CRAFTED -- in Winnipeg!

In late October, I posted a note about a then-up-coming event in Winnipeg -- the CRAFTED Show and Sale.  Cathie Ugrin, a SAQA member from "The Peg", participated in this weekend-long event; here is her report.  :-)

In celebration of Craft Year 2015, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Manitoba Craft Council and Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association came together to create CRAFTED Show + Sale (November 6 & 7).  The combined vision was to create a fabulous sale that would honour the professionalism, skill, knowledge, time and creative integrity of the participants.

I am a Winnipeg based fabric artist and was honoured to be among the 50 selected artisans to take part in this unique and exciting event!

The atmosphere was electric!  As soon as we walked through the doors the night before to set-up, everyone knew this was going to be THE inaugural craft/art event of the season and we just couldn’t wait to get started.  What made it so special?  All the participants were juried in so the ‘cream of the crop’ were showing what fine craft is really all about.  The diversity of the art displayed on all four floors of the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) was amazing, and it was great to meet the artists from Nunavut.  Some of the incredible mediums used by the vendors that were a part of CRAFTED include jewellery...

The work of Daria Tittenberger, Winnipeg

Customers admiring the work of Sonja Rosenberg, Winnipeg

Pieces created by Jerry Ell, Iqaluit

Necklaces created by CJ Tennant, Winnipeg

Ceramics...including these artists:

Artist: Crystal Nykoluk of Winnipeg

Kevin Conlin - Winnipeg

as well as glass, wood, book-binding, paper...

Woodwork by Carson Hill, Winnipeg

and fibre, including wearable art by Faith Kreelak

and home decor created by...our own Cathie Ugrin:

Cathie's display at CRAFTED

Cathie working at her booth

Cathie adds:

CRAFTED was also partnered with ‘Chase the Chill in Winnipeg’ to “yarn storm” or “graffiti-knit” the main floor and front foyer.  The rainbow of scarves trimming the ceiling and dripping with warmth and colour was a dynamic art installation in and of itself and gave a sense of joy and fun to the surroundings.  After the event, the 350+ scarves were distributed to shelters throughout Winnipeg. 

Speaking from the perspective of one of the vendors, the word to describe it all is exciting with a capitol E! CRAFTED was the inaugural event of its kind - I’d even say [an] experiment - and it was a huge success.  The positive response from the attendees was incredible.  The timing couldn’t have been better.  The surroundings were majestic and wonderfully uncluttered.  Overall, the artists had great exposure and sales over $100,000.  Although there were other fibre-related vendors strewn throughout the gallery,  I was the only ‘quilter’/ fabric artist and my location in the Atrium was ideal! The show was well organized and virtually stress-free thanks to the fabulous coordination of both the WAG and Manitoba Craft Council (MCC). 

Saturday morning shoppers at CRAFTED

Over 3500 people attended the two-day event held throughout all four floors of the gallery -- admiring, purchasing, chatting with the artisans, attending workshops and even sipping wine in the beautiful and grand space of the Winnipeg Art Gallery. The Gallery Store was open and offering a 10% discount to all visitors of CRAFTED to complete the experience.

View of the Atrium at the WAG,
including a colourful 'yarn storm' of scarves

Looking ahead to next year, due to its overwhelming success, CRAFTED will be back! The ideas are already flowing as I look forward to creating new work for next year’s event – stay tuned!

Thanks for sharing this event with us, Cathie!  Best wishes for success with next year's CRAFTED!

Meanwhile...Are you working on an exciting project?  Have you participated in an art event and/or have you been recognized for your work?  Sharing with SAQA WC readers inspires and encourages all of us!  Contact Margaret (Co-Rep, Alberta) by e-mail with your story!

Showcasing Talented Quilt Artists - Genre Neutral!

Maybe some of you are like my cyber-friend, SAQA member Susan Lenz.  Maybe you've never even heard of The Quilt Show (hosted by Ricky Tims and Alex Anderson).  Maybe you've never even heard of by-subscription programs you can watch on your computer.

Or maybe you're like me and struck gold when you found these sorts of programs a few years ago.

May I recommend a couple to you:

First, yes, The Quilt Show (or TQS)...on which several SAQA members have appeared over the years -- and some more than once!  Susan happens to be on the latest program, and for a limited time non-subscribers can watch her in the episode HERE.

