Board of Directors

Cindy Hoppe

Chair

​I was born and raised on a farm west of Saskatoon. I attended the University of Saskatchewan and worked for 3 years on a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree that focused on painting. I was also learning crafts by helping my mother attend markets as a teenager in the beginning the Saskatchewan Craft Council. I married a farmer north of Biggar, Saskatchewan and continued exploring craft mediums.

I have a deep appreciation of the beauty and durability of wool and silk and restrict myself to these materials for my fibre art. Mom and I supported each other artistically, technically and emotionally in our exploration of this medium. I am self-taught and would describe what I do as painting with a sewing machine.

I have been a Board member of the SCC for about 12 years. I have been Chairperson for the last several. Before my work with the SCC, I had experience in other boards from health districts to school boards, RM Council, Lutheran Church boards, and more. The SCC is in a time of transition, and I would like to help with that. During my time with the SCC Board, I have participated in board development, policy development, organizational development, ad hoc and standing committees, as well as served on other boards.

Tyler Bogdan

Vice Chair

Tyler Bogdan is a self-taught ceramic artist whose practice explores the intersection of craft and technology. Working primarily in slipcasting, he creates original molds that merge traditional ceramic techniques with contemporary digital tools. By incorporating 3D modeling and 3D printing into his process, Tyler investigates how technology can expand the creative potential of clay and challenge expectations of handmade work.

Still early in his artistic journey, Tyler continues to develop his practice through experimentation and small craft sales, where he shares his evolving collections with the public. His work embraces repetition, variation, and surface design, balancing function with a sense of play.

As a queer artist and new member of the Saskatchewan Craft Council, Tyler values experimentation, individuality, and community. He is eager to learn from and contribute to Saskatchewan’s vibrant craft community while continuing to refine his voice as a maker.

Mark Wells

Secretary

I have been making jewellery in one form or another since 2002, when I first started making chainmail. Slowly I’ve transitioned into more traditional types of jewellery while still striving to develop a personal style. My specialty and favourite type of work is piercework (fretwork) pieces which use multiple layers to create a sense of depth, especially when representing landscapes from my travels. I am mostly self-taught (through books, videos, internet communities, and extensive practice), but I have also attended several classes and workshops with experienced jewellers, whenever the opportunity presented itself.

I have been a member of the SCC since becoming a juried craftsperson in 2016. I have participated as a juror, evaluating new prospective members on a few occasions. I have also participated in the SCC’s professional practices courses.

I believe in the mission of the Saskatchewan Craft Council — to support the development of fine craft and craftspeople. I want to ensure the continued viability of the organization and ensure that it remains a resource for its members.

David Freeman

Chair of Finance Committee

David Freeman began  playing Guitar in 1970, learning to repair his own instruments in 1974. In 1980 he completed Lutherie Training and began TIMELESS INSTRUMENTS. His Choice to build all-fretted string instruments reflects his interest in multi-media art. His artistic background includes pottery, drawing, sculpture, farming, and raising a family. In 1986 David began teaching a seven week Lutherie Training Course.

Presently, Freeman offers Lutherie Training, Mail-order Lutherie Supplies, and custom-built string instruments for a global cliental through his company Timeless Instruments.

David has been a Village councilor in Tugaske for one term. David has also sat on the Vocational Schools  Advisory committee  to the ministry of Advanced Education & Immigration. David served on the SCC Board from 2001 to 2003 and 2014 to 2017. He is currently in a second term. He is also the Saskatchewan Representative for the Canadian Crafts Federation.

Pat Grayston

Pat is a retired high school teacher/principle who upon retirement spent a year in Adelaide completing her BFA. She then moved her father’s barn, which he built in 1955, to the river hill on her property and converted it into an art studio, Riverview Arts. She has a press in the loft and a wheel on the main level. Due to some health issues she has transferred her artistic knowledge to fabric and creates her own dyes from roots, leaves and flowers on her acreage. Pat has been on the CARFAC Board, was chair of The Mann Gallery, and served on the SaskCulture Board for seven years, two as chair. She brings a dedication to the arts as well as a sound knowledge of boards: the necessity for clear goals as well as Governance.

Emma Morris

Emma is a descendant of European settlers, born and raised in Saskatchewan, and is happy to have the opportunity to raise her own children there. Her academic background is primarily around collections and heritage site management. Emma earned a B.A. Honours in Art History from the University of Regina, then studied an M.A. in Cultural Heritage and Resource Management from the University of Winchester, before completing a Post-Graduate Certificate from the University of Toronto’s Centre for Continuing Education in Non Profit Leadership for Change. The most exciting aspect of her work now is in the world of museum advocacy for repatriation and sustainability and in reimagining the cultural heritage sector as a vibrant industry in Saskatchewan.

Lin Gallagher

Patrick Bulas

Patrick Bulas is an artist who has lived in Saskatoon for over 24 years. Born in Edmonton, he received both his BFA and MFA from the University of Alberta. He has had solo exhibitions in Edmonton and Saskatoon and has participated in group exhibitions in Finland, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Hamilton, and Spain. In addition to his studio practice, he is the printmaking studio technician and a sessional instructor at the University of Saskatchewan, teaches relief printing at Hues Art Supply, and is the co-chair of SK Printmakers.

Lindsay Sorell

Lindsay Sorell holds a BFA in Drawing from ACAD and an MA in Modern Languages and Cultural Studies from the U of A. Her creative practice includes performance, painting, drawing, writing, sewing, beading, weaving, sculpture, installation, and collaborative community-based projects. She worked as the Indigenous Project Researcher for The Gathering Place exhibit at the Prince Albert Historical Museum, Archivist for the Kinistino Métis Local #43, Editor-in-Chief of media art and film publication Luma Quarterly, is the Operations Manager at the Mann Art Gallery, and has exhibited nationally and internationally.

Amy Hood