CRAFT
ISSN 0826-7421
ALBERTA CRAFTS COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER, 1985
Tø encourage and sustain the development of crafts through programs and activities based on the identified and timely needs of craftspeople in the province;
TO assist in the economic viability of craft production in the province through marketing programs, promotions and displays;
Tø act as liaison between craftspeople. crafts organizations, government agencies and the public facilitating the exchange of
enhance the public awareness of Alberta crafts through exhibitions. media
information and co-ordinating group activities;
contacts and publications;
Tø
maintain a continuing dialogue with
foster quality standards in all crafts
seminars andother educational through endeavors.publicizing design awards and
jurors' comments, and generally encouraging best efforts in all areas of craft creatiom
ø investigate andgenerate resources for craftspeople, suchasscholarships and grants, markets forcrafts. aslideregistry anda resource library.
craftspeople throughout the province,
especially those in rural areas, through regional representatives and local organizations;
COUNCILCONTACTS PRESIDENT
VICE.PRESIDENT Bobbi Hoffman Stony Plain
Bonnie Murdoch Calgary 246-6674
963-3042
SECRETARY
TREASURER
MargaretBest Calgary 252-7196
Don Smitten Edmonton 475-5593
DIRECTORS Leni Balaban
Edmonton 471-5082 Karen Cantine Edmonton 452-5615 Sarabeth Carnat Calgary 251-2437 Don Doherty
Annette Greenberg Edmonton 487-0714 Katherine Hutton Edmonton 467-6611 Tony Mandamin Edmonton Ian Medland
Stony Plain
Edmonton 432-1109
AREA REPRESENTATIVES Shannon Read Red Deer 340-1734
Wendy Schneider Bruderheim 796-3080
Jan Slaughter Fort McMurray 791-6881
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Beverley Glover Edmonton, Office
#509, 10136
- 100 st.
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J OPI
(403)428-1654
HANDSPIRITS EXHIBITION CO-ORDINATOR Carol Sheehan 823. 15 street, N.W. Calgary, Alberta
T5J OPI
(403)270-2295
Page2
ATTENTION CRAFT ORGANIZATIONS! Our records need updating. The Alberta Crafts
Council would like to again request that all member craft organizations drop us a line stating current address, phone number, executive and
organizationcontact people.
Your co-operation in keeping us informed would be greatly appreciated.
Handweavers,Spinners and Dyers of Alberta Muriel Prior Karen Reynolds Secretary Representative Box 1713 Wildwood, Alberta Vegreville, Alberta TOE 2MO TOB 4L0 (325-2170) (632-4793)
Edmonton Weavers Guild President: Jean Connor Vice-President: Joanne Verveda Secretary: Chris Tomaschuk Treasurer: Nell Vande Guchte
P.O.Box 4032
Edmonton, Alberta
T6E 4S8 HANDCRAFT ON STAGE Those of you who watched the opening of the Calgary Centre for the Performing Arts on television may have noticed the gorgeous dress worn by MARTHA COHEN, the Centre's Founding President.
The blue, pink and violet silk was hand dyed by
ACC member, CHRIS DANCEY. Chris has a
studio, open to the public in Calgary. WELCOME LYNN The Alberta Crafts Council Board of Directors wish to welcome Lynn Hunter-Johnstonas Area Representative for Lethbridge and area. Being a craftsperson herself, Lynn recognizes, and is preparedto meet the challenges faced by
the Alberta crafts community.
co
Memo from the President
1988 - so far into the future, plenty of time of
plan ACC participation in
Olympics,
right?
Well,
not
the
Calgary
Winter
exactly.
