation

AWARDS, GRANTS, FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
27. Saskatchewan Arts Board
The Saskatchewan Arts Board’s dealines are listed on their website.
For details please visit - www.artsboard.sk.ca

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28. Canada Council for the Arts - Website
Deadline: 1 March 2010
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.
International Residencies Program in Visual Arts - Application Deadline - 01 April 2009

OTHER NEWS

29. Jamie Russell: Bestiary
April 3–June 7, 2009
Guest-curated by Stephen Hogbin for the Mendel Art Gallery
Curator Lecture: Thursday, April 16 at 7pm
Opening Reception: Friday, April 17 at 8pm
Artist Talk: Sunday, May 3 at 2pm

30. Interface
Featuring Anita Rocamora and June J. Jacobs
April 8 to May 16, 2009
Reception: Wednesday, April 8, 7 - 9pm
Mysteria Gallery, 2706 13th Avenue, Regina • www.mysteria.ca
See Invitation

31. Lee Brady has an article published in Our Canada, April/May 2009 issue under Crafty Canadians p. 54, 55 - entitled 'Glass Menagerie'. We are arranging to have a copy for our resource centre.

32. ARTfullNESS
July 13 - 19, 2009
Ness Creek Music Festival - www.artfullness.ca
A group of artists will assemble for the inaugural collaborative visual art event. They will create a masterpiece of public art under the watchful eye of 3000 music festival goers.

33. Saskatoon Potters' Guild's annual Spring Show and Sale will be held Saturday, May 2 from 9am to 9pm and Sunday, May 3, 10am to 5pm at the Third Floor Loft, Albert Community Centre, corner of Clarence Ave and 11th Street in Saskatoon.

There will be pottery demonstrations, a door prize and a wide variety of pottery for sale. Free parking and free admission. Wheelchair accessible. Visa, Mastercard, Interac, cash and cheques accepted. For information: 343.6566 or www.saskatoonpottersguild.com

34. Parkland Artisan Tour - June 20th & 21st, Shellbrook and area. Download demonstration schedules, local maps and brochure information at www.shellbrooktour.com. This site also has images of artwork produced by local artists and guest artists. Friday the 19th, 8pm, features Pipes and Fire, with the Prince Albert Pipe Band evoking the flames of a pottery pit fire. This is set on the hill overlooking the river at Riverview Arts. For a brochure to be mailed, call 747.3330. Brochures are also available in both Carfac offices and at SCC.

35. Be on the lookout:
In 1921, the University of Saskatchewan hired a Professor of Ceramics Engineering (the first in the British Empire) and began testing clay deposits and ceramics techniques in Saskatchewan. For the next 30 years, the U of S was a producer of a wide range of ceramics products. Examples of this work is being sought by Duff Spafford, Professor Emeritus at the Department of Political Studies. The U of S ceramics can be identified by being stamped with “University of Sask. Ceramic Dept.” Or “Made from Saskatchewan Clay”. In some cases, the University’s coat of Arms will also be on the piece. If you have a piece of this ceramics work, or come across one, please let Professor Spafford know at spafford@duke.usask.ca

36. Box Social
We feature all Artist Bios and Links to Personal Websites, opportunities to post News and Events through both our site and our blog page and an opportunity to be a part of an online community that strives to serve Western Canadian artists from Manitoba to BC. Check out our site at www.boxsocialdesign.blogspot.com

In addition to offering all of the above, we choose to do so at a low monthly administration + commission fee...All that info is available through our site or by emailing us: boxsocial.mariko@gmail.com or boxsocial.catherine@gmail.com

37. MacKenzie Art Gallery - New Executive Director
On March 25, 2009, Stuart Reid was named Executive Director of the MacKenzie Art Gallery. Stuart will officially begin in the position on June 1.

38. South Korea - 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.

39. 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
Donna Potter - Admin Assistant
Mark Stobbe - Executive Director
www.saskcraftcouncil.org

e-News Schedule: April & May, 2009
May 15 • May 29