ALBERTA CRAFT

CULTURE IN THE MAKING

ALBERTA CRAFT COUNCIL QUARTERLY SPRING 2016

#ABCraft April 2 – July 2, 2016

ALBERTA CRAFT THE MAGAZINE

The Alberta Craft Council Magazine is published quarterly. Submission Deadline for the Summer 2016 Issue: May 25, 2016 The Alberta Craft Magazine makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, but assumes no liability in cases of error or changing conditions. Any business relations or other activities undertaken as a result of the information contained in the Alberta Craft Magazine, or arising there from, are the responsibility of the parties involved and not of the Alberta Craft Council.

ALBERTA CRAFT COUNCIL

Offices, Gallery & Shop

10186-106th Street Edmonton, AB Canada T5J 1H4

Office Information

Hours Monday – Friday 9 am to 5 pm Telefon (780) 488-6611 OR 1-800-DO CRAFT (1-800-362-7238) Faximile (780) 488-8855 E-Mail [email protected] Website www.albertacraft.ab.ca

Alberta Craft Gallery and Shop

Hours Monday – Saturday 10 am to 5 pm Open until 6 pm on Thursdays (780) 488-5900

Staff

Executive Director Tom McFall, ext. 228 Administration Manager Nancy St. Hilaire, ext. 234 Gallery Coordinator Joanne Hamel, ext. 221 Membership Jessica Telford, ext. 221 Communications Ruta Nichol, ext. 231 Retail Gallery Coordinator Linda Frena, ext. 232 Craft Shop Staff JoAnna Lange Vanessa Lee

Board of Directors Chair Tara Owen, Calgary Directors Jenna Stanton, Medicine Hat Mary-Beth Laviolette, Canmore Victor Steel, Fort McMurray Kari Woo, Canmore Patti Hartnagel, Edmonton Dawn Detarando, Red Deer Jennifer Salahub, Calgary Meghan Wagg, Edmonton Kai Georg Scholefield, Calgary Brenda Malkinson, Edmonton Magazine Editor Nancy St. Hilaire Magazine Design Matthias Reinicke Lime Design Inc.

Alberta Craft Council is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing Alberta craft and the Alberta craft industry.

Sponsors Reports From the Executive Director

Nancy St. Hilaire, after building… Nancy has also been the lead person On the Cover working for the Alberta for all 18 of ACC’s ‘Twas the Night Christmas Craft Council for 27 parties. She has worked on project budgeting years, has announced her and planning for both future ACC locations. retirement. OH NO… how She has compiled seemingly endless monthly, could this happen… what annual, tax, funding, corporate registry, casino, do we do? and other financial or data reports. And she has Nancy started in the written at least 30,000 cheques! ACC’s original office in the In 2003, ACC received a letter announcing McLeod Building in Edmonton and worked on an $80,000 increase in funding from the Alberta exhibitions and other projects supported by job Foundation for the Arts – the largest increase creation grants. One of her early undertakings ever! Nancy’s celebratory binge was to buy each was the ACC’s temporary shop for the Calgary staff member a box of new file folders, a packet Olympics. She helped open the ACC’s first of stickie notes and a dozen pens. public gallery and shop in Manulife Place. A Nancy’s favourite ACC activity might still large touring exhibition of work by Finnish be unpacking in-coming work from members. So Sorry by Sara Norquay, 2013 glass artist Oiva Toikka was one of her more As new work arrives, especially at Christmas, Photopolymer plates, Somerset paper, Akua ink, steel plate, felt memorable projects from that time. she regularly demands “first dibs”. She has, 10.25” x 8.25” x 2.5” for almost 3 decades, spent an alarming part of Nancy and I worked together for the first Sara Norquay has been making artist time as I curated the blockbuster Alberta Made her salary collecting some of the best work by books for twenty years. She has used Home exhibition at both the new ACC gallery Alberta craft artists. That’s real commitment! many mediums including printmaking in Edmonton and Triangle Gallery in Calgary. Nancy’s best and longest legacy as she leaves techniques, drawing and painting, stitching and painting on fabric, mixed Nancy was instrumental in the ACC’s move ACC, aside from a perfect financial system and media and digital printing. Some from Manulife to 124 Street, then five years an impressive magazine, is certainly the many books are one-of-a-kind while others later, the next move to the current downtown friendships she has developed with a wide array have been made in small editions. Edmonton location. (I suspect one reason for her of ACC colleagues, board members, and member She also makes fine art prints and works with felt. After living, working premature retirement is to avoid box lifting in artists. Everyone will miss her! and exhibiting for nearly 20 years in the ACC’s next moves into King Edward Arts Nancy and her husband Don have plans for a California, she moved back to Canada Hub and Artists Quarters!) new life on the West Coast. When asked “what’s in 2009 and now exhibits her work Nancy moved through virtually all the jobs next” she smiles and starts describing a new in Edmonton, Calgary, and Toronto as well as in California. and roles within the Craft Council, always studio for her own artistic pursuits. with eagerness, skill and accomplishment. Nancy has played an inestimable role in She was shop coordinator, gallery coordinator, the growth of the Alberta Craft Council, in membership and member services coordinator. the ACC’s extensive support of members, She became the Administrative Manager in 1997 and the ACC’s excellent board/staff/member and has continued that until now. In response to relationships. She has also been my most trusted the ACC’s steady increase in all activity, Nancy and valued colleague for all my time with the Find Out More... completed accredited accounting courses. Her ACC. I really can’t put in words, how much we About the Along the Bow exhibition current depth of financial knowledge will be the all appreciate Nancy, how much we will miss on page 11 featuring artists like Liv Pedersen. hardest aspect for ACC to replace. her – or how much we wish her In addition, Nancy has coordinated and the very best for her retirement edited the ACC Magazine for about 10 years. and next stage of life! Under her guidance, the content, design and overall appeal of the magazine have flourished. It is now the last surviving colour magazine Tom McFall published by a provincial craft council. There is such a long list of Nancy’s other contributions… shooting many of the ACC’s photographs of members’ work, finding and managing 4 different retail programs, training all the new and temporary staff, coordinating databases for memberships, managing this Alberta Bound by Liv Pedersen

ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 1 Reports Thank you and Goodbye

It is with many mixed emotions that I say goodbye the Alberta Craft Council after 27 years. I am so grateful to have had such a rich, varied and rewarding career with an organization whose mission I believe in. Thanks to all the members I have come to know and whose work I have admired and collected. It was inspiring being surrounded by your work every day and I will truly miss the excitement of new work deliveries. Thank you to all the staff and board through the years who have been so supportive and fun to work with. It has been wonderful working beside like- minded people dedicated to the arts.