To be successful, any high profile event re-
quires careful planning with adequate lead time. When complex ideas are combined with a large number of participants and a need to raise funds, the lead time necessarily lengthens. In the case of
ACC's Olympic profile, the time to organize is now, so that very early '86 will see the start of actualizing our dreams. In preliminary discussions regarding our Olym-
pic plans, the ACC Directors have considered
ways to offer most ACC members worthwhile par-
ticipation.To date, we are aiming for some form of craft marketingas well as an exhibition.ACC intends to develop a parallel workshop series to address areas in which our members would like to build their skills. I am asking you now for your input on the ACC's
'88 Olympic plans. These are two areas, selling and showing work, in which craftspeople certainly
have opinions, needs and wants. From now until Christmas, I am available to speak to any group of people who would like to brainstorm on our possibilities or simply to stay in touch with ACC's
specific plans to date. You can also, as individuals, call me at home for informationor to share your ideas. My THANKS to the members who have called me lately to offer feedback, moral support and their time and skills. It has been a pleasure to talk with you, as well as heartening to receive your offers to help. THANKS also to the many volunteers
who have worked on HANDSPIRITS. By the time you read this newsletter,HANDSPIRITS will have had its first opening at Beaverhouse, Alberta Culture's gallery, in Edmonton. Be sure to see inside for your "hold the presses" review of the opening night's festivities. Sincerely,
BonnieMurdoch
ACC President
Notes from the Exhibition Co-ordinator
WOODWORKER HENRY SCHLOSSER "BEST IN SHOW" AWARD WINNER IN THE HANDSPIRITS EXHIBITION
The ALBERTA CRAFTS COUNCIL is pleased to announce the awardingof a $1000cash prize to woodworkerHENRY SCHLOSSER of Calgary. His entry in the HANDSPIRITS exhibition was a beautifully finished coffee table with a birch top and a Brazilian rosewood. A native of Grassy Lake, Alberta, Henry came to Calgary around 1941. Though he says that, "l started furniture building when I was in high school," he acknowledges that his first experience with woodworking and furniture building
in particular came from his father. The senior Schlosser was one of the original pioneers in Alberta in 1905, and not only built the family home, but created all the furnitureas well. Since then, Henry writes, "I taught myself the
craft with the guidance and assistance of various mentors in the field. My knowledge of design came from working in various architectural offices for the past 30 years. The design, drafting, and perspective drawings have been of invaluable assistance in helping me put my ideas on paper
beforebuilding any furniture. "To me design is the backbone of furniture building. There is a lot of furniture on the market
that is poorly designed - really not to my liking. This fact pushed me into designing my own furniture, and building it." Of the winning entry, the artist writes, "This
rosewood-birchcoffee tables was designed with the idea of using two contrasting woods together
and using exposed and bold joinery to enhance each material's character. The basic design and proportions were initially drawn on paper but modified during construction until the design aesthetic was satisfied." It was interesting to discover from Henry something about the origins of his coffee table design. "That particulartable was an experimental thing - a break away from the traditional design of furniture. I decided to do it, did the drawings for it, and then there was nobody to say 'no' to me, so I did it! After innumerable sketches, I began work. Even before finishing the table, I experimented with numeroussamples of finishing techniques." In a recent phone interview, I asked him for his reaction to winning the A.C.C. "Best In Show" award. He replied that he was at first a bit dumbfounded - that it took a while for the award to become a reality. "Initially," he said, "l was more interested in the fact that I made it through the jurying into the show!" For the past ten years Henry has been teaching furniture building for the Calgary Board of Educa-
tion Adult Education Division, and recently, he was awarded a 10 year certificate from that in. stitution. Presently, he continues to live and work
in Calgary, occasionally showing the masterfully designed furniturewith exhibitions sponsored by the Southern Alberta Woodworkers Society, of which he is a distinguished member.Congratula-
tions Henry!
Page 3
Handspirits Beaverhouse Gallery was filled to capacity with excited craft makers and aficonados when HAND• SPIRITS opened for its first showing, in Edmonton
on September 14th. One enthusiastic patron remarked that he hadn't enjoyed such a good evening in years! Handmade was very much in evidence throughout the crowds, as well as the show itself.
Painted silks, exquisite applique, fine weaving, silver and plastics came out for inspection and
added extra pleasure to the evening for keen-eyed artisans.
