ALBERTA/ MAGAZINE
March/April 1991 ISSN 0834-9lox
Hearts and Flowers: Alberta Quilts Doug Main oh culture and communities
ACC office #509, 10136 100 Street
ACC opens gallery/shop in Edmonton
Phone (403) 428-1654
Profile of Pirkko Karvonen
Edmonton,AB T5J OPI
Memo from the president
ALBERTA CRAFT COUNCIL CONTACTS
Off and running
President
By KEITH EVANS
Vice-president Carol Campbell, Calgary
occurred With can make it happen.That is what Alberta Craft Councll Presents... an Thanks to hardwork by a lot of peoplewith
Keith Evans, MD of Sturgeon
Secretary
Ross Bradley, Edmonton
Treasurer Gerri Many Fingers, Calgary Directors Tim Bissett, Calgary Anne Brodie,Red Deer Dianne Finch, Medicine Hat David Green, PincherCreek Mavis Legg, Edmonton Tony Mandamin, Edmonton Tandy McKay, Edmonton Linda Stanier, Stony Plain ACC office #509, 10136 100 Street
and unerring belief that itwould work, our new gallery 450 shop is a reality—and an exciting one, too! With
sq. m (5,000 square feet) of space, Alberta Craft
Council Presents... promisesto be a majorarts
attraction in Edmonton and a showcase for Alberta crafts.
Our inauguralshow— Land of MorningCalm: An Exhlbltlon of Contemporary Korean Metal and Fiber Art—won rave reviews and gave us a solid start. Now, with the combined opening (on February 14) of Hearts and Flowers: Alberta Quilts and our new shop, any doubts about the ability of Alberta artists to live up to the standards
of qualityset by our first exhibitionmust surely have been erased. Hearts and Flowers is an absolutely fine show; in combination with the superb quality of works on sale in the shop, it gives us a real winner.
Perhaps I sound a bitlike a new father,but had you been present at the opening to hear the comments of Alberta Culture and Multiculturalism minister Doug Main and
Edmonton,AB T5J OPI
representatives from Manulife Place, the Edmonton Convention and Tourism Authority and the Downtown Business Association, I am sure you would now share my enthusiasm.
Executive Director Susan Abells
There were also a number of craftspeople at that opening (yours truly included) who, I am sure, left resolved to update their portfolios so they can offer exhibition proposals. Alberta Craft Council Presents... will, no doubt, become the place to be.
Phone (403) 428-1654
Editor
We need you. You are our most importantresource. Alberta Craft Council Presents... cannot continue withoutyour involvement. Many unique and exciting opportunities are already unfolding, so get on those wheels and looms, fire up your forges and kilns, sharpen your tools and skills, let your creative juices flow and, together, let's show the world what Alberta Craft is all about.
Allan Sheppard
Layout Todd Johnson NEWSLETTER DEADLINES
Still on subject of support: if you haven'tyet acquired a raffle ticket on the Nam, Kyung-
May/June —April 12
Anotherway you can help is to volunteeryour time to the gallery. Sheralee
July/August—June 14 September/OctoberAugust
Sook piece — One Fine Day— valued at $2,000 and donated by ManulifePlace, do so soon: the draw will take place on March 29.
17
Suggestions, ideas and criticisms
are welcome, Please send them to the ACC office for consideration.
We also welcomelettersto the editor, but reserve the right to edit for grammar, taste ard length. Anonymous letters will not be published.
2
something strongly Sometimes, when you believe in enough for it, you enough and when you work hard
Hancherow, our gallery co-ordinator, would welcome your involvement.
I'd like to inviteyou — and encourage you — to attend the ACC's Annual General Meeting, in Edmonton,June 1, 1991. If you haven't already seen the gallery, the AGM will be an opportunityto do so, as well as to enjoy the fellowship of other members. It should be a good time, and I hope to see many of you there.
Finally, I would ask you to join me in expressing our sincere thanks to the staff, volunteersand boardmemberswho worked hard to launch Alberta Craft Council Presents... successfully. withspecial thanks to Susan Abells. They all did a greatjobl
March/April 1991 Alberta craft
Edi@rial These are difficult times for all Canadi-
t'S time for action
reason to fear that their circumstances will get worse before they get better.
The temptation, at such times, is to shift into survival mode; to keep one's head down and one's mouth shut. hoping that hard work and hard-headed management will prevail over hard times. We must resist that temptation.
A growing conservatism among gov-
Wø cannot afford to wait this storm out,
environmentalissues increases the risk that the arts will be seen as frills or luxuries at a time when effortsto hal ance budgets are temptingeducation and health institutionsto compete di-
time br tough-minded action. We must act diredly, in our own behalf, and in behalfof our colleagues. And we must act indirectlyby mobilizingour friends, neighbours and communities in support of our activities.
ans, and if artists are not yet among those most seriously affected by a deepening recession, they have good
ernments and citizens distracted by war, unemployment, constitutional concerns,
rectly with the arts for diminishing funds and resources.
In Alberta, pressures due to budget cuts and staff cuts are magnified by uncertainties about the continuation of lotteries funding for culture, and about the impact reorganization of the department of Culture and Muttzutturalism(seestory below).
As reported in the January/February issue of Alberta Craft Magazine, the
Alberta government's Cabinet Committee on Priorities, Finance and Co-ordination has not yet announced its policy for future allocation of lotteries funding,
as
or as organizations. is
Cutture is not a frill. The arts are not
luxuries. They give good value for money,and good returnson invest-
ment. We know it; it's time we let the rest of the province and the country know it, too. If we do not, art and culture will be
displaced by other claimants who are
You'll find a lotof old faces in new places at Aberta Culture and Multiculturalism
tions that dependon AlbertaCulture and Multiculturalism or lotteries-funded
Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and Film and Literary Arts.
foundationsfor supportcannot feel se-
cure until they know the results of
The new Arts Branch will have five functionally-defined programme units:
Re-organization of Alberta Culture and Multiculturalismcould result in a muchneeded focus on marketing and promo-
tion of the work of Alberta artists at
restructuringprogramand emerges as
one broad multi-disciplinary Arts Branch in place of the current three branches:
at Red Deer College; take his advice and apply some input.Main also says
that he and the govemment value culture and its contributionsto the province's economy and its sense of identity; challenge him and the government to confirmthose convictions with support for the arts.
Other pages of this issue of Aberta Craft Magazine contain a variety of calls to action and for support from a variety
Of sources. We urge you to consider them all seriously and to acton as many of them as you can.
Current Performing Arts Branch director Clive Padfield will head the new Arts
Branch. From the Visual Arts Branch, directorLes Graf becomes manager of Artistic Development; Marilyn Kimura assistant Visual Arts Branch Director manages Cultural Literacy; and assistant Visual Arts Branch Director John Mount manages Communication. Marketing and Audience Development will be managed by Jim Robertshaw.from PerformingArts Branch. Touring; Cul-
•Artist Development and Organ izational
tural Industries will be managed Ruth Bertelson, from Film and Literary Arts.