Recently, Lyric Kinard made an appearance -- her second, I believe.  Other SAQA members who've been guests on TQS include Sue Bleiweiss, Katie Pasquini Masopust, Jamie Fingal, Jane Dunnewold, Jean Wells Keenan (twice), Leslie Tucker Jenison, Leni Levinson Wiener, Wendy Butler Berns, Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry, Joe Cunningham, Hollis Chatelain...to name just a few.

Annually, TQS honours a Quilting Legend (or Legends)...including our own Yvonne Porcella in 2010...

In addition to the shows, TQS has built a quilting community through the use of their forum, their blog, and their social media presence.  There's lots to see and do and learn for quilt artists of every shape, size and taste!

Another show by subscription is Design Matters TV (DMTV), produced by the mother-daughter team from the UK, Linda and Laura Kemshall.  This is a more expensive subscription -- in part due to the exchange rate! -- and the shows are shorter in duration (20 to 30 minutes versus the almost-an-hour-long Quilt Show), but there are new episodes more often than with TQS.  There are no featured guests (to date, anyway).  However, it is a close-up look at the work that Linda and Laura do, and usually features a tutorial on a technique for sketchbook (to be taken then to fabric) or directly on fabric.  Art quilting is their specialty, and they share their talents, experience and knowledge with generosity and humour.

When it's time to settle in to a snowy afternoon at the sewing machine or a wintry evening's hand-stitching, I suggest you tune in, turn on, and enjoy!  :-)


............REMINDER!  REMINDER! REMINDER!............

The DEADLINE for entering My Corner of the World and My Corner of the World: Canada is 11:59 P.M. EASTERN STANDARD TIME TONIGHT!

Coming Soon to North Vancouver...

SAQA member Catherine Nicholls (B.C.) and her colleague, Elizabeth Harris, are hosting an Open House at Catherine's studio in North Vancouver.  If you are in the neighbourhood, you might drop in, enjoy the artwork, and maybe even pick up a gift or two in advance of the holidays...

Something New This Way Comes

In Edmonton...opening soon at the Art Gallery of Alberta ..."Charrette Roulette: FABRIC".  a format to collaboratively workshop solutions, generated by a group of creatives: artists, architects, designers".

The "Charrette Roulette" program has been running since last May (2015).  The AGA describes it as "

The "FABRIC" portion of this program, running November 21, 2015 through April 10, 2016 will bring the reality of a textile workshop right into the Art Gallery.  The artists collaborating on this program are Yvonne Mullock and Teng Teng Chong.


There is a variety of events surrounding this ongoing exhibit.

• Saturday, November 21, 2015 - noon - a textile printing workshop - exploring cyanotype printing with fabric while learning more about the whole exhibit from the artists.  
• Cost: $15.00
• Register HERE.
• Do It Yourself - Collectivity and Collaboration in Edmonton: 
• Runs November 26, 2015 through March 5, 2016;
• A "survey" of local artists that highlights the artists' responses to the challenges of working collaboratively in various collectives in Edmonton over the past several years.
• Location: the AGA at the University of Alberta Museums Galleries in Enterprise Square, downtown Edmonton.

Live in Edmonton?  Travelling there this winter?  You might want to check this out!

(Thanks to the Focus on Fibre Art Association for putting me on to this unique series of arts events.)

Art Quilts for Sale!

Those of you entering the juried shows, "My Corner of the World" and/or "My Corner of the World: Canada", will have noticed that to participate you have to offer your piece(s) for sale.  If this is a new experience for you, please have a look at the resources on the SAQA website and elsewhere...as outlined wonderfully in THIS BLOG POST by SAQA Atlantic Canada's blogger, Susan Lilley.

I am indebted to Susan because I've been under the weather with a cold for the last week and haven't had enough brain cells operating to think to post about this myself!  :-)

And What of Photography?

Earlier this week I had a query from a Calgary-area member about photographing her quilts for entry.  I am blessed with a daughter whose photography skills have lead to her being published in books and calendars, and to having her work for sale independently and in shop(s) in Edmonton...so I left my photos up to her!

If you aren't so lucky...check out the article on photographing your quilts HERE on the SAQA website (in Member Resources).  In addition, in the Member Mentorship Webinar recordings for 2010 you will find a recording by professional photographer, Gregory Case, which should be helpful.  (Those of you who are long-time subscribers to The Quilt Show will likely recognize Mr. Case's name; he's appeared several times on that show over the years, discussing tips and techniques for photographing your work.)