The Jurors' Awards were presented by the Council's President, Bonnie Murdoch to HENRY SCHLOSSER (Best of Show) and also to BEVERLY FALKEID and MURRAY GIBSON (Awards of Merit). Vice-President, Bobbie Hoffman then in-
troduced MAUREEN McTEER, an honorary patron, who officially opened HANDSPIRITS with a warm and personal speech. Her presence added a nice touch of "occasion" to the opening, all the
more appreciated as she attended in spite of a traumatic afternoon in Ottawa that day when daughter Catherine broke her arm. MS. McTEER found HANDSPIRITS interesting enough to volunteer to also open the show in Vancouver next July. Guests who were lucky enough to meet here at the opening found her to be a delightful person.
An ancillary exhibition to HANDSPIRITS, a
selection of work by Edmontonians, drew the
crowd upstairs to the Fourth Floor of
Beaverhouse. Guests circulated freely between the two shows, ideas and opinions seemed to flow just as easily. And the smiles! Wine and refreshments beautifully presentedin the Boardroom,objects beautifully presented in the galleries, catalogues and hasti-notes snapped up by appreciative buyers — it was an all around great evening!
HANDSPIRITS Exhibition Co-ordinator,carol Sheehan and her generous volunteers are to be applauded for having accomplished so much in so little time. While the seeds for HANDSPIRITS were planted long ago, the spectacular exhibition which opened on schedule, Saturday, September 14, 1985, is
the result of only eight months of cooperative effort, and unheard of time-framefor a show of this calibre. Congratulations al/ around!! Page 4
OVATIONS"
"HANDSPIRITS
is extraordinary! It HANDSPIRITS demonstrates the talents and creative
abilities of Albertans. The work would stand up with similar work being done anywhere Phyllis
in the world.
Matousek
Visual Arts Writer The Edmonton Journal HANDSPIRITS
is
small
gallery
one
of
the
best
crafts displays I've seen. Its professional,
timate
yet uncrowded
format
is an
context
in-
within
which each piece is both highlighted in itself and an integral part of the overall
show. In a way it is symbolic of the friendly and down to earth spirit of the crafts community itself. Mark Wolf
O
U of A - Gateway
FUTURE
CRAFT
FUTURE CRAFT
ENTERPRISES
is the first
phase of a museum which will be devoted to models and toys. Located in McKenzie House, a registered historical building, 8603 - 104th Street,
the museum and store is within easy walking distance from Whyte Avenue, on the 43 bus route
and is included in the walking tour of OLD STRATHCONA. When open to the public, the museum will be a
non-profit, admission
privately owned establishment with no charge and will feature the work and
collections of local model craftspersons as well as many of the models built by the proprietor and
available from the store.
The store, FUTURE CRAFT ENTERPRISES is the major importers of card and paper models
from Europe and the United States. Ranging from simple cut-outs for the small child to highly detail-
ed professional kits, these models cover a wide
span of subjects including castles, famous
buildings, ships, planes, cars, trains, etc. The first phase of the museum is targeted for early summer of 1986. For further information, phone 433-4512 or 435-1206.
FUTURE CRAFT ENTERPRISES BUSINESS HOURS: Thursday/Friday: 6:00 • 9:00 p.m. Satur-
day 10:00 - 6:00 p.m.
CLASSIFIEDS EDMONTON WEAVERS GUILD
Edmonton Weavers Guild is holding their Annual Sale and Exhibition on Saturday, November 2, 1985at Lister Hall (U of A) located at 87th Avenue and 116th Street, Edmonton, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. $1.00 Admission Parking at the Jubilee Auditorium
For further informationcontact: Karin at 471-2488or Barb at
452-3387.
SEVEN ARTS CLUB The Seven Arts Club is an Edmonton based organization incorporated in 1977 to help people in all disciplines of the arts.
Along with monthly meetings, the Seven Arts Club has a showcase of events and a membershipdrive each year. Proceeds from membershipdrives, arts and crafts sales,
and other fundraising projects go towards scholarship funds for arts and crafts. These funds are available to their member-
ship.