Nancy St. Hilaire, Administration Manager / Alberta Craft Magazine Editor

2 ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 Series 2016 Summer Arts School at Red Deer College

Immerse yourself in a summer experience like no “We’re offering dozens of new courses this Crys Harse Regular instructor at Series who works other with Series Summer Arts School. For 33 years, year, from video game design to gourmet cooking in metals Red Deer College has offered courses to artists from to antler carving,” says Joyce Howdle, Visual & Linda Chow across North America to further explore their art. Performing Arts Coordinator at Red Deer College. Award-winning jeweller and popular The Alberta Craft Council has been instrumental “Every year at Series is a new experience and we’re Series instructor in recommending courses that reflect both the excited to see what our students create.” Ross Bradley current trends in visual art and crafts, as well as Series Summer Arts School prides itself its Regular Series instructor whose studio offering something that will appeal to every taste. professional instructors and 2016 is no exception. practise focuses on the human figure Experience our unique mix of Series workshops Featured instructors at Series 2016 who are also Teena Dickerson from July 4 – 29, 2016 for adults of all ages and ACC members are listed on the right: Currently working on her Master’s degree studying creativity and self- skill levels, including drawing, painting, sculpture, realization, she integrates tradition jewelry, metal arts and more. while embracing new technology in Get creative with beadmaking, glass fusing, jewelry making Below: Bottom: printmaking, sculptural felting and ceramics Deerheart, Pendant Roundabout Sarah Pike classes. Explore something new with courses in by Teena Dickerson by Diane Krys Full-time ceramic artist primarily in wood and antler carving, culinary arts, guitar repair Sterling silver Wool, cotton, mixed fibre ribbon, slab-built work, living and making pots in Fernie B.C and colored pencil painting. Get inspired with 3 cm x 2 cm buttons, beads, copper and coloured wire, linen, hoops, 34” x 30.5” alumigraph printmaking or Carolingian variations. Diane Krys Fibre artist who uses rug hooking, felt- Discover the secrets of knitted glass or leave your ing, knitting and crocheting to create mark and write a chapter of your life. sculptural textile art and furnishings Whether you want to connect with your past There’s so much to or develop skills for the future, Series Summer discover at Series! Arts School is your next step. In addition to our Attend instructor presentations, social week-long Series experience try Series on for size activities, open model sessions and with one-day workshops. A Taste of Series on July open studios in the evenings to connect with other likeminded artists 16 will be packed with everything from jewellery in the Series community. Red Deer and metal basket making to gourmet cooking, College’s on-campus accommodations beadmaking, painting, drawing, whittling and are comfortable and affordable. A artistic rug hooking. number of scholarships are available for Series students. Immerse yourself in your art this July and be a part of Series Summer Arts School. For more information No Black, Put it Back or to request a brochure, please by Linda Chow contact the RDC School of Continuing Sterling silver, copper Education at continuingeducation@ rdc.ab.ca or 403.356.4900. To regis- ter, visit www.rdc.ab.ca/series or call 403.357.3663

ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 3 #ABCraft

Dates Fine craft and digital technology can seem like an As an artist and craftsman of ceramics, I am using digital April 2 – July 2, 2016 unlikely or contradictory pairing. The incorporation photography and Photoshop in my everyday practice. I Reception: 2-4 pm, of digital technology into fine craft challenges us use digital photography and merge it with the visual art Saturday, April 2 with questions of where it is produced, the level technique of silk screen printmaking and the handcrafted of skill required to create it and the degree that it stoneware vessel. is made by hand. Yet fine craft has a long tradition – Brenda Danbrook of innovation and the integration of this new technology is no exception. #ABCraft looks at how digital technology is I rely on digital technologies in a myriad of ways for my Above: enhancing or impacting fine craft artists in Alberta. work. I’m able to research characters and still images. I Range Road 222 Social media, digital imaging and 3-D printing use programs like Photoshop and InDesign to incorporate by Brenda Danbrook, 2016 are becoming more common and an increasingly photos of the cross-stitches into the posters. I rely on email Stoneware, slip, glaze 20”x14” important career opportunity for fine craft artists. to communicate and to send images to the printer. I use Right: The exhibition features new and recent work by social media to showcase my series of cross-stitches. My Crime Watch: Heavenly artists using digital technology in many ways website is the primary way that I showcase my work. Creatures including communications, marketing, research, Frankly I have a hard time wrapping my head around by Laura O’Connor, 2014 image development, prototyping and production. communication and marketing before the digital age. Embroidery thread, cloth and hoop – Laura O’Connor 6” x 6”

4 ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 Feature Gallery

In my work, I focus on mixing handmade and digital processes. My work has three goals: to contrast old methods in sculpture and drawing to the most recent technologies, to experiment with new ways to use 3D printing and conceptually, to explore the boundary between what is handmade and what is machine made, what is real and what is virtual. - Timothy Belliveau

Participating artists: Timothy Belliveau Holly Boone Andrée Chénier Brenda Danbrook Terry Hildebrand Mike Lam Sara Norquay Laura O’Connor Bob Pike Mandy Patchin Kai Scholefield Amy Skrocki Jenna Stanton Kari Woo albertacraft.ab.ca/feature-gallery

ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 5 Discovery Gallery

Inventing Narratives Corinne Cowell

Dates Corinne Cowell’s felted I’ve always been interested in tactile environment, encouraging the March 26 – April 30, 2016 photographs of deserted buildings narratives and they’re a recurring viewer to touch and reminisce. Artist Reception: 2-4pm, explore the stories and memories theme in my work. Right now, my Saturday, April 2 of fading lives on the prairies. primary focus is on nostalgia and Corinne Cowell (Calgary) From the simple lines of the memory and how they relate to our graduated from Printmaking, most basic houses to the elegant environment as well as our transition with Distinction, from the Above: affluent homes, her images speak through it. I often work in multiple Alberta College of Art + Design Spring Flowers (detail) 2015 by Corinne Cowell about a long-ago sense of pride media and image sets at the same time. in 1992. Then, after many years Wet and needle felting, in perseverance but ultimately of I include our intimate experiences of working in Graphic Design, photo transfer, silk abandonment. in wild spaces, fleeting moments in she decided it was time to head 14” x 12” Every media Corinne utilizes relation to the time of day, year and back to her fine art roots. With has a strong visual and physical era as well as our interactions with a base of past generations, texture. By pushing traditional the natural world. There is this harsh nature and form, coupled with felting techniques past their reality of abandoned dreams clinging her unique take on felting, she historic boundaries, she creates to the withering relics of old buildings, often lets the fibre dictate the a sculptural aspect in her work and of the land slowly reclaiming their image development. Corinne’s which reinforces her themes and remains. love of the natural world and stories. She often incorporates I specifically like the sculptural our place within it offers her an such materials as silk, ink, horse aspects that can be created with needle infinite range of imagery from hair, natural objects, her own felting as it simulates the undulations which to work. She likes to albertacraft.ab.ca/ photography, a wide variety of and dimensional aspects of the images engage the observer with what discovery-gallery wools, and other natural and I’m creating, like the rolling prairie is, what might have been or even manufactured fibres to create her hills and large storm cells. The pieces to conjure memories of similar ‘fibre paintings’. then become more of a living and stories from the viewer.

6 ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 Get a Handle on it Mynthia McDaniel

Whether it be mugs, jars, or casserole handles in a more decorative, non- Mynthia McDaniel is a ceramic Dates dishes, I always find the handles functional way on sculptural pieces, artist based in Calgary. She March 26 – April 30, 2016 challenging. The handle has such or large vases, to add balance or an has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Artist Reception: 2-4pm a wide variety of placement and ornamental finish. Printmaking and Ceramics Saturday, April 2 function in all types of design, not Like many functional potters, I and has exhibited locally and only ceramic. It should be a highly struggle with handles, trying to find internationally. Her main passion considered part of your work, the perfect balance between the form after pottery is travel, and especially if you are making or and a comfortable fit for the user. For whenever possible she will find designing tableware. Handles can be this exhibition, I have created over a way to combine the two. Most a part of someone’s daily rituals and, one hundred different handles and recently she completed a two without consideration, can really knobs. Some useful and ergonomic, month residency at the Shigaraki make or break the form. while some are completely Ceramic Cultural Park in Japan, The artist needs to think about redundant. It is up to the viewer to and a short residency at the Above left: many different elements of how the decide which handle works best for Ćesky Porcelán factory in the Mug 2015 handle will work with the form. them, as every person has unique Czech Republic. by Mynthia McDaniel Where to place it, what size should hands and their own preferences as Porcelain 4.5” x 3” x 3.5” it be, how many fingers will you use to how they hold or grasp objects. to hold it, how should it feel to the The beautiful thing about handmade Above right: Mug Stack 2015 user (is it intimate for a tea cup, or tableware is that we don’t have to be by Mynthia McDaniel big and thick for a beer stein)? These stuck with “one size fits all” but can Porcelain and stoneware are all questions artists think about explore, create, and customize, in as 11.5” x 7” x 4.5” when making a handle for a piece many ways as we wish. of tableware. Artists can also use

ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 7 Discovery Gallery

The Inhabited Landscape Bettina Matzkuhn

Dates Narrative themes are often bound into ages, shapes and abilities. Perhaps Bettina Matzkuhn (Vancouver) May 7 – June 11, 2016 my work. Textile and thread provide they go hiking for the views, exercise, has worked in textiles for over Artist Reception: 2-4pm, a rich vocabulary with which to tell a an interest in natural history, and 30 years with an emphasis on Saturday, May 14 story. I make rough, full-size drawings the companionship. Who are they embroidery and fabric collage. which I often cut up later as pattern –locals or from away? What are they She holds a BFA in Visual Arts pieces. I choose fabrics for how they looking or pointing at? Are they and an MA in Liberal Studies Above: evoke landscape elements and paint lost, miserable? What will they do from Simon Fraser University. Gobsmacking 2016 by Bettina Matzkuhn or sew over them with contrasting next? What might they be thinking, In the 1980s she animated and Fabric collage, machine and hand threads. The backgrounds and large worrying about, forgetting? What do directed three award-winning embroidery areas are machine sewn. Hand these places mean to them? films using textiles for the 47” x 23,5” embroidery is invested in the details National Film Board of Canada where I want to draw attention –the and an interest in narrative minute plants, people and significant continues to inform her work. edges. She explores personal and social The Inhabited Landscape gently stories about history, geography elbows the great tradition of landscape and the natural world, using a painting in Canada which often wide variety of textile techniques, implies that there is no one present. materials and presentations. Yet there is. As an avid hiker, I draw She exhibits her work across or photograph my companions, then Canada and internationally, albertacraft.ab.ca/ compile and translate these into writes professionally on the arts, discovery-gallery textile surfaces. My characters are lectures and teaches. contemporaries –not super athletes or heroic mountaineers but assorted