• Cultural Literacy and Education,
The goal of the changes is to facilitate cross-disciplinary co-operation while
Support,
home and abroad, or it could lead to a diffusion of efforts among generalists who lack the knowledge and skills nec-
•Marketing and Audience Development,
disciplines.
• Communication and Government
essary to meet the needs of specific
to the proposed cuts to arts programmes
Arts branches merge into arts branch on April I. That is when the Cultural Development Division completes its
committeeand ministerialdeliberations.
communityinput on cultural matters,
citing the impactof mmmunity response
not afraid to assert their cases forcefully.
and the minister responsible, Ken Kowalski (Public Works, Supply and Services), has not yet translatedany policywhich may have been set into allocations. Artists and arts organiza-
On Page 6 of this issue of Aberta Craft Magazine, Alberta Culture and Multiculturalism minister Doug Main says the government does listen and respond to
• Cultural Industries Devebpment and
Support,
Services.
and unifying programmes, activities and systems previousty used by the discipline-defined branches. The
changes also aim at more effective partnerships with Aberta communäies,
businesses and arts organizations.
(see ARTS BRANCH, page 7)
March/April1991 Alberta Craft
3
EXHIBIT ONS Alberta Craft Council Presents...
HEARTS AND FLOWERS: Alberta Quilts The show opened on February14 with an appropriatetheme for Valentine'sDay: Hearts and Flowers. In the view of curatorPaula Gus-
tafson, "Quilts are a way of sharing. Although they offer a sense of continuity and heritage, quilts also tran-
scend nostalgia."
'Floral Fantasy', Judy Villett
z
After its successful opening with
At a time when war and violence
Land of MorningCalm: An Exhl• bitlon of Contemporary Korean Metaland Fiber Art, the ACC's new gallery and shop at ManulifePlace West in Edrnonton turns to the work of Alberta quilters for its second exhibition.
foth Anniversary
Exhibition Schedule
Champagne Breakfast •Prairie Gallery Grande Prairie February 28-March31, 1991 •AlbertaCraft Coundl Presents... Edmonton, June 14-July 12 1991 •Wdicino Hat Museumand Art Gallery Medidno Hat August 3-Septembor 1, 1991
4
Wer Name Is Jenny Any Dots', Jayne WilloughbyScott
1
'Blossomsand Butterflies',Nel Noonan Silk Scarf/Stole Exhibition
•Stewart Hall Art Gallew, Pointe Claire,
Quebec
March 2-April 7, 1991 •Wellington County Museum and Archives
Fergus, Ontario April 8-May 13, 1991
•SaskatdlewanCrafts Council Saskatoon, May 14-June 4
A Tisket, A Tasket Nationalbasket exhlbltlon •VancouverWeavers' Guild
BC
March 28-April 25, 1991
dominatethe headlines, this exhibit focuses on comfort, sentimentality, and home-based values — and, of course, on the fine of work of 28 of Alberta's best fiber artists.
•Saskatchewan Crafts Council
Saskatoon, SK
May74une 4, 1991
•WellingtonCounty Museum and Archives
Fergus, ON September 3-0ctober I , 1991 •BramptonPublic Library Brampton,ON October 1991
Note:A Tisket,A Taskethas openings inits
schedule.ContactSheralee Hancherow forinformation; (403)428-1654
March/April1991 Alberta Craft
EXHIBITIONS
Land of Morning Calm now in Calgary Land of MorningCalm: An Exhlbltlon of Contemporary Korean Metaland Fiber Art attracted2,500 visitors to the ACC's new gallery and shop — Alberta Craft Council Presents... — during its fourweek Stay in Edmonton.Internationalexhibitions of this quality inspire and validate
the work of artists everywhere, and this
3.
one contributed significantly to the ACC's o goal of giving Alberta artists and consumers opportunities to see work of quality. 1
O Land of MorningCalm is now at the Trio angle Gallery at Calgary City Hall, and O continues there until March 16.
1
Land of Morning Calm in Alberta Craft Council's new Manulife exhibition space
Remembering the once and future volunteer By SHERALEE HANCHEROW Many thanks to the hard-working volunteers who contributed to the success of our first exhibition in the Manulife Place West exhibition space, henceforth to be
knownas the Alberta Craft Council Presents... gallery and retailshop.
Patsy Montgomery,Christine Baghdady,
Doug Jewell, Chuck Thompson, and Rob Perron helped the ACC crew — Susan Abells, Lorna Jewell, Stephan Archibald, Alison Owen-Wrightand Jill
Gaudry— by paintingdisplaycases and cleaning plexiglas covers.
There was no shortage of professional support when itwas needed: Rae Hunter helped unpack the exhibition and gave
March/April 1991 Alberta Craft
advice on the fibre pieces; Ross Bradley lent his expertise in placing the exhibition;and Karen Cantine hung in untilthe very end, placing the metal work, polishing the silver, finding and picking up glass mirrors, even vacuuming the largest carpet in all of Alberta. Warm applause goes to all three, and to Stephan Archibaldand John Long, who assisted them in many ways. At the opening reception, Mrs. Han and friends of the Edmonton Korean Asso-
ciation tempted guests with delicious
Koreanfood. Ted Yoo and Gwenyth Claughton poured the wine; Sarabeth Urquhart sold raffle tickets, posters and
catalogues, taking over from Alice
BUY! BUY! BUY! Support the exhibition and educa-
tional programsto be offeredat Alberta Craft Council Pres-
entg„. buy and sell rame tickets for One Fine Day, an original craft work by Nam, Kyung-Sook. Valued
at $2,000, this fine example of Korean Art was purchased for the ACC by Manulife Place, with all proceeds from the rame to go to gallery programming.
cost $5 each, and are on sale through the ACC offce and at
Alberta Craft CouncilPresents..
Second Floor, Manulife Place West,
in Edmonton. The winning ticket
will be drawn at the gallery March 29.
Abells, who handled the sales at noon.
Anyonewishing to sell tickets can
Much of the credit for the success of The Land of Morning Calm mustgo to the volunteers. And the success of fu-
#509, 10136 - 100 Street
ture exhibitions will also depend on volunteers. If you'd like to share the excitement and satisfaction of contributing to
your Alberta Craft Council in this way, contact us at 428-1654.
obtain ticketbooks from:
Lorna, c/o ACC omce,
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J OPI 42&1654.
SELL! SELL! SELL! 5
Doug Main
says Albertans want culture
in their communities
politician,try to find out why? Instead of asking "Why can't they shouldn't you try to find out what the problem is?
MAIN: That's a valid observation. If we've done all this stuff,
how come nobodyknows about it? or How come nobody believes it? I don'tknow. ...
I tell you: when I go out to constituencies, everybody's got a library;everybody's got a little art society; everybody's got a museum. There's always a theatre company. (People say) "Come and see our new theatre. Come and see this. We've
donethis. Come and meet this local artist. Here's a local writer."