Membership in the Seven Arts Club is $15.00. For more infor-
mationon membershipcontact: Hal Hennie President
14107- BeunaVistaRoad Alberta Edmonton,
T6R5S2
WESTERNWORKS
MANITOBASPRING CRAFT SALE O
April 30. May 4, 1986
WINNIPEGCONVENTIONCENTRE Spring Craft Sale applicationsalso act as applicationsto
the 1986 Manitoba Christmas Craft Sale.
Contact: Ron Mark, 500 - 338 Broadway, Winnipeg,
NEEDED
Artisans and Handcrafts for the Sundog Handcraft Pleasure Faire, Saturday, November 30, 1985 and Sunday, December 1, 1985. Saskatchewan Field House, Preston Avenue & College Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. For more information: Sundog Headquarters, 904 Argyle Avenue, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7H 2W1, 1-306-955-9118. To members, friends and all those wishing to frame. Prints Charming 1409 11 Street, S.W.
Calgary, Alberta
Contact: Susan Mawer Phone: 229-0220 Discount Available
THIRD ANNUAL SHOW AND SALE
The Northern Alberta Wood Carvers' Association will be having their 'Third Annual Show and Sale' at Victoria Composite High School, 10210- 108 Avenue. Saturday, October 19, 1985 (2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) Sunday, October 20, 1985 (10:00a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) The competition is open to all wood carvers with sales tables available (including table cloths). For more information, please contact: Bill Pridmore Ralph Craven 11424- 77 Avenue 4116- 126 Street or Edmonton, Alberta Edmonton, Alberta
T6C 01-8
Phone: 436-2470
T6J 2A4
Phone: 435-6939
Manitoba, R3C 0T3, phone (204) 942-8580.
Great Christmas Ideas for Xmas cards - Thank you. "HANDSPIRITS" catalogues and hasti-notes will be for sale
by theAlbertaCraftsCounciloffice.
Limitedquanity! Catalogues $5.00ea. Hasti.Notes $5.00ea. (Packageof eight)
contact:ACC Office,#509,10136- 100st., Edmonton, Alberta, (428-1654).
SINICUS SILK CO. (RL߀RTR) LTD.
WE SPECIALIZE IN • Silks, Wools, and European
Qotic fabrics
• Silk Dyes (Steam or Non-Steam)
OPPORTUNITY
AnnetteandBasilGreenberghavethepleasureof announc-
ing the opening of Annette's Pottery & Gift Store in West Edmonton Mall Phase IJJ. We are looking for a unique variety of handcrafted articles.
Phone:487-0714 orwrite:
AnnetteGreenberg,
7612- 182street Edmonton, Alberta T5TIZ6 ANNETTE'S
Congratulations and BestWishes to
AnnetteandBasil Greenberg fromthe AlbertaCrafts Council
UniqueCanadian handcrafted gifts: Pottery, weaving, silk scarves, educational toys and more.
• Hand-hemmed Scarves • Silk Threads
• üclusive resist applicator with metal tip
• "Painting on Silk" Classes, Books, and Supplies • One day workshop offered by professional silk painters.
Wholesale and Retail VOLUME DISCOUNTS AND MAIL ORDER AVAILABLE
o Silk Fabrics& accessories o Ste.300. 229. 11thave.s.e. Calgary, Riberta T2GOY1 (403) 263-2264 Page 5
A Patch in time
It was obvious from the first registrant arrived at the Banff Centre at 1:00 p.m. on August 30, that expectations and excitement were running high for this third bi-annual quilt conference. "A Patch in Time", '85. By the time all 276 delegates had ar-
rived, they were buzzing, literally bursting at the
seams with enthusiasm for the varied and intense
weekend program that lay ahead. The conference,sponsoredby Leisure Learning Services of the City of Calgary Parks and Recreation Department and the Calgary Board of Education, Continuing Education Services Department, attracts participants from all across North
America. Instructors at this year's conference were Judy Florence of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Barbara Fraser of West Vancouver, B.C., Marilyn Holowachuk of Grimsby, Ontario (Editor of
of "A Patch in Time", but until now, has been an invitational show only. This year, it was decided to showcase some of the excellent work being done right here in Alberta, with a juried show for
Alberta quiltmakers. From a total of 42 entries, 23
met the standards of high quality established by the jury, and the jurors' award went to "Underwater Fantasy", a hand-painted silk wonder designed and executed by Chris Dancey of Calgary. The distinguished panel of jurors were Pam Godderis, a well-known teacher and quiltmaker; Bente Pilgaard, Director of Form and Funciton Design Academy; and WendyToogood,
Textile Artist and instructor at the A.C.A., all from Calgary.