And...don't forget your colleagues!  Several of them have successfully entered juried shows and/or had their own solo exhibits...so don't be afraid to check with those you know who've got experience in this area.

Best wishes for success to all who enter!

"Canadiana" Exhibit Back in Canada

Having toured in New Zealand earlier this year, the Fibre Art Network exhibit, "Canadiana", curated by SAQA member Pippa Moore of B.C., returned to Canada and opened at the Langley Centennial Museum, Langley, B.C., in August.  It runs there through November 8, so if you're in the area in the next week, be sure to catch this beautiful show!

Participating artists who are SAQA members, in addition to Pippa, include Diane Duncan (Alberta), Terry Aske (B.C.), Jaynie Himsl (SK), Judi MacLeod (B.C.), Joyce Brown (AB), Marcy Horswill (B.C.), Judith Panson (MB), Karen Johnson (B.C.), Terry Phillips (B.C.), Helene Blanchet (Atlantic Canada, formerly in AB), Jenny Perry (B.C.), Diane Firth (AB), and Katie Stein Sather (B.C.).

Coming Up in Winnipeg!

Shared by Val Wilson, Co-Rep (MB/SK)...via Facebook...

This event runs at the Winnipeg Art Gallery on Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7.   Included in this show and sale is the work of fifty artists, including SAQA Western Canada member Cathie Ugrin of Winnipeg.

For details about the event, admission information and workshops on offer, click HERE.

What a great time to be visiting Winnipeg!

Another Exquisite Exhibit

I subscribe to the blog written by member, Lesley Turner, of B.C.   Yesterday she posted about a beautiful exhibit now on at Portals in Duncan, B.C., under the auspices of the Cowichan Valley Arts Council.

Entitled "Garden Tapestry", the exhibit features work by the members of the VISDA -- Vancouver Island Surface Design Association -- including B.C. SAQA member, Sarah McLaren.  For photos of some of the artists with their work, check out Lesley's blog HERE.

And if you are fortunate enough to be in the area...

Thanks, Lesley!

Addendum

Alberta member Trudy Cowan recently sent me this photo of a portion of the "Fire & Water" exhibit on through October 31 at the Fish Creek Library in Calgary:

Trudy also supplied a bit more information about the group behind the show - fibre art explorers:

Fibre Art Explorers  (FAX) is a group of seven art quilters in the Calgary area who challenge, support and simply enjoy each other and each other's work - Trudy Cowan, Karen Jurek, Lil Mountjoy, Colleen Peake, Fran Sayles, Marilyn Samuels and Suzanne Stranks.

Do drop by to take in this exhibit if you are in the area in the next week!

On NOW in Calgary!

If you're going to be in Calgary and environs in the next couple of weeks, be sure to stop in to the Fish Creek Library!

Two Calgary area SAQA members and three others have mounted an exhibit entitled "Fire & Water", showing currently through October 31.  The artists are SAQA members Trudy Cowan and Karen Jurek, with colleagues Lil Mountjoy, Colleen Peake, Marilyn Samuels and Suzanne Stranks.

All are members in "fibre art explorers".  Member Karen Jurek tells me that for 2015-2016, the group will be working on the theme, "Earth".  Stay tuned for more from these talented artists!

Lava Flow - Karen Jurek - prize-winner, CQA 2005

Note:  the exhibit may be seen during usual library hours, which are 10:00 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10:00 a.m. - 6 p.m. Fridays; 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturdays; and noon - 5 p.m. Sundays.  Location and directions may be found on the Library's website.

Radical Elements = Artistic Fascination

In case you don't follow the SAQA Yahoo group...I'm delighted to share this link with you:

http://hyperallergic.com/236928/quirky-quilts-inspired-by-the-periodic-table/

The link is to an article in "Hyperallergic" about SAQA's currently-touring exhibit, Radical Elements.  Alberta member, Karen Jurek, has a piece in this show; her chosen element was copper and her piece is entitled 'CU Around'.  Her piece is mentioned specifically in the article.  The author, Claire Voon, took wonderful photographs of the exhibit hanging in the National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C.  The reader will feel as if s/he is there in person.

Congratulations again to Karen for being juried into this show!

CU Around - (C) Karen Jurek, 2013

Note: Radical Elements closes in Washington, D.C. on October 19.  It's next scheduled venue is the Ruth Funk Center for Textile Arts at the Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, May 28 - August 27, 2016.

The Online Portion of the 2015 Benefit Auction is Over...