(Alberta Culture and Multiculturalismminister Doug Main talks about provincial government support of the arts in Alberta, the importance of community support for the arts, and the value Of
the arts as intemationaJice-breakersin an interviewwith
Alberta Craft Magazine editor Allan Sheppard.) ALBERTA
CRAFT MAGAZINE: At the recent opening of The
Land Of MorningCalm, AN Exhibitionof Korean Metaland Fiber art, the consul from Korea made a short speech in which
he said: "If you want to know Korea, get to know its art." Is that message in reverse, with respect to Alberta, getting through to
the Alberta government? Is the government prepared to take the same kind of pro-active, assertive position with respect to Alberta art in other parts of the world?
DOUG MAIN: This is a question, framed in any a numberof ways, that comes at me quite regularly, and I'm often amazed by it. There seems to be a sense that you've got here, in this current government, a bunch of Philistines who know nothing but playing hockey, drinking beer, and driving tractors. And to me, it's absolutely staggering that that notion persists. We have had (this government)a stand-alonedepartmentof culture. probably longer than any other government in Canada, with a possible exception of Quebec. We have funded our culturalorganizations —entities, buildings, individuals—to a level far exceeding any other government in this country, other than Quebec. We have two world-renowned historic sites that
present themselves to tourists from across the globe, one recognized as a world heritage site.
We have more award-winningartists competing nationally, internationally,than any other comparable jurisdiction.If we achieved the same results in sports, with Albertans, that we achieve on the music and the theatre and the art side — we'd be looked as the East Germany of culture, and yet the notion persists that nobody in this (legislature) building knows two hoots about culture. And it's just not the case. The notion that we don't know what we're doing over here and we don't care about art, just doesn't line up with the facts.
ACM: But the impression does persist. Shouldn't you as a
6
Everybody knows about it. Every town you go to has something
on the go. It is the one thing that seems to unify the small communities.— Red Deer: Who would have thoughtof Red Deer as the cultural hotbed of Alberta? Yet when Red Deer College made the announcement that it was going to chop its
arts program— Holy Crowl You'd have thought they were going to send Highway 2 fifty miles to the west. It was just unbelievable, the outcry there, and the vast amount of support from everybody, (who said) "Wait a minute. Don't do this to Red
Deer. This is a very importantpartof our lives."
And I hear that everywhere I go, whether it's in Pincher Creek, or Grande Prairie, or Bonnyville, or anywhere. ACM: But when the ambassadors, the people who go out into the world to sell Alberta to the rest of the world, carry their attaché cases and put them on the table, do they talk about pulp? What do they talk about? MAIN: They talk about art. Not as much as I would hope they would, but when you talk to every one of their bosses, every one of those agents general — as I have —they all absolutely know that the art, and the culture, and the cultural exchanges that we get involved in with our trading partners, are critically important.And I know, from my experience with the Japanese, that we wouldn't do five cents of business with these guys if we hadn't made some strong cultural ties initially — absolutely withoutquestion.I spent several days in Sapporo, Japan, on the tenth anniversary of ourtwinning with Hokkaido, and it was critically importantthat all our cultural exchanges were up-to-
date, up-to-speed— absolutelyso. They attach great, great importance to it in Japan, and elsewhere: in Ukraine, we had
an historical-cultural exchange.These things are critically important;and everybody here understands that, and recognizes it.
Now, it doesn't get the kind of profile that a big economic trade
mission does, because a lot of people think culture is kind of
weird — untilyou start to talk about doing away with it: get rid
of the stereo, get rid of the paintings on the wall, unload the books, shut down all the museums, and see how much people
really hang on to the province what it is.
culture that has made this
March/April1991 Alberta Craft
Canadian Craft Museum calls for support (The following letter, dated January Il, was addressed to the ACC's executive director.)
I am writing to inform you that the Cartwright Gallery has been
legally renamed the Canadian Craft Museum in preparation for the move to our new fæility in July 1991. The Canadian Craft Museum is more than a new name for our
expanded programmes. The new name also symbolizes our
belief in the importance of craft in Canada, from a Canada-wide perspective. Our dramatic new building in downtown Vancou-
ver, now being completed in Cathedral Place, across the comer from the Vancouver Art Gallery, will provide us with nearly 10.000 square feet of space. Galleries on both the main
floor and the mezzanine will permit expansion of our programme of Canadian and internationalcraft exhibitions as well
Canadian Craft Museum will be such a showplace of the best of Canadian and intemational craft, with publications, posters and newsletters to inform the public about our art. The museum is there for all of us; through its success, we can all benefit.
Of course, your most importantsuport will be your goodwill and your good words, on a day-to-day basis. in support of the new Canadian Craft Museum. Its futureis of vital importance to Canadian craft artists like you and me. When the new doors of the Canadian Craft Museum open, so too will a new chapter
in Canada's appreciation of her craft and artists.
Yours truly
Joanne Staniszkis, R.C.A. Programme Committee Chairperson
as permanent public display of our growing collection of
and Acting Presi&nt
Our new building will be completed in May, permittingus to move into it and to present a season of "preview" exhibitions
Vancouver,BC V6H 3R7
contemporary Canadian craft.
prior to its official inauguration in early 1992. We hope that the
Canadian Craft Museum will provide the same kind of energizing force in Canada as did the opening of the New American Craft Museum in New York in 1986.
The Canadian Craft Museum will be the only such institution in
Canada and, together with quality craft exhibitions at the Canadian Museum of Civilization (Ottawa),the Museumfor Textiles (Toronto),the OntarioCraft Council gallery (Toronto), andthe forthcomingCanadian Clay and Glass Gallery (Water100,Ontario), will bring greater recognition to craft across the country.
The Canadian Craft Museumis your museumand needs your support. With only a small staff, we rely on our many energetic and committedvolunteers.Won'tyou consider: •asking how your provincial organization or craft-medium guild
can help raise funds to purchase objects for the permanent collection, ensuring that your segment of the Canadian craft populationis representedby the best examples available? - • offering to host or co-host a fund-raising event to contribute to furnishing and equippingthe museum? • contributing your own work to fund-raising auctions or other
events in supportof The Canadian Craft Museum?
• enclosing Canadian Craft Museum brochures with your correspondence? As a practicing craftsperson, I know the importance of muse-
ums to inspire and excite their visitors with objects. The
March/April 1991 Alberta Craft
The Canadian Craft Museum
1411 CartwrightSreet
CAN
CRAFT
Telephone:(604) 687-8266 Fax: (604) 684-7174
ARTS BRANCH (continuedfrom page 3) This shift to greater shared responsbility was one of six goals
identified by the Cultural Development Division's recentlycompleted strategic planning process. It is hoped that Albertans involved in the arts, whetherthey live in rural or urban communities, will see improved communications and access
to programs, and there will be increased public commitment to the arts and attendance at arts events.
(Adaptedand condensedfrom VisualArtsNewsletter, February 1991
LOTTERIES
The Alberta Craft
Council is a beneficiary of Alberta Lotteries. Funds are allocated by the government of Alberta through the
Alberta Art Foundation.
7
ESTON
S
Alberta Craft Council Presents
work of 30 of the province's finest craft artists on sale.
West in Edmonton's downtown core.
The Alberta Craft Council is taking a more prominentand aggressive position as a promoter and exhibitor of fine
Albertan, Canadian, and international craft. To support this effort,the ACC has
also opened a craft shop.