Bonnie Murdoch, President of the Alberta Crafts Council, did the honors of opening the Canada Quilts, Canada's only.Quilt Magazine), show, and presenting Chris with the award, which Mary Ellen Hopkins of Santa Monica, California, was generously donated by the Alberta Crafts Anne Larock of Beachville, Ontario, Jean Ray Council and the Canada Council. Laury of Fresno, California, Betty MacGregor of In her remarks, Bonnie spoke of craft as a comMississauga, Ontario, Maria McCormick-Snyder munication tool, first as an internal monologue of Cazenovia, New York, Eleanor Podl of Regina, during the creative process, secondly with a wider Saskatchewan, Helen Rickards from Tustin, audience through exhibitors. She also spoke of California, Anne Severson, Lynnie Wonfor and the Alberta Crafts Council and how we as craftDianne Sutton of Calgary. speople could help and benefit from the associaDelegates hailed from as far away as New- tion. foundland, and one lucky lady from New Zealand; The conference continued until Tuesday, they were from every age group and many dif- September 3, with daily workshops, a fabulous ferentwalks of life - much like a patchworkquilt. fashion show featuring designers from across Through a variety of lectures and workshops, Canada, a stimulating"Show and Tell", closing participants were able to explore new ideas with a gala banquetwith guest speaker Jean Ray related to quilting, make designs on the home Laury from Fresno, California, who, in her lecture computer, unravel the mysteries of traditional "Magic Beans" spoke about identifying risks, takAmish quilts and their colour relationships, or ing chances and trusting your creative self. learn how to care for their future heirlooms, and Mr. Stan Perrott,past principal of the A.C.A. much more. was M.C. for the evening, and Mr. Jim Fetterley, Twenty-four different workshops were offered, Executive director of the Banff/Lake Louise as well as two intense panel discussions — one Chamber of Commerce added a jocular hospitalion "Artist or Artisan" (wheredo quiltmakersfit ty by declaring those persons travelling furthest in?), and "Who Are the Winners?;; (on judging and to attend the conference, Honorary Citizens of v the criteria for same). Banff/Lake Louise. The opening ceremonies for "A Patch in Time" The conferencedrew to a close with energies 1985 began at 7:00 p.m. on August 30 with a lighthigh, appetities whetted, and enough inspiration hearted look at quilting, through the eyes of Mary and ideas to keep fingers nimble for another two Ellen Hopkins, quiltmaker, shop owner and enter- years. tainer par excellence from Santa Monica, CaliforAs one delegate said in her evaluation"...to nla. This was followed by a reception in the foyer have so many different people together with one of the Eric Harvie Theatre to mark the official common interest - I really felt..."quilter" opening for the accompanying quilt exhibit legitimate title...it's (to be) taken seriously." is a "Thimbles and Thistles". A quilt exhibit has always been an Integral part Caro/ Campbell Leisure Learning page 6
City of Calgary
SNAG '85
The Society of North American Goldsmiths met
in Toronto, June 12 - 15, 1985. The conference was a conglomerate of jewellers from Canada, the U.S.
and Europe. Unfortunatley, it was one of the coldest June's in Toronto and I'm afraid our U.S. colleagues confirmed their beliefs about igloos and ice north of the 49th parallel. But, besides the weatherthe conference was a big hit. My hat goes off to the Ontario Crafts Council, and the Metal Arts Guild for their superb organization. Housing, meals, workshops, seminars, lectures and panels were well co-ordinated.