8 ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 Echoes Mia Riley

I grew up in Alberta on wilderness The body of work exhibited in Mia Riley (Edmonton) has Dates adventures. Natural formations Echoes investigates the chronology always considered her tent an May 7 – June 11, 2016 influence my work, especially since of various environments that I extension of her home. She finds Artist Reception: 2-4pm I have recently lived in areas with a explore while making reference inspiration in the transience and Saturday, May 14 rich geological history. As I hike and to concepts of time, place and landscapes in her life; having climb mountains, cliffs and coulees memory. The title of the exhibition lived and exhibited artwork in the immediate textures and colours of refers to the duality between various places across western the land serve as research for creating vastness and enclosure. Repetition, Canada. Recently she has my ceramic vessels. Elements such disintegration and space are some of completed her BFA in Ceramics as strength and vulnerability are the elements that contribute to this having studied at Red Deer constantly present in our experience phenomenon, which I am interested College, the University of Regina within nature, providing us with in reinterpreting using form, and the Alberta College of the complex harmony that mentally, multiples and texture. To me the Art + Design. In the past year Above: spiritually and physically draws us vessel is a symbol for the landscape, a residency and internship at Northern Lights 2014 to continue exploring. Using this it is a container for self-discovery Medalta Potteries in Medicine by Mia Riley philosophy in my work, I seek to and personal projections. It evokes Hat has supported her love of Porcelain, stoneware and gravel 11” x 5” x 5” convey this harmony to the viewer thoughts on carrying, containment abandoned and wild places. through contrast in the clay, glazes and survival. I am interested in how and firing techniques. these pieces can at once express the seasons, the geography and memories of the many places I have visited throughout the completion of the work.

ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 9 Discovery Gallery Carrying On Bags, pouches & other containers by Alberta aboriginal artists.

Dates events now start with a June 18 – July 23, 2016 ceremony acknowledging Artist Reception: 2-4pm, the traditional territory Saturday, June 25 of the Treaty 6 Nations. And the final national Edmonton, Calgary and gathering of the extensive other Alberta cities have and challenging Truth and rapidly growing urban Reconciliation Commission aboriginal populations and was held in Edmonton. In burgeoning indigenous such an electric atmosphere cultural scenes. In of aboriginal culture Edmonton alone, new awareness, reconciliation, expressions of First Nations revival and fluorescence, and Metis cultures are what of the traditional breathtaking. A spectacular or contemporary craft Alex Janvier floor mural arts practices? With this in the new Rogers Place exhibition, the Alberta Arena, the run-away Craft Council is starting the success of the Rubaboo search for and celebration winter festival, a major new of craft artists, dancers, indigenous sculpture park, poets, designers, and others an innovative public garden engaged in the making of of traditional healing plants, traditional, contemporary and a going-viral Nakota or interdisciplinary objects drum song honoring the – the carriers and containers Oilers, all speak to new of new aboriginal culture. blending of traditional and contemporary Participating artists to be cultural energy. All City announced of Edmonton public

Lii Fleur De Printemps (Spring Flowers) by Sharon Cherweniuk, 2016 Glass Beads, wood stroud, cotton, thread 10.5” x 7.5”

10 ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 Around Alberta

Along the Bow

Along the Bow is an exploration is a community partnership Dates of the valley by Alberta Craft exhibition organized by the ACC April 15 – May 15, 2016 Council members living in the and the Town of Canmore. Artist Reception: 7-9 pm, region. The exhibition is in the Saturday, April 16 Three Sisters Gallery, located Participating Artists are Location: Three Sisters Gallery, on the second floor of Elevation established professional ACC Elevation Place, Canmore, AB Place in Canmore, AB. members and residents of The Bow Valley is an infinite the Bow Valley: Ilse Anysas source of inspiration for Salkauskas, Ed Bamiling, the participating artists. Sarabeth Carnat, Linda Chow, The exhibition features Eveline Kolijn, Liv Pedersen, representations of the stunning Jean-Claude and Talar and bold beauty of the region. Prefontaine, Dana Roman, Laura Some have delved into the Sharp, Dirk Van Wyk, Kari Woo Bow’s rich history including and Simon Wroot the challenges faced by early Above: settlers and the rapid emergence Ups and Downs by Ilse Anysas Salkauskas Drive to the Mountains and disappearance of mining by Jean-Claude and Talar towns. Others are looking to Prefontaine, 2016 the present and future with Aspen, olive ash, red gum, ziricote, quilted maple, koto, cerejeira , ebony, concerns of human footprint in english brown oak, walnut burl and times of increasing urbanization various natural veneers and tourism in the valley. This 17 1/8” x 9 1/2”

ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 11 Shop Talk A Year in Review Glass bowl by Darren Petersen