The space served as the venue for Land of Morning Calm: An Exhlbltlon of Contemporary Korean Metal and Fiber Art, January 11 to February9. Then, on February 14, Alberta Craft
The exhibitionand shop were opened
by Alberta Culture and Multiculturalism
minister Doug Main, who recognized Alberta Craft Council Presents... as a developmentof model of the arts through partnerships between business and arts organizations. Manulife Place was a major sponsor of The
Councll Presents... re-opened with an exhibitionof fine quiltwork by 28 Alberta
The vehicle for both endeavours is Alberta Craft Council Presents... Gallery and Craft Shop located in Manulife Place
a new venue
artists on view, and a selection of the
Land of MorningCalm; it purchased
z
1 O
and donated a work of art from one of Korean artists for the ACC to raffle as a fund-raiser; and it was a generous and suportive landlord when the ACC was planning and setting up the gallery and shop.
ManulifePlace's Lorna Park said The
Land of
Calm had demon-
strated the ability of a high-quality exhibitionto attract people to Manulife Place West, and noted that "many ... tenants
A sample of the high quality workfor sale in A.C.C. 's new gallery
Alberta Craft Council Presents... Invites members to submit craft work for sale. Qualityworkin any traditionalcraft medium:clay,glass,fibre,metal,wood, craftobjectsand pmduction and paperwill be acepted. Both one-of-a-kind work are needed.Toqualify,work must meet the Bhop'gstandards of originality,creativityand craftsmanship. Workgin all priceranges are welcome,but the gmatest need is for items costingless than $100.
AlbertaCraftCouncilPresents. willalsobrokercommissions. The gales and commissionbrokerageserviæs ofAlbertaCraft CouncilPregent8... are open to ACC members only.
For information, contact: JohnGoedhart
Manager,AlbertaCraft CouncilPresents...
Don Gray, of the Edmonton Convention
and Tourist Association, and Randall Way of the DowntownBusiness Association spoke favourably of the value of a downtown cultural facility as a tourist
attractionand as a generator of busi-
ness activity and sales in the downtown core.
ACC president Keith Evans, in his remarks, said: "The ACC believes that
craft is an integral and unique part of our
heritage that needs to be developed and preserved for the cultural, social, educational and economic well-being of
Manulife Place WeBt,(Phage 11)
the people of Alberta."
Edmonton,AB T6J 4C7
To achieve its developmental objec-
2nd Floor, 10150102Street
telephone (403)425-0909.
8
have commented on the beneficial effect of having a high-profilegallery (in their) midst."
(Continuedpage 9) March/April 1991 Alberta Craft
.40
(Continuedfrom page 8) tives, the ACC needed to provide greater
ILSStONES
access to works of quality created not just in Alberta, but around the world.
"Exposure to craftwork of quality is important,
not just for the consumer and the general public, but for the development of Alberta craftspeople as well.
"The gallery and shop will help to define that elusive word 'quality'—not in terms of 'amateur vs. professional' or 'art vs. craft,' but of originality, creativity and craftsmanship."
The Hearts and Flowers: Alberta Quilts exhibition continues at Alberta Craft Council Presents... until March 30. Nine more exhibitions will be mounted at the gallery in 1991.
Alberta Craft Council Presents... ManulifePlace west, 10150102 Street; Edmonton; AB 425-0909 Hours: Mondayto Saturday,
10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
1
Hearts and Flowers opening night February 14th.
John Goedhartserves up an invitation
For John Goedhart,the emphasis is, and always has been, on
service.
As an elite junior tennis player ravelling to tournamentsall over Norfr America and, most recentlyas a tennisprofessionalworking with elite juniors and professionals on the finer points of their game,
service—holdng it and breaking it— has been a constant concern.
Now, as the manager of the ACC's new craft shop, Albert Craft Council Presents..., John must tum his attentionto service of a different kind; meeting the needs of ACC members for an attrac6ve,
oudet for their best work, and of customers who efficient. visit he shop looking for quality craft items.
John gav•eup his tennis üreer for family reasons •in Nowmber 1989. just after the US Open tournament.' He returned to his naive
Edmontonand worked for Parachute Clothing until it closed in November last year.
John, who serves on the selecion committee, is looking forwardto
meetingmany ACC members and discussing how Alberta Craft Councll Presents... can serve hem.
He is extendingan invitationto all members to meet him at openingof the next exhibitionin the Alberta Craft Council Pres. onto... gallery:A Tradltlon of Excellence: The Development of Fibre and Clay In Alberta, April 4, 8 p.m. in ManulifePlace West (Phase Il, 2nd Floor). at 10150 102 Street RSVP by April 2 to the ACC office at 428-1654.
March/April1991 Alberta Craft
9
Special Bulletin Canadian Crafts Council On the Status of the Artist
ttopens with a proclamation (which is unusual in any piece of legislation) affirming that the Government of Canada recog-
nizes the contributionof artists and their importanceto the
cultural, social, economic and political life of Canada. This is followed by a policy statement declaring the rights of artists to 'freedom of association and expression" and to legal remgnition of their associations. The right of freedom of expression is one of potentialsignificance.
The legislation establishes a Canadian Council on the Status of the Artist, comprising seven to 12 part-time members, to inform the minister, defend and promote professional artists, and propose measures to improvethe working conditionsof artists.
On December 19, 1990, the last day for the House of Com-
mons before its Christmas recess, the Minister of Communications, the Hon. Marcel Masse, tabled Bill C96, an æt respecting
the status of the artist and professional relations between artists and producers in Canada. There is no denying that the bill is imperfect in the sense that it does not deal with matters, notably taxation, that the govern-
ment has already agreed must be, and will be, dealt with. However, an announcement was made at the same time to the
effect that these issues will be accommodated in the 1991 budget. The bill is also weak-kneed When it comes to statements Of principle, almost certainly due to the well-developed sense of turf-protection that exists in governments everywhere, coupled with a desperate need to avoid anything that might look like a precedent — especially when money might be involved.
Nonetheless, with all faults, it is a substantial and muchneeded advance on anything we presently have, and deserves
our full support.
ttprovides for the legal recognition of artists' organizations. In
setting our disciplines, itincludes professionals in the "arts and
crafts, or visual arts."
Recognition will be granted to a Canadian Artists and Producers Professional Relations Tribunal. Initially,of course, this
tribunal and the recognition it will provide are primarilyof significance to performingartists, who will have a legal base from which to negotiate contracts and fees. Nonetheless, as time goes on, its significance could grow for the self-employed artist —for example, in such matters as determining exhibition fees with national institutions or, even further in the future, possible involvement in social benefits.
We strongly recommend that all craftspeople and their associations write to the MPs of whatever party, urging all-party support for this bill, so it will not be made into a footballfor partisan politicalpurposes. And send copies to the minister. None Of the letters need postage. They can be addressed to the relevant party at the House of Commons, Ottawa, ON KIA OA6.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS Have a say in ACC affairs Make a contribution
•Educaäon
mie followingcommittees are recruiting from the membership-at-large:
•Exhibition
Join a committee
•Editorial
Join committeechair Tim Bigsétt,executivedirector
Susan Abellß and editor AlIan Sheppard; work on reformatting of Alberta Craft Magazine, set policies for the
editorial board, read assigned publicationsfor informationofinterest to the membership,meetwith editor (individually or ag a group) one hour per issue.