Thanks to all our artists who contributed!

Three more SAQA WC artists' pieces were sold in Section 3, and this one from Calgary's
Ilse Anysas-Salkauskas is now available for purchase in the SAQA Store:

Section 4 is an In Person Auction at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, beginning October 28.  To see the SAQA Western Canada artists whose pieces are included in this portion of the auction, click HERE.   Best wishes to you all for a successful showing and auction!

Section 3 of the 2015 Benefit Auction Opens Tomorrow!

2 p.m. EDT = 1 p.m. Central, noon Mountain and 11 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.

In Section 3 you'll find work by these SAQA WC artists:

Pippa Moore, Comox, B.C.

Ilse Anysas-Salkauskas, Cochrane, AB

Andree Fredette, Saturna Island, B.C.

and

Paula Jolly, Mossbank, SK

Other Canadian artists in Section 3: Maggie Vanderweit 

and Elaine Quehl of Ontario (Central Canada Region).

These quilts from Section 2 are now available for purchase in the SAQA Store:

Patti is from Red Deer, AB

Jaynie is from Weyburn, SK

Linda is from North Vancouver, B.C.

Goin' to Houston!

In the Regional Newsletter, May I Have a Word? sent out at the end of August, I congratulated SAQA WC member Ellen Bourassa of B.C. on her 2015 SAQA Benefit Auction piece being selected to go to Houston's IQF for the section of the Auction that takes place there.  I did so based on the fact that she was interviewed on the SAQA Blog, which I follow.

Today I found out that Ellen's piece won't be going alone.  That is...several SAQA WC members have pieces that will travel with hers!  So to make amends...here are all the SAQA WC pieces going to Houston for exhibit/auction.

Drum roll please!

Congratulations to...

Valerie Wilson (Co-Rep, MB/SK), Winnipeg, MB.

Karen Johnson, Langley, B.C.

Ellen Bourassa, Saturna Island, B.C.

Rena Holma, Regina, SK











and

Patricia Scott, Edmonton, AB













Best wishes to all for a successful exhibit and auction!

Section 2 of the 2015 Benefit Auction Now Open for Bidding!

This section contains several pieces made by SAQA WC members:

• Jaynie Himsl (SK) - "Heat Waves";
  
• Patti Morris (AB) - "Patti's Rocks" (from Meet the Best of the West which toured 2012-2014);
• Linda Sharp (B.C.) - "Those Who Knew the Child are Now Gone" (ditto);
• Susan Purney Mark (B.C.) - "Redante";
• Margaret Blank (AB) - "Yellow Tree"; and 
• Jill Sullivan (B.C.) - "Fractured".

Congratulations to Terry Aske (B.C.) whose piece, "Happy Purple Tree" is now in the collection of Cynthia Wenslow.

B.C. member Marie Barry's piece, "Imagine", is available for purchase in the SAQA store.

And more contributions from SAQA WC members await in Section 3, opening for bidding on October 5.  Stay tuned for developments!

What-amma-what-amma-what-amma BID?!

Today's the day!  The 2015 SAQA Benefit Auction kicks off today with the "Diamond Day(s)" segment.

That means that between 2:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time today, September 18, and Monday, September 21 at 1:30 p.m. EDT, ALL the quilts will be on the block for $1,000 each (whoa!)

Appearing in Section 1,
Terry is a member from B.C.

Then...at 2:00 p.m. EDT on that day (Sept. 21), the Diamond Days window will be shut...and ONLY the quilts remaining in Section 1 will be on auction, at prices that gradually reduce at 2 p.m. EDT each day, ending Saturday, September 26.  On Monday, September 28, Section 2 will be open for bidding, and so on.

This year, for the first time, quilts that have been sold will have a red border around them (think of it as the red dot you see on pieces sold in galleries and in-person shows).  :-)

Appearing in Section 1,
Marie is a member from B.C.

Buyer details (if provided) will be included on the quilt detail page (displayed when you click on the thumbnail of a given quilt).  So...if you're quilt has been sold, you can see who bought it, if the buyer chooses to provide that information.

To see ALL the quilts on offer, click HERE.

Questions about the Diamond Day(s), and the rest of the auction and bidding procedure, click HERE.

A Visit to the International Quilt Study Center, Lincoln, Nebraska

Lest you wonder...no, I've not been there -- YET.  But THIS is where the 2017 SAQA Conference will be held.  Enjoy this post from SAQA (Texas) member Teresa Duryea Wong's recent visit...and start planning now for your visit then: April 27 - 30. 2017.