March 31 marks the end of the ACC’s fiscal Arts and Culture sector. In 2015-16, the ACC year and I am pleased to report on some Gallery Shop secured 14 corporate orders of the successes and challenges the ACC equalling more than $22,000. Gallery Shop experienced this past year. Walking tour: The Gallery Shop boasts • Calgary and Edmonton have always First, in spite of our Province’s struggles some pretty spectacular window displays, been close in terms of representation, but including talk of oil prices, recession and and as a result, the ACC has been included the small gap is still closing with nearly job loss, the ACC Retail Gallery Shop has on the City of Edmonton’s Self-Guided equal representation in each city (44 continued to meet its year-end target. Some Public Art Tour encouraging audiences to Calgary to 49 Edmonton); highlights include: visit any time of day. The ACC is # 17 on the • Fibre representation marked the greatest map at www.artwalkyeg.ca growth, up 29% from 17 artists in 2014-15 • May, June, September, November Referrals: This year, we have to 22 in 2015-16; and January all exceeded targets; successfully referred more than 40 Gallery • Clay still represents the largest number of • November boasted the best-ever Shop artists to participate in ventures and artists in a discipline at 32%; sales for that month. take on special projects outside the direct • Top seller to close this year is Darren • January followed suit with best activities of the ACC. Petersen followed by Lisa Head sales for that month since 2008 Harbidge and Voyager Art & Tile; • ‘Twas the Night offered the best-ever What’s New in the Shop • The disciplines to rank in the top 20 for sales and attendance since its inception. Keeping the Gallery Shop interesting to its sales this year are: Clay at 38%; Fibre at audience and customers means reaching, 24%; Jewellery at 19%; Glass at 14%; and In terms of ongoing activities, the evolving and changing. This includes a Wood at 5%. Gallery Shop has been busy ensuring that continuous injection of new work from • On average, the Gallery Shop received opportunities to captivate our audience the Gallery Shop’s artists both new and new stock from 10 artists per month this continue to grow. Here are some examples: long-standing. Ultimately, the health of past year (half of what artists brought in The Artist Spotlight Program: is now the Gallery Shop relies on the quality and last year). The top 20 sellers average a in its fifth year. Since 2012, audiences variety of work available for purchase. delivery of new work over 5 times a year. and customers have enjoyed 60 Spotlight The following outlines how the Gallery exhibitions to date. Shop continues to bring out the best in our The ACC Gallery Shop continues to Private Functions: This past year, the professional artists: provide an essential service to its members, ACC hosted 2 corporate ‘Meet and Greets’. New Artists: Artists from every discipline audience and customers here in Alberta and One included over 45 of Edmonton’s most are recognizing the benefits of becoming across our province. These activities, events influential women of finance, education, ACC Members including the opportunity to and programs are designed to assist in the industry, culture and politics including consign and exhibit in the Gallery Shop. With ongoing development of the professional attendance by the Lt. Gov. of Alberta, Lois this in mind, the ACC is pleased to welcome artist members and the craft community. It Mitchell. The second event hosted over 12 new consignment artists, bringing the total ensures that artists have a reputable venue 30 members and participants of the Artist artist representation to 146. to show their innovation and dedication to Quarters project. Advisory Committee: This past year, the quality. Thank you to all our Gallery Shop Corporate Connections: Business and Advisory Committee convened to review Artists who make the Alberta Craft Council industry have been tightening their non- the work of 24 artists. With the assistance Gallery Shop an unparalleled place to shop essential spending, but in spite of this, of selected mentoring artist members, the and visit. – Linda Frena, Shop Coordinator corporate sales have remained consistent Advisory Committee also met in person or and healthy. The ACC continues to facilitate via teleconference with 10 of our Gallery major purchases of gifts, awards and interior Shop artists and members to discuss, in décor to an impressive list of city offices, length, their career planning, aims, goals, corporations, businesses and government opportunities and professional activities. agencies seeking inspired fine craft to offer Trends: With 146 artists producing their clients, guests and dignitaries. To assist thousands of pieces in over 7 disciplines in keeping ACC’s profile strong, we have from every region in Alberta and some sent a catalogue of available work to every neighbouring provinces, it can be difficult to MLA and Minister in Alberta including the see trends emerge. Still, averages can bring former Minister of Culture, David Eggen, to light how the big picture is developing. who visited the Gallery Shop to chat with us Here are a few examples of what our sales about the importance of supporting Alberta’s are showing: Ceramic tile by Voyager Art & Tile

12 ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 Spotlights 2016 APRIL

Kathy Ransom, Strathmore work, and painting are all used by For Kathy Ransom, clay fascinates Kathy in her clay practice. Drawing more than any other material because on techniques learned in sewing, she of its simplicity and its endless makes templates, creates textured possibilities. Kathy’s relationship slabs of clay and then cuts, constructs, with clay began thirty years ago and shapes the two dimensional but as there was neither time nor pattern into a three dimensional form. resources to continue, she used many other media to express herself creatively. Having reconnected with clay, Kathy now meshes together these other disciplines to create. Fabric, lace, leaves, flowers, colorful glass and techniques learned in wood carving, sewing, stained glass, metal Tiger Striped Urn by Kathy Ransom Yellow Daisies Bottle by Kathy Ransom MAY

Denise Ahlefeldt, Edmonton (many hand-made) as well as their My Grandmothers were both excellent handwritten recipe books. hostesses. When I was young they This assemblage is an ode to my would throw large dinner parties for Grandmas. It is comprised of pieces friends and family, with what seemed that pay homage to their collections like minimal stress or strain. Both of dishes, table coverings and trusted kept large collections of dishes, which family recipes. It is a tribute to them as would be brought out whenever they well—their generosity, grace and taste, entertained. all of which have had an immeasurable Within the last few years, both of my influence on me. Tumblers and Bowls Grandmas have moved into assisted- by Denise Ahlefeldt living residences, and many of their dishes have moved in with me. I’ve also inherited a number of their tablecloths

JUNE

Carol & Richard Selfridge, Working together, their individual Edmonton strengths continue to inform a wide Carol and Richard Selfridge have range of techniques and results. worked collaboratively in Edmonton While they have always explored since 1974. Their illusionistic scale, decorating has been figurative majolica and wood-fired stoneware but also patterned and abstract, both Teacup and Platter and porcelain has been exhibited with bright colours and now with by Carol & Richard Selfridge nationally and internationally in over black, white and dapple and crackle. 250 juried and invitational exhibitions. Their signature “crackle” work, held All the work is handcrafted in their in international museum collections, studio using the food safe glazes they continues to evolve on new forms. It have formulated. These glazes, often ranges from stoneware and porcelain using local materials, give their work a to earthenware majolica glazes with distinctive Canadian flavour. low fire stencils and decals.

ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 13 In the News Kudos

‘925: A Sterling Mackenzie Kelly-Frère Malcolm Macfadyen Anniversary, ACAD (Calgary) had his exhibition (Vancouver) was invited to make Calgary, AB Incidence on display at the Centre the leaded glass windows for des Textiles Contemporains the trading post in the recently ACAD presents ‘925: A Sterling Anniversary to celebrate a de Montréal from February released movie The Revenant. silver jubilee with ACAD’s Jewellery + 4 - March 17, 2016. This is his The semi-biographical western Metal program and wearable art history. first solo exhibition in Quebec, film directed by Alejandro G. This ‘sterling’ event brought together 25 it features a selection of recent Iñárritu has been nominated years’ worth of faculty, students and staff who reveled in the program’s rich history weaving and hand-knit works. for 12 Academy. Malcolm has and looked towards its exciting future. www.mackenziefrere.com been working in architectural Participating ACC members include: and blown glass since the 1980. Dawn Sky Stone by Nicole Tremblay Robyn Cornelius His work is well represented Tara Owen by Canadian galleries and his Shona Rae Artists of Elk (Canmore) took Kari Woo architectural glass work is over the HIVE on Canmore’s Sarabeth Carnat installed and enjoyed by many Main Street with their first group Dee Fontans British Columbia homeowners. exhibition on February 17 – Joan Irvin Charles Lewton-Brain March 16, 2016. Participating Brenda Philp’s (Edmonton) www.925sterlinganniver.wix.com/home ACC members: Tony Bloom, design has won third place in the Beth Woolley Monod, Barbara SkirtsAFire HerArts Festival skirt Rumberger, Nicole Tremblay design competition. The top six and Kari Woo. designs were presented at the Media Launch on February 29 at Make and Do is a new initiative the Nina Haggerty Centre for the to promote ceramic design and Arts in Edmonton. art from Canadian makers. Incidence by Mackenzie Kelly-Frère www.skirtsafire.com/the-skirts Installation view at the Centre des Textiles This group of 15 Canadian Contemporain de Montreal. Photo: Kyler Kelly ceramic artists, including ACC members: Kalika Bowlby, Cathy Silver pendants by Kari Woo Terepocki, Robin DuPont, Current Trends 2016, Art Sarah Pike and Jenna Stanton, Gallery of Outlook Outlook, SK were brought together under The artists of 330 Design Group the common goal of working had a group exhibition Current towards greater exposure and Trends 2016 on display at the knowledge of Canadian ceramics Art Gallery of Outlook in internationally. Make and Do has Saskatchewan. Curated by Leslie launched a new website www. Potter, the exhibition included makeanddo.ca work by ACC members Ken