10
Committeechair AnneBrodieand executivedirector
Susan Abells need help to identify and respond to pro-
vincialand nationaleducationalissues.
Committeechair RossBradleyand exhibition co-ordinatorSheraleeHancherowneedvolunteersto help with every aspect of exhibit planning and preparation.
For more information and to volunteer, call the ACC office, 428-1654.
March/April1991 Alberta Craft
CALENDAR Call
algary
Recreation, POBox2359. Edmonton,AB LJ2R7,
ART MARKET, 5t1 annual art and craft sale.
ALGARY GIFT AND FASHIONACCESSORIES
22-24, Big Four Building, Stampede SHOW, Park. For wholesalers. Show Manager; 1, 9715 tel HortonRoad SW, Calgary. AB T2V (403)253-9555,fax (403)
CU : APA ANNIVERSARYEXHIBITION
berta Potters' Assodation will celebrate 20 years
of existence in 1991 with an anniversary sh%. It invites all alumni and people who have worked in past 20 years to particiclay in Alberta during
pate.The exhibitionwill take place in Blay 1991 during the Calgary Ceramic Seminar. Non-APA members contact Glenys Marshall-Inman at 3566 to be put on tle mailing list.
FTS SHOP. openingin
Bky, seeks finely crafted original work. All media considered , but glass, day , wood, fibre and jewelry in a medium price range is preferred. Contact Olga or Ed Griedanus, 3724 37 Street SW, Calgary AB,
T3E 3C3; (403)246-5808.
5t1Flo«. Revibn
14-17, 1991. Calgary Cmvendon Centre.
ed. Applicabon processiro beginsApril 1 , 1991 nues until spaæ is filled. Contact Art
(403)42
Productions,X4arIeneA. Loney, P. O. Box 385
culCRAFT Avil 14, German a-rd Cenre, 8310 Roper Road, Edrnmbn. Tüles
Banff, AB TOL OCO; (403)762-2345.
monton
PAPER MARRIAGE, •a project... experimentation with t•veproperties
ion Of paper, focusing less on
supplied;
Cmtü: Elsa Pe AB
presenu-
ua
paper u
support for image und more Angus Wyatt, object itself.• (Society of NorthernAlberta Print Artists),
137
104 street. Edmonton,AB T5J OZ9; (403)423-1492.
OPEN COMPETITIONFOR ART
two works for Clareview Arena — budget $60, total. •Relief saJlpture work in any rrwdia for a
S PCA.
cbtl. Fee: Dmün ; 483-5677.
Sh*, West Edmonbn WI, August 2-5 •SMtat W, t%wrnber 7-11 Elves, West . Comrnmwealtl Sädum,
Anmtte or Basi Greenberg,Hands AB 17219106Avenue,
20-24.
Hammy, IE7:
3-8, Edrmnton
EOCRAFT
Cente. Juried. Deadllne May 15.
Conwn
Cu-neo Craft Sales, 645 First Edmonton Plan,
x e-m(10-footx 20-foot)wall; •suspended
10665Jasper Avenw, Ed!TMDn, AB TS.J 3S9;
naturally lighted atrium space. mission of resumés, slides and mnæpt nposd:
Bhrch 15. Informaion and subrnissions: Wraine
(403)424-0787.
n
Noel-Clark, Arts Consultant, Edrnonton Pgks and
page 12)
ACC NOMINATION FORM
1
Directors shall be nominated by any three (3) 1 individual voting members or one (1) member 1 association, voting, and shall be elected by all 1 members entitled to vote. Elections will take place
1 1
I hereby agree to stand for election to the Alberta Craft Council Board of Directors, and to serve if 1 1 elected, 1
at the Annual General Meeting in Edmonton.
1
10320102Awrun EdrmnDn; teleptnnø
(signature of nominee)
We (The)
1
1
1 1 1
1
1
(Bignaturesof nominators or omær of nominating 1
herebynominate NOTE:
Nominees must be members of the ACC
at
the time of nomination. Submit membership fee 1 with application, if necessary.
1 1
1
1
(names of three membersor one association)
(include address and telephone number)
1 for the position of Director of the Alberta Craft Council for a two-year term commencingafter the 1991 Annual General Meeting, June I, 1991. 1
March/April1991 Alberta Craft
Send completed nomination form to:
Alberta Craft Council 509, 10136 100 Street
Edmonton, AB
1
1
1 1
11
CALENDAR Cal s for entry
(Contlnuedfrom page Il)
ABSOLUTELY ALBERTA featuresmade-in-Al-
Edmonton
JUMP FOR JOY, handknits, opensMarch1. A retail outlet for handknits Of natural and/or unique
synthetic yarns. Knitters, mntact: Sandy Md-ear, Basement, 10313 Whyte Avenue, Edmonton, AB
T6E IZ9: telephone(403)433-2811.
(403)458-7979 or 459-2521.
3990.
440, 47 Clarence Street, Ottawa,ON KIN
ography are requested. Patricia Langridge, AbsolutetyAlberta, Box 159, Banff, AB TOL OCO; 762-
HERITAGE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, stony ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR, July 20-21,sylvan Lake mmmunity centre. Juried. Deadline: April 15.
Contact: Mary Hillman, Sylvan Lake Heritage
society,Box 1058.sylvan Lake, AB TOMIZO.
NEW ART GALLERY-GIFT SHOP seeks hand-
crafted goods and jewelry on consignment; Con• tact: Kathy Classen, 5011 49 Avenue, Lloydmin-
ster, AB/SK S9V IT8; (306)825-5655.
Plain, Is accepting written submlssions for its 1991 season: solo exhibitions for emerging artists and Orgroup shows br Submit six slides (maximum), resumé, biography and proposal to: Jenny Woods , Curator, Multicultural Heri-
tags Centre, PO Box 90B, stony Plain AB TOE OGo:
ST. ALBERT ARTS ANDCRAFTS FAIR, May2426. Juried. Contact: St. Albert Arts and Crafts Fair,
Hands CRAFT
12 Wheatstone Crescent, St. Albert, AB TEN 3G5;
berta handiaafts in the resort town of Banff, and seeks original, finely crafted work. All media considered , but medium-priced glass, ceramics ,Wood, fibre, and jewelry are preferred. Uniquely Albertan items are ideal. Photos or slides of work and a bi-
In Harmony
er provinces
ORIGINALS, April 11-14, 1991. spring craft sale, Ottawa Civic Centre. IndustrialTrade and Consumer Shows Inc., Tom Gamble, Suite
(613)232-5777.
QUILT CANADA 91, June 5-9, 1991, Ottawa. National juried quilt exhibition, workshops, lectures. Fairfield Proæssing Corporations Fashion
Sh0'N, Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend. Spon-
sored by the Ottawa Valley Quilters' Guild and the
Canadian QJilters' Association. Contact: Cathi Wilkins, 20 - 120 Walnut court, Ottawa, ON KIR
7W2;(613)230-5529.