Seminar leaders at the conference included
Helen Drutt, Founder/Directorof the Helen Drutt Gallery, Philadelphia, James Evans, Toronto Artist/Jeweller,OttoJunzli, Swiss Jeweller living in Munich, a former student of Herman Junger,
Jamie Bennett, Enamellst, Lois Bettridge, Silversmith,Albert Paley, Charles Lewton, Brian
Michael, Rowe and Adam Smith. The theme of the conference seemed to be the new jewellery by Peter Dormer and Ralph Turner. In my judgement there is a strong movement away from precious beautiful and permanent objects.
It was very interesting interacting with goldsmiths from all over the U.S. and Canada. Next year's conferenceis plannedfor August in Flaggstaff, Arizona so metal people ... keep it in mind. Sarabeth Carnat ACC Director
CALLS FOR ENTRY • GALLERIES
CALL FOR ENTRY
The Cartwright Street Gallery is sponsoring the FIRST AN-
NUAL NATIONALEXHIBITIONOF SMALL SCALE FINE ARTS. To be held: October 31 - December 8, 1985 at Cartwright Street Gallery 1411 Cartwright Street Vancouver, B.C. V6H 3R7 (604-687-8266) This year fibre: subsequent years clay, metal and wood. Direct all enquiries to: Marie Shaw-Rimmington Cartwright Street Gallery
MARKETING TAGS
The ACC office has marketingtags availablefor our membersat a break-evencost of $3.00 per 100 (Includes
postage).
Anyone interested in obtaining these tags for their display items are asked to contact the ACC office.
CAMEO'SCANADIANCRAFT SALE
Western Canada's most successful Craft Sale - May 1st to May 4th, 1986. Fourth Spring Show. Outstanding 4-day sales in 1985. CONTACT: Eleanor Bercov 13803- 91 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5R Phone: (403) 484-0736. Exhibitor Fee includes draped booth, electrical outlets, table, chairs, shopping bags, passes, exhibitor's lounge, free booth relief service, program of exhibitors. JURIED: Deadline - December 15th, 1985
CERAMICS SYMPOSIUM
The 4th InternationalCeramics Symposium of the Institute for Ceramic History will be held in Toronto,October 16 - 17, 1985, The program theme is EDGES - In Thought . . In History . . In Clay - and is directed towards the recognition of ceramic artists, past, present and future, Who have challenged and changed the scope of their medium's tradition within the format of the vessel and the figure. For more Information,contact: Ann Mortimeror Margaret Melchiori-MaIouf, 878 Younge St., Toronto, Ontario, M4W2JI, (416)968-0455.
COVERGENCE '86 July 17-20, 1986 The biennial conference Of the Handweavers Guild of
America, for the first time in Canada a major fibre event preceded and followed by workshops. Open to 2500 registrants. Co-hosted by the Ontario Crafts
Council. Information:
Covergence '86 346 Dundas Street West Toronto, Ontario
M5TIG5
GALLERIES
Beaver House Gallery "Handspirits Exhibition" of traditional and contemporary fine Alberta Craft September 14 - October 19, 1985. 3rd Flr., 10158- 103 Street, Edmonton, Alberta and ''The Upstairs Show". A wide range of Edmonton area crafts. 4th Flr., Beaver House Gallery. Alberta College of Art/Gallery "Graphex 9 & Whirl-I-Gigs" commissioned and collected September 12 - October 9 1407 - 14th Avenue, N.W. Calgary, Alberta Oppertshauser House: Featuring Raku Pottery by Valerie Moss 5019 - 51 Street Stony Plain, Alberta September 26 - October 22 •11:00a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
MUTTARTGALLERY
MargaretKing is showing her fabric constructions in the
Muttart Gallery, Emerging Artists Program. October 24 - November 19, 1985
THE SILVERSMITH PRESENTS:
September 9 - October 5 Marvelous combinations of metal and textures are part of the evolving changes displayed in Mr. Medland's highly praised work. October 7 - November 2 Karen Cantine's celebrated silversmithing skills are evident in her beautifully crafted pieces.
The Silversmith
10851Whyte Avenue Edmonton, Alberta
T6E 2B2
Page 7
CR„FTs
C0UNCIL #509
10136
- 100 st.
Edmonton, Alta. T5J OPI (403) 428-1654
o