Wilkinson, Paula Cooley and Daryl Richardson. January 4 - February 26, 2016.

Big Buffalo by Shona Rae Brenda Philp with her recent work. Photo: Kathy Neiman

Whyrlng by Paula Cooley Tapas board by Kalika Bowlb

14 ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 Jenna Stanton (Medicine Hat) Paul Boultbee (Red Deer) was Milt Fischbein (Calgary) In Memoriam had her exhibition Distill on featured in an exhibition Refuge participated in Renewal - a group Jim Norton display at the Esplanade Arts & from the Cold at the Pumphouse exhibition of Betzalel Arts at It is with heavy hearts we announce Heritage Centre from December Theatre Lobby Art Gallery in the Calgary Jewish Community the passing of long-time ACC member 29, 2015 – February 13, 2016. Calgary. Paul’s four paintings Centre (February 16 - 26, 2016). Jim Norton on Thursday, January 28, 2016. Jim was born and raised in The forms and functions of on display are from his Shadow Milt has been hand fabricating Calgary, Alberta and studied art and Jenna’s objects and the nostalgic Man series. Refuge from the Cold jewellery and metal objects in his glassblowing at the Alberta College sentiments around them work was on display November 27 - studio in Calgary for over twenty of Art + Design (ACAD) in Calgary their way into her contemporary February 27, 2016. years. His most current body of and at the Pilchuk Glass School in Stanwood, Washington. In 1983 he practice, into practical, clever work is his filigree collection. became an instructor at ACAD in the and elegant designs for an array This series is based on techniques Glass Program. Jim was incredibly of ceramic household vessels and developed by craftsmen kind, generous, loving and inspiring. A accessories. thousands of years ago. unique soul, he possessed a creative mind, was intensely passionate about www.esplanade.ca glass and losing him creates a void in Calgary’s creative community. Jim was a member of the ACC and a consignor in the Gallery Shop for over 25 years. Our heartfelt condolences to his family.

Shadow Man by Paul Boultbee Silver pendant by Milt Fischbein

Pour Me by Jenna Stanton Larissa Blokhuis (Calgary) had Margaret Joan Sundstrom’s her solo exhibition Awaken at retrospective show Margaret Greg Payce (Calgary) is the Harris-Warke Gallery in Red Sundstrom, Ceramic Artist, A featured in the exhibition Recent Deer on February 19 - March Retrospective of a Life’s Exploration Acquisitions 2015 at Glenbow 26, 2016. Her current focus is on in the Whimsical has been Museum in Calgary. For almost using glass and mixed media presented as the inaugural 50 years, Glenbow has collected Jim Norton by incorporating ceramic, steel, exhibition at the Hotbox Studio, art and objects that represent wool, polymer, and wood. 3628 15A Street SE, Calgary, important facets of the culture Larissa’s work was included in until May 1, 2016. The opening and history of our region and The CityScape Community Art reception is from 7-9pm, April beyond. The exhibition is on Space exhibition Child’s Play 14. Margaret started studying display from March 5 - May 22, (February 5 – March 6, 2016). ceramics in the mid 70’s. By 2016. Her work was also featured in 1986 she was elected as the www.glenbow.org an exhibition Works in Glass in president of the Alberta Potters Vancouver, BC (December 10, Association and was responsible 2015 – January 10, 2016). for the publication of Contact www.larissablokhuis.com magazine. She went on to serve as Vice-chair of the Calgary Allied Arts Foundation. Margaret was included in more than 24 shows beginning in 1978. Her oeuvre is best summarized in her own words “I make both non- functional and domestic pieces. I do not aspire to be recognized nor has my work influenced other Octopus vase by Greg Payce potters. The fact that I can see my work being enjoyed and used by friends and family who receive it as gifts make this vocation more than worthwhile”. Vase by Margaret Joan Sundstrom’s Trees by Larissa Blokhuis

ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 15 Opportunities SUBMISSION DEADLINE: open, spacious, semi-private studios. Artists Wildflower Arts Centre, Calgary GRANTS/AWARDS come from all over the world and bring Seasonal registered programs in clay, For the Summer 2016 issue is different experiences, techniques and ideas drawing, painting, mixed media, glass as well Alberta Craft Awards and the Linda May 25, 2016 to our unique studios in the Historic Clay as dance and drama for people of all ages Stanier & Family Memorial Award Email: [email protected] District. The studios are full of vibrant energy and abilities. Other opportunities include Nominate someone who deserves to be The Alberta Craft Council is open to with resident ceramic artists, community custom programs for groups, birthday parties, recognized for their dedication to Alberta’s submissions of opportunities for craftspeople, education classes, workshops, and kids’ artist residency, school arts programs, and fine craft culture. Biennial Deadline August 1. space permitting. If you are interested in classes all combining to make this a vital studio memberships for established artists. Linda Stanier & Family Memorial promoting a special event, call for entry, working museum, education centre and Our instructors are professionally trained Award - $2000 – This endowed award educational activity, gallery, or exhibition studio complex. Visit www.medalta.org for practising artists. Our approach involves celebrates the life of Linda Stanier and please call the ACC office or email news@ info and to download the application form. patience, skill, humour and encouragement, honours excellence in ceramics. The albertacraft.ab.ca. The ACC makes every Contact Aaron Nelson: [email protected] with an emphasis on self-expression and nominee should work and reside in Alberta effort to ensure the reliability of all the technique, in a safe, creative and non- ComPeung Artist Residency, Thailand and be primarily a studio-based, full-time programs and services listed below; however competitive environment. www.calgary. Deadline: 2 months prior to proposed professional ceramic artist. we will not accept liability for any loss or ca/recreation and look under Arts Centres. residency. Designed for local and Honour Award - $1000 – for contributions damage as a result of doing business with Location: 3363 Spruce Dr. S.W. Calgary international artists to live and work together to Alberta’s fine craft culture. any of the advertisers contained herein. Phone: (403) 249-3773, with our team and to engage with the local Excellence Award - $1000 – for excellence E-mail: [email protected] community and the environment. Interested in craft by an established craftsperson. artists are encouraged to apply by providing Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts, Early Achievement Award - $1000 – CALLS FOR ARTISTS ComPeung with a preliminary project Edmonton for an emerging craftsperson/student, in recognition of achievement to date and/or Art Market Art and Craft Sale, Calgary proposal. ComPeung envisions to be an Register for Art and Folk Art Courses held potential. For information visit Art Market has established a reputation as open playground for dialogues, alternative by the Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts www.albertacraft.ab.ca an excellent marketplace for high quality contexts, experiments, explorations, and (ACUA). Courses include: stained glass, block art and craft. The 2016 (30th annual) sale mutual learning. The aspired goals for printing, white work, graphic art, and more. Calgary Arts Development’s Special features over 200 artisans from across ComPeung are to be a vibrant creative For brochure or more information contact Projects Grant Canada exhibiting over four days (November platform, and to develop and expand into a the ACUA office 780-488-8558 or This program invests in specific projects of 17-20) in Calgary, Alberta, at the Calgary network of artists and art organizations on [email protected]. artists, organizations and ad-hoc groups in local, regional, and international levels. Telus Convention Center. Deadline April City Arts Centre, Edmonton Calgary. Special Project Grants are usually For more information visit 1. Full show details and application are The City Arts Centre in Edmonton offers in the $1,000 to $10,000 range. Annual www.compeung.org/artist-in-residence/ available at artmarketcraftsale.com under many courses in art, craft, dance, theatre, Deadlines January 15, May 15, October 15. exhibitor’s information. and active living throughout the year. For information visit Email [email protected] or Some of the craft courses include: paper www.calgaryartsdevelopment.com call 1-877-929-9933. EDUCATION marbling, wire jewellery, ceramics, quilting, Edmonton Arts Council Spruce Grove Art Gallery, Spruce Grove Cultural Human Resources Council, silversmithing, stained glass, and more. For Individual Grants The Allied Arts Council of Spruce Grove Ottawa a complete catalogue of all classes offered The EAC provides a number of individual welcomes all Alberta 3D Artists working in The CHRC has released a career self- contact the City Arts Centre in Edmonton grants for artists: CIP Travel grants. Annual any medium (such as ceramics, sculpture, management guide for artists and cultural at 780-496-6955. Deadline Feb 1, June 1, and October 1; wood, glass, metal, or paper) to submit a workers. Artists and cultural workers Edmonton Weaver’s Guild, Edmonton Project grants for individuals. Deadline July proposal as a 3D Feature Artist for a solo or developed the Art of Managing Your Career Classes in beginner and intermediate 1; Micro-grants – with no set deadline and group show to be held at the Spruce Grove Guide to provide pertinent and practical weaving and spinning are offered along amounts up to $1,000. The micro grant Art Gallery in 2017. Deadline: June 30, 2016 information to better manage artistic careers. with workshops on drop spindling, dyeing, enables you to respond to opportunities For more information: 780-962-0664 or The guide is available for $20 per copy plus felting, rag rugs, tapestry weaving, and quickly. For information visit www.alliedartscouncil.com shipping and handling charges. weaving for kids too. Registration is open to www.grants.edmontonarts.ca/eac_grants/ Front Room Gallery, Harcourt House [email protected]. anyone, but space is limited. For information Alberta Foundation for the Arts Artist Run Centre, Edmonton ACAD Extended Studies, Calgary call: 780-425-9280, email: classes@ Project Grants for Individuals. Annual Harcourt House Artist Run Centre is a Credit-free Craft Courses in ceramics, fibre, edmontonweavers.org or visit Deadlines February 1 & September 1 charitable organization that promotes hot glass and jewellery courses are offered www.edmontonweavers.org Art Acquisition by Application -The AFA contemporary visual art to interested this fall and winter at Alberta College of Art Harcourt House, Edmonton invites eligible artists resident in Alberta to individuals and organizations by providing + Design through Extended Studies. View For over fifteen years Harcourt House has submit applications for the collection art education, exhibitions and resources. courses online at www.acad.ca and select been providing the community with a wide purchase program. Annual Deadline April 1. For information visit www.affta.ab.ca or call The Front Room Gallery is a space for ‘Extended Studies’. Registration is ongoing. range of art classes and workshops. Sculpting 780-427-9968 (310-0000 toll-free). individual and collaborative artists to North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre, the figure in clay, figure drawing, painting showcase new work fresh from the Calgary and sculpting, sculpture - slab forms in clay, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts studio, experimental work in progress, or A centre of excellence for ceramics and patinas for sculpture, sculpting organic clay Awards Foundation timely projects from artists residing in the pottery in western Canada situated in pots, plus more. For more information please The Distinguished Artist Awards program Edmonton region. Deadline: Ongoing a 1913 heritage school building with a contact: Harcourt House office at 780-426- gives up to three awards of $30,000 each For more information: 780-426-4180 or modern ceramics wing offering experienced 4180, visit at 10215 – 112 St, Edmonton, AB in recognition of outstanding achievement www.harcourthouse.ab.ca. potters an opportunity to use specialty kilns or www.harcourthouse.ab.ca. in the arts or significant contribution to the including raku, salt, wood and gas-fired. Our Heritage Weavers and Spinners arts in Alberta. Annual Deadline Jan. 20. The award-winning Instructors are some of the Guild of Calgary Emerging Artist Awards program gives up to RESIDENCIES finest working artists in Calgary. Classes in The HWSGC began in 1978 and continue to ten awards of $10,000 each to support and both visual arts and ceramics are scheduled be actively involved in the Calgary fibre arts encourage promising artists early in their Medalta International Artist in Resi- year-round for all age and experience community. They offer weaving, spinning, careers. Annual Deadline Feb 15. dence, Medicine Hat levels. Location: 523 – 27 Avenue N.W. dyeing and related fibre art workshops and For information visit www.artsawards.ca Deadline: April 15, 2016 Calgary. Phone: 403-221-3682. Blog: www. classes throughout the year and hold an Designed to serve artists at all stages of their northmountpleasantartsblog.com Email: annual fall sale. Visit careers. Students, emerging, and established [email protected] Website: www.calgary. www.heritageweaversandspinners.org artists are able to work together in our ca/recreation and look under Arts Centres 16 ALBERTA CRAFT MAGAZINE SPRING 2016