(Continuedpage 13)
CALL FOR ENTRY 1991 SHOWS
This year there will again be three shows to choose from; two of which will be in the ICE PALACE at WEST EDMONTON MALL and the other in the Recreaüon Centre at Commonwealth Stadium. WEST EDMONTON MALL SUMMERSHOW SANTA'S ELVES
DATES
SHOW TIMES
• Denotes Public Holiday DURATION OF SHOW
SET UP DATE
Aug 2 —5 Aug 2. LOAM- 9PM Aug 3, LOAM- 6PM
Aug4, LIAM -6PM •Aug5, IOAM-9PM 4 DAYS
AuguA2nd
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
HANDS HARMONY
17219- 106thAvenue Edmonton, TSS 1E7
12
OR
Novi-Il
Nov7, IOAM-9PM Nov8, IOAM- 9PM Nov 9, IOAM - 6PM
Nov 10, LIAM - 6PM •Nov 11, IOAM -9PM
5 DAYS NovemberQh PHONE:
Commonwealth Stadium FALL SHOW Nov 20 - 24 Nov 20, 5:30PM - IOPM Nov 21, Noon - IOPM Nov 22, Noon - IOPM
Nov23, 11AM-9PM
Nov 24, IIAM- 6PM
4 1/2DAYS November
(403)486 - 1670
(Annette or Basil Greenberg) FAX: 403 486- 1521
March/April 1991 Alberta Craft
CALENDAR (Continuedfrom page 12)
Producer, Circle Craft Christrnas Market, 101 , 1765
8 Avenue, Vancouver, BC VB-J 5C6.
Other provinces
CLASS •CANADIANLICENSINGANDSOUVE-
Battfeford,Saskatchewan; $600 in prizes. Details:
Donna Baxter. Box 668, North Battleford, SK S9A 2Y9.
SASKATOON SUNART HANDCRAFT AND BERRY FESTIVAL, August 10, Saskatoon:juried summer craft festival with music, children's enter-
tainment,specialY berry foods, induding a piebaking contest. Information and applications: Pat
Gittings,Cc-ordinator, c/o The Partnership, 115 3rdAvenue South, Saskatoon, SK S7K IL7; telephone(306)668-4598. CIRCLE CRAFT, show and sale of fine art and craft, November 7-11 , Cruise Ship Terminal, Trade
and Convention Centre, Canada Place, Vancouver. Information appliætlon forms: Paul Yard,
NIR SHOW, Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition
Place, Toronto. Exhibitors indude licensors and licensees Of Of products from wearing apparel to
lapel pins. Contact: Kris Elmore, Show Drector. Windsor Communications Inc.. PO Box 314 Station S, Toronto, ON M5M 46.49; telephone (800)3385922, fax (214)361-1904.
FINECRAFTSOUTLET.Contact:GrandForksArt
Gallery, PO Box 2140, Grand Forks, BC VOH IHo; (604)442-2211.
B.C. CRAFT MARKETS: Whisder.Kamloops,
Vanmuver, West Vancouver, Coquidarn, White Rock and Penticton. Parke International Markets:
Lyn, (604)263-2362,Chris (604)926-0109.
CAMPBELL RIVER GIFT GALLERY welames
hand-aafted Canadian products. Information: Radius vbhnston, Innovations Gift Gallery. 870 E.
13 Avenue, Campbell River, BC V9W 4H2.
CONTEMPORARYGLASS ARTISTS Interested in exhibiting their work inToronto submitslides and portfolios to The ArtZone, Jane or Kathy Irwin , 592 Markham Street, Toronto. ON M6G 2L8: (416)5341892.
FASHION AND ACCESSORIES —one-of-a-kind, small or mass-produced items sought by Ind+ pendent curator. Send resumé, artist's statement,
maximum 10 slides and SASE to: Au Courant
Contemporary Canadian Fashion, 39 BAacDougall
Avenue, Toronto,ON WR 2A3; (416)536-2426.
CORPORATE EXHIBITIONS — submit artist's statement and 20 slides if interested in exhibitions,
prornotions and sales to the corporate Ømmunity.
CorporateArtSerGces,Suite L-IOS, 114Richmond
street,E., Toronto,
M5C IPI.
Shows and events ACC MEMBERSAT THE GULF CANADAGALLERY,CALGARY
FOR
ENTRY 5th ANNUAL
NOVEMBER 14-17, 1991 Calgary Convention Centre Calgary, Alberta 180 High Quality Artisans For Application Form Write or Call: ART MARKET PRODUCTIONS Marlene A, Loney P.o. Box 385, Banff, Alberta TOL OCO Message Telephone (403) 762-2345 March/April1991 Alberta Craft
February 6-27 Bill Morton, West Lounge; Kathryn Manry, April 3-24 Patrick Keenan. Showcases
May 1-29 Rosemary Burn. West Lounge September 2 Blartha Henry,
18-April 12.3rd Floor SEEING IS BELIEVING, Needle Expressions '90, Beaver House, 10158103 Street, Edmonton. Seventh Biennial of the Council
of American Embroiderers. Co-sponsored by he Edmonton Needlecraft Guild. Forty-five pieces of original work.
4th ANNUAL EXHIBITION AND SALE, Lindved Gallery, Rosemary. Alberta.
May 3.7-10 p.m.; May 4, 1-8 p.m.; May 5.1-6 p.m. Pottery by MiriamJanzen and Susan Lindved-&nsen; paintings and prints by Dan Crapo. Directions from Rosemary: 1 mile north. 2 miles west, 1/2 mile nom.
4481.
OPPERTSHAUSER
GALLERY,
378-
stony Plain, Alberta. .March 7-Apti11 , Wild-
life: Judi Wild, Watercolours and Prints; Gary Burts, Photography: Eggertson, Wood Carvings. .April 4-29. Landscape Impressions: Frarua Watercolours: Karen Canbne, Silver.
CRAFTWORLD FINE ARTS. Crafts and Country Collecibtes, March 8-10. l,ktro East Trade Centre, Pickering. Ontario. show and sale, Autorroti•a 27-31 , 1991. Spring A KIND, ONE Building, Exhibition Place, Toronto. Canadian Crafts Show Ltd., 21 Granvile
Street. Toronto.
M4Y IAI : (416)960-3680.
13
CALENDAR
CERAMICS
Calgary
e e;$eninqrs, and GOnferences
Calgary Ceramic
proximately 20 æramic exhibitions throughout the
each month at the Sandinauan Centre. Mailing
private Ølløctjon Of the work Of the Martin brothers.