Fibre Art Destination 2015: Weyburn, SK -- Val Wilson Reporting

Co-Rep (MB/SK) Valerie Wilson and a couple of friends took a road trip from Winnipeg, MB to Weyburn, SK recently to see the textile art extravaganza that ran there July and August: "Fibre Art Destination 2015: Weyburn" -- spear-headed by SK SAQA member, Jaynie Himsl.  Here's Val's report...

Myself, and two friends, travelled to Weyburn for the Fibre Art Walk, organized by Jaynie Himsl of Weyburn. It rained the first day we were there, but cleared up by the second day, and we had a marvellous time! We started out by walking along the main street, and going in to the various businesses that were displaying fibre art. A map that we had picked up at the first location guided us, and we knew to look for the yarn bombing in front of each location. It was a lovely stroll.

Val (L) and friend...and a bit o' yarn-bombing...

 Here are a few of the pieces that we saw...

I especially liked these two by Cindy Hoppe. Her use of recycled fabrics is inspiring!

Cindy Hoppe - Biggar, SK
Cindy is a Juried Member of the
Saskatchewan Craft Council

Spring Pool - Cindy Hoppe (15" W x 12" L)

The All Beings Confluence show was displayed in the foyer of a church and it was wonderful to walk through the sheer panels, and marvel at all the different techniques, used to create the panels.

Val among the panels of Martha Cole's
collaborative project, All Beings Confluence

And of course my friend and I, who both had art work in a dental office were thrilled to see our work hanging on the walls. I had “Just Because” (pink rose) and “French Wonder” (antique Clement motorcycle and rider) displayed.

French Wonder - Valerie Wilson

Just Because - Valerie Wilson

Jaynie had an exhibit at a gallery in the credit union. Her unique technique of making and using cords to create her pictures is fascinating. We got a sneak peek at her process later in the evening, when she treated us to coffee and apple pie at her house.

Jaynie Himsl - an example of her work with cords

Rush Hour - Jaynie Himsl

The second day we saw an exhibit in the Signal Hill Arts Centre. Jaynie had put out a call to Saskatchewan artists and had a great response. We spent a lot of time at this exhibit  enjoying the great variety of techniques used.

Carol Schmold - Plenty, SK

Caron Dubnik - La Ronge, SK

Jeannette Luther - Regina, SK

Rita St. Amant - Willow Bunch, SK (Facebook link)
Rita is a SAQA member and a Juried Member
of the Saskatchewan Craft Council

The Fibre Art Network (FAN) had an exhibit “Abstracted” at a gallery in the library. For this show artists paired up; with one artist doing a realistic version of an agreed upon image, the other partner doing an abstract version. [Editor's Note: in some cases, the two pieces were created by a single artist.]

This exhibit first showed in La Conner, WA in 2013, and since then has been touring Canada. Here are some samples:

Milkweed 1
Marianne Parsons
Originally from SK,
Marianne now lives and works
in the Okanagan Valley, B.C.

Milkweed 2
Marianne Parsons

Strong, Calm & Fearless - Donna Bray-Zakreski
Donna lives and works on Gabriola Island, B.C.

Strong, Calm & Fearless - Marianne Parsons

Okanagan Landscape
Coleen Adderley
Coleen, SAQA WC Co-Rep (B.C.)
lives and works in Peachland, B.C.

Okanagan Landsape
Maureen Carefoot - Kelowna, B.C.

And last, but not least, we saw Martha Cole's prairie piece in its permanent location. This is a piece that Martha created in 1981. As my friend Krista, mentioned on her blog: "A spectacular bird’s eye view of a prairie landscape with colours and textures that draw you into the image."

Souris River - Martha Cole, 1981
6' x 9'
Cotton, satin, antique satin, upholstery fabric,
ultra-suede, acrylic paints, assorted threads,
stretched on padded wood frame.

Souris River - Martha Cole (Detail)

Val's conclusion?

A very worthwhile trip!

Indeed!

Please click on the links provided for more information about the artists who participated in this summer-long event.  Some links are for Facebook; others, for the Fibre Art Network member pages; and still others link directly to the artist's website/blog.  Researching these links, I discovered a couple of artists whose work I have to get to know better, and whose skills will inspire my development.

Thanks, Val, for your colourful report...and Jaynie, if you're reading...Next year in Weyburn, eh?  :-)