ALBERTA CRAFT COUNCIL www.albertacraft.ab.ca

Dena Seiferling has lived in Calgary since 1995 – the year she wool and a variety of other materials, Dena translates her ideas into began her education at the Alberta College of Art + Design. She sculptures and dioramas. She has branded this artwork under the graduated with a BFA and Visual Communications Degree in 1999 moniker, Pickle & Francois. and then began her freelance career as an illustrator. Years later, she Dena resides in Calgary with her husband and two children. She began looking for ways to give life to the characters and narratives enjoys sharing her knowledge at ACAD where she is an instructor. from her sketchbook in a three-dimensional form. This is when she discovered, and fell in love with the art of needle felting. Using raw

NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS

New Members Matt Heide, Edmonton, Concrete Ben Henderson, Edmonton, Supporter - City of Edmonton Councillor Jolie Bird, Calgary, Fibre Michael J.C. Holton, Calgary, Wood Janet Boger, Banff, Organization Bonny Houston, Calgary, Glass Robyn Cornelius, Beaumont, Metal - Jewellery Melanie Hsiao, St Albert, Pressed flowers Michelle Dall’Acqua, Edmonton, Metal Joan Irvin, Calgary, Metal - Jewellery Nicola Greene, Calgary, Glass & Metal Joanne Johnson, Calgary, Fibre, Clay & Paper Judi Suni Hall, Lethbridge, Mixed Madison Jordheim, Calgary, Fibre Carol Hartwell, Stony Plain, Clay Terry Juzak, Edmonton, Metal - Jewellery Ken Lumbis, Grande Prairie, Clay Bradley Keys, Calgary, Clay Siri McCormick, Calgary, Fibre Suzette Knudsen, Calgary, Clay Kathy Neiman, Leduc, Glass & Fibre Pat Matheson, Blackfalds, Clay Linda Strandlie, Edmonton, Supporter Bettina Matzkuhn, Vancouver, Fibre Richard Winestock, Calgary, Supporter Ron Maunder, St. Albert, Metal - Jewellery Barbara McCaffrey, Victoria, Fibre, Paper & Mixed Wildflower Arts Centre, Calgary, Organization New in Shop: Bear by Dena Seiferling Renewing Members Karin Millson, Houston, Mixed Stonecrop Studio, Canmore, Metal Pat Moore, Yellowknife, Fibre Frankie, Sherwood Park, Mixed (Woodcarving, Paper, Acrylic) Cheryl Nekolaichuk, Edmonton, Supporter Ed Bamiling, Banff, Clay Tammy Parks-Legge, Stony Plain, Clay New and Renewing Hellen Beamish, Calgary, Fibre & Glass Darren James & Deborah Petersen, Red Deer, Glass ACC Members Photo Gallery: Leslie Birrell, Nanton, Fibre Connie & Bob Pike, High River, Clay & Metal Andrea Blais, Calgary, Metal - Jewellery Jean-Claude & Talar Prefontaine, Calgary, Wood Left to Right: Tracy Brown, Edmonton, Metal - Jewellery Jeweliyana Reece, Calgary, Glass Ring Donna Brunner, Westerose, Clay & Fibre Daryl Richardson, Saskatoon, Metal Cec Caswell, Sherwood Park, Fibre Dana Roman, Canmore, Fibre & Mixed by Michelle Dall’Acqua Donna Clement, Calgary, Fibre & Mixed Thom Rypien & Glenn Gustafson, Spruce Grove, Glass & Fibre Blown glass vase Paula Cooley, Saskatoon, Clay Audra Schoblocher, Carseland, Metal & Jewellery Brenda Danbrook, Opal, Clay Louise McBeath Schoepp & Al Schoepp, Warburg, Metal by Barbara Rumberger Jennifer Demke-Lange, Medicine Hat, Clay Dena Seiferling, Calgary, Fibre Clay sculpture Dave Dunkley, Saskatoon, Wood Bart Simpson, Calgary, Clay Stephen Evans, Nanton, Clay Marianne Stewart, Edmonton, Supporter by Ken Lumbis Milt Fischbein, Calgary, Metal Debbie Tyson, Edmonton, Fibre Fruta panels (detail) Hilary Forge, Calgary, Clay Sam Uhlick, Ardrossan, Clay Helen Gladson, Busby, Fibre Margot Van Lindenberg, Calgary, Fibre & Mixed by Margot Van Lindenburg Matt Gould, Red Deer, Fibre & Painting Meghan Wagg, Edmonton, Metal - Jewellery Golden Chair Public Interest Alberta, Edmonton, Supporter Marion K. Gravells, Calgary, Fibre by Jolie Bird Janet Halberg-Lambert, Edmonton, Supporter Arlene Westen Evans, High River, Clay Scott Hardy, Longview, Metal Patricia Hartnagel, Edmonton, Clay

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