2G2; 739 20 Avenue NW.
city, induding an exciting-never-before-exhibited
Seminu, May 17-19; presented by Calgary Lei-
Contact: Kirsten Abrahamson, Leisure Learning
College Of Art. Guest instruür8 keynote speaker Paul Greenha]gh, Deputy Curator, Victo-
13 Ave. SW, Calgary,ABT2R 014; (403)245-
wre Learning Services, und
ria Md Albert xoseum,
by the Alberta
England; Ronna
Neuengchwander;Torbjom Kvasbo, &annot Blackbum , Bruce Taylor; Ann Cummlrgs; Mattllas
Osterman,Lindsay
Nina Borgia-Aberie:
Ralph Bacerra; and condmnus etudb denwutra-
Susan Baslov and Pat
Ap-
address: P. O. Box 176, Station G, Calgary, ABT3A
ServEes,3rdFloor, Dr. Cad Saffran Centre, 930
JEWELL.ERYSTtÆES,CharlesLewton-Brajnmd
4944.
courses in stonesetting,non-preciousj%ellery,
EMBROIDERY Colour and Design With Embroidery, Pam Godderis, March 16-17,
1991; Calgary Guild of Needle and Fibre Arts,
%andinavian Centre, Valhalla Room, 739 20 Avenue NW. The guild meets semnd Wednesday
Dee Fontans: workshops, access sessbns arld bendl tricks and toolmaking, wire jewellery, fold forming. L*ton-BrairvFontans Centre for ,hwel-
lery Studies, Suite 300A, The Grain Exchange Building,815 First Street SW, Calgary, AB T29 IN3; telephone (403)283-9985.
(Continuedpage 15)
..GJasS1fie NOW I 17TH YEAR, the One a Kin nadian Craft Show prod annualjuried shows. 'Christmas' is days long, and has 550 exhibitors
nd almost 140,000 visitors. 'Spring' is 5 days long and has 375 exhibitors and over 50,000 visitors. For more informa-
LEATHER AND FUR, leatherand fur
pieces, beads, thread, needles. Good prices. Halford Hide & Leather Co. Ltd., 8629126Ave., Edmonton, AB T5BIG8; (403)474-4989. Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-4p.m..
tion on either show, call Jeanette P
JUMP FOR JOY, handknits,opening
5624, or write21 GrenvilleS
retail outlet for handknits of natural and/
nto, ON M4YIA1.
To-
EEO
is inviting craftspeople to participate in a
new conceptof a contemporarycraft co-op store and cappuccino bar bcated in old Calgary. To enquire,please contact: Ken Nicholson, 1219 9th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G OS9; (403)2a38398. FOR SALE. Small, two-person costume
jewelrymanufacturingbusiness. Coastto-coast clientele. Expansion possible. Contact Cathie Johnson, Nanton, AB TOLIRO; (403)646-2553 or 646-2604
CANE AND BASKET SUPPLIES
Reeds, handles,chair caning, splint, rush, sea grass, wilbw, instructions. Mail orders. Send for pree lists. W. H. Kilby Co. Ltd., 1840 Davenport Rd., Toronto, ON M6N
14
March I. JFJ will offer a permanent
CHRISTMASCARDCATALOGUE5th
edition, requests submissions of Alberta
urban and rural scenes for use as a corporateChristmas card. May I , 1991 deadline to receive photos or slides. Jestco Sales Inc.,Box 726-T, Calgary, AB T2H2H2;telephone (403)235-5784.
AT LAST — a book to assist you in
developing original designs. A guide to stimulate your creativity and get you
or unique synthetic yarns. Knitters, please contact: Sandy McLear, Basement, 10313 Whyte Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6E IZ9; telephone (403) 4332811.
to direct you to developing your own
BASKETRY AND CHAIR SEATING
Pam Godderis, Box 1
SUPPLES. Cane, reed, web, splint,
rush, handles, vine rattan, coir, pullet, kits. Canada's widest selection. Prompt delivery.CANERS CORNER, 4412John
st., Niagara Falls, ON L2E IA4; (416)374-2632.
BUSINESS FOR SALE: Well-e ab-
lished professional production we ving studio with good annual profits. asily relocated — sales not tied to market. Includes AVL and other I ms, industrial sewing equipment, trades
w
booth,yarns, etc. PO Box 219, Un n Bay,BC VOR380.
started. IDEAS FOR INSPIRATION, EMBROIDERER'S EDITION, presents exercises, suggestionsand questions
designs. $15 plus $3 GST and postage.
St. NW, CalgaryAB T2L ICI.
ret
HANDS IN HARMONY invites applicaions for our juried craft shows to be held as follows for 1991:
Aug. 2-5: ICE PALACE WEST EDMONTON MALL Nov. 7-11: ICE PALACE WEST EDMONTONMALL Nov. 20-24: RECREATION CENTRE COMMONWEALTH STADIUM
For more information, contact: HANDS
IN HARMONY, 17219 106Ave., Edmonton, AB T5S IE7; telephone (403)486-1670, fax (403)486-1521.
March/April1991 Alberta Craft
CALENDAR (Continuedfrom page 14)
Edmonton
Athabasca. AB TOG 2RO. A new, non-credittw•ne
jonaJ Sumtner School of fre Arts, 911A Linden
has 12 modules. and covers many uøao unful to
information: Elizabeth Travers, Metchosin Interna-
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA, Devonian Botanic Garden, offers murses in papermaking,wheat weaving,stained glass, willow work (furniture, baskets. arbours) to end of May. Information: , Devonian Botanic Garden, Un iversity of
Ed
Cdleqe Campus, Victoria, W. Applications and
Alberta,Edmonton,AB T6G 2E1; telephone (403)987-3054for brouwre.
Avenue, Vicbria, BCV8V 4G8; telephone (604)3841698.
SUMMERASSISTANTSHIPS ard WORKSHOP, in blacksmihing, ceramics, fine metAs, photogra-
phy, textiles,WØdworWng:Fine rnenls residenq
— Peters Valley Craft Centre. Layton. New Jersey
07851; telephone AlIson Owen-Wright, Library and Information
Other centres
study murse prepared by Athabasa University. It people interested In
twir
businesses.
Other provinces
APPLIED ARTS DIPLOMA PROGRAM, SIAST
Saskatchewan Instituteof Applied Sdence and Technology. Woodland Carnpus, Prince Albert.
Two-year
In Cerncs,
weaving and
audO/isual technology. Information: Applied Arts.
NORDIC/CANADIAN CERAMIC SYMPOSIUM,
509, 10136 100 Street, EdrnontonAB
OPI;
or The Registrar, Box 3003, Prince Albert, SK S6V 6G1 : (603)953-7010or 1-800-667-
and Red Deer College Ceramics Institute;May
HAYSTACK MOUNTAIN SCHOOL OF CRAFTS,
AWN CENTREFOR THE ARTS — muntain
ordinator, Alberta Craft Coundl Renurce Centro,
sponsored by The Works 1991 visual arts festival,
1991.call Shirley Rimer, ROC, 342-3335.
Deer Isle , Maine; one- Wo- and hree-week nrses
College, Olds,
OLDS
telephone (403)428-1654. Deadline April 1.
31 -June 2, 1991. Information, Laurie Alberta; P•.4ay
Khrrison,224 Strickland Bay SW, Calgary,ABT3H
in baskets, bladcsmithing, fibers, glass. metals,
paper, wood,vh-Jne2 to August 31. %olarship deadline March 25. Haystack, PO Box 87, Deer 04627; telephone (207)348-2306.
282; (403)242-2775.
Isle,
METCHOSIN INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL OFTHE ARTS, June 23-July6,Pearson
ENTERPRISE IN ACTION, Markeing ations Dept.,c/oAhabasæ Uriwrsiy ,
10,000,
rates Alberta Craft MagazineAdvertising deadline. page for
Albria CranMagazine
•The display advertising rate ig 40 cente per agate line, when cameraready art work is suppliedby the advertiser. •When art work is not
supplied,an additionalset-up fee maybe charged.
•Colour charges: $100 per colour. •Half-tones, $10 each.
• Common
sizes and
costs:
$156. Full page $78. Half page $104. Two-thirdspage $52. One-third page $28. One-sixthpage $14. One-twelfthpaF •Classified advertisements: $9 for 30 words or less, 20 cents per additional word.
For more information, contact the ACComce at 428-1654.
ATLI
largest lake in British Cosetting overlooking Programs challenge lumba; wildemess locün.
practicing artists, serious arts etudents ard art
ediJntors in all areas of art and design. Tuition lee
indudes
•ART THROUGH EXPERIENCING: .xne 18-Ju1y 9, 1991, $760. A mernorable learning experience
anybody witl an open mind, ready to break art and trough routine dismwr what
livingreallymean.CONCEPT AND THE CREA-
TIVE PROCESS:
14-August 11, 1991,$960.
An extraordinary four-week opportunity to devebp
creative explorations and tom ideas inb contem-
porary statements..ALUMNI REFRESHER
COURSE: August WSeptømber 1, 1991,
he Phone or write for free brodwre. A din Centro Arts. 19 Elm GroveAvenue, Toronto, ON BÆK2H9;
(416) 536-7971.
Other countries
WEAVING TALES, 15th Biennial Conference of Northwest Weavers' Guilds, June 16-28. 1991, Eugene, Oregon. Informaion. appllcaiona: Weav-
Ing Tales. Assæiation of NorthwestWeavers' Guilds, c/0 1143 NW 16th Street. Corvalis. &epn
CENTRE FOR THE ARTS
Art through Experiencing: June 18—July 9, 1991 $760 Cdn. A spectacular mountain setting overlooking the largest natural lake in A three-week challenge. Learn to respond with all your senses, to become fully clarity, and isolation offers location British Columbia, Canada. Its wilderness in touch with your creative power. A memorable learning experience for anybody Within life. an uninterrupted focus in discovering what is possible in art and with an open mind, ready to break through routine to discover what making an international community of fellow participants and outstanding guest art and living really means. significant socially artists/educators, you explore and develop personally and art serious Concept and the Creative Process: July 14—AugustIl, 1991 $960 Cdn. artists, practicing art forms. The programs will challenge extraordinary four-week opportunity to develop your creative explorations, destgn. An students and art educators in all areas of art and shape a personalconcept and form your ideas into contemporary statements. The Canada Council has given continuous support to the guest artist program. Recent guest instructors include Landon MacKenzie, Reinhard Reitzenstein, Tim Whiten,
Allan McWilliams, and Irene Wittome.
Tuition fee includes accommodation. The courses also offer
Alumni Refresher Course: August 13 —September l, 1991 $350 Cdn. After June l: Atlin Centre for the Arts,
eveningslide 19 Elm Grove Avenue,
Toronto, Ontario M6K 2H9
available. lectures and optional weekend field trips. Some scholarships today. (416) 536-7971 brochure free for write or Phone Registration deadline: June l, 1991.
March/April1991 Alberta Craft
Box 207, Atlin, British Columbia VOW IAO
(604) 651-7659or.651-9693
15
Profile Pirkko bounces back
By ALLAN SHEPPARD
Pirkko Karvonen says it is thanks to the Alberta Craft Council that she is back at work at her loom these days. Pirkko and her husband, Albert, a wild-
life film-maker, live and work on an acreage in Strathcona County, a mile east of Edmonton.Three years ago,
the studio in which the Karvonen's did all their work was destroyed by fire.
Pirkko was so devastated by the loss
that she found it impossible to take up
her craft for almost two years. But,
when she received the call for entry for Champagne Breakfast, hercourage and inspirationreturned:"Something clicked in my mind mshe says.
What "clicked"was the concept of a work which depicts two cheeky and chatty middle-aged ladies sitting at a café table, seeming to be having a good time gossiping and growing old. "It was not accepted for the exhibition. But I feel it is good, because I think one
of these women, or both of these
women, is me. Itcamecompletelyfrom the heart, you know. I'm happy I did it," says Pirkko. "It took me a long time to get back," she adds, "and I'll probably never do it the same way again."
Pirkko has since done a number of
pieces which reflect her former style and
subject matter: a scene from her living room window, a collection of grain elevators. "But I feel they're not as meaningful as this (the Champagne Breakfast piece); it's not just a mechanical thing, but it's something that comes from inside."
Pirkko did not totally lose touch with
weaving following the fire. For one thing,
she curated one of the ACC's tenthanniversary exhibitions, the Silk Scarf/ Stole exhibition.
By coincidence— and a bit of persis-
tence on Pirkko's part — the Silk Scarf/ Stole show has already been to New Zealand. Albert Karvonen was scheduled to attend a conference of wildlife film-makers in New Zealand late last year; she decided to go with him. As it happened, the Silk Scarf/Stole show was not booked during November and December, and the ACC agreed to let Pirkko
take the exhibition overseas with her —
though at her own expense, as there was no budget to send it there. That's where the persistence part came in: Pirkko contacted Air New Zealand and
Air Canada and persuaded them to carry the exhibit for free (it fits into one suit-
case): "Everythingis possible in this world if you really want it."
royally" by Shuster and her Maori friends
and relatives; they were invited to a special Maori celebration as guests of honour and given symbolic gifts. They
were able to observe and film Shuster at work: "l was thankful to (Albert) that he
filmed her doing this weaving, because
he only films birds. He doesn't film
people."
People have been an importantpart of Pirkko's life and career as a weaver. She learned the fundamentals of the
craft as a teen-ager from her step-mother
convention of American Handweavers, Spinners and Dyers in California.
use on the loom that she rented."
A highlightof the trip for Pirkko and Albert was a chance to renew the acquaintance of a Maori weaver, Emily Schuster, whom Pirkko had met and
16
coast. Pirkko and Albert were 'treated
Pirkko exhibited the scarf and stole the show in a number of venues around the country at the invitation of people she
had met on a previous visit to New Zealand and Australia, and at a recent
Pirkko and Alberta Karvonen were treated royally by Maorifriends on their worEng holiday in New Zealand.
Traditional Maori weaver Emily Schuster has won internatioanl recognitionfor her work.
befriended during and following Edmon-
ton's CommonwealthGames in 1978. Schuster's traditional Maori techniques include a method of twining similar to work done by natives on Canada's west
in Finland: "She was a wonderfulperson. She allowed me to do whatever I wanted in whatever colours I wanted to Pirkko immigrated to Canada when she was 16, but returned to Finland to study
advanced technique and design at the
Toijala school. There is a strong Finnish influence in her work. "Finnish design is (a process of) simplifying. I have a hard time working with design on design. I
like to take away. I tend to simplify. I
don't put all the detail in."
March/April 1991 Alberta Craft