HISTORY of the Saskatchewan Craft Council

In 1975, fifty-two Saskatchewan artisans organized themselves into a determined force with a single voice and a common purpose. That purpose was to promote and raise the profile of Saskatchewan artisans, improve the quality of work produced, and facilitate communication among their membership.

The young organization sustained its purpose with an incredible energy. In the period between 1975 and 1979, the Saskatchewan Craft Council (SCC) helped to organise workshops throughout the province which included: photography, felting, clay handbuilding, weaving, tapestry, metal-casting, pottery, spinning, stained glass, copper enamelling, jewellery making, how to run a business and produce crafts, and advertising.

In 1976, the SCC provided the first jurors for the prestigious Dimensions exhibition, held in Battleford, which saw its 30th anniversary in 2006. This travelling exhibition showcases some of the very best Fine Craft in the province and awards several prizes to participants. The show has evolved along with its contributors and there is an increased acceptance of controversial pieces, some which transcend genre. Dimensions now holds the Awards Ceremony at the exhibition’s opening at Saskatchewan’s largest public art gallery – the Norman MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina – before touring to locations both inside and outside of the province.

Helping Craft artisans and artists market their work has always been a key activity of the SCC. It began in the Battlefords with the Saskatchewan Handcraft Festival in 1976. This craft market has been joined by Wintergreen (a Christmas market in Regina) and Waterfront (an outdoor summer market in Saskatoon in partnership with the Mendel Art Gallery). In 2003, the annual Expo event was added to provide a market for high end, one-of-a-kind Fine Craft. This event alternates between Saskatoon and Regina. The SCC is also developing non-traditional paths to market for its members – such as the internet based Fine Craft Guide.

Another key activity of the SCC has been promoting Fine Craft and the accomplishments of Saskatchewan craftspeople. From 1977 to 2003, the primary vehicle for this was The Craft Factor magazine. This has been replaced by different print and electronic vehicles, including this website.

In 1991, the SCC moved into its current location at 813 Broadway Avenue in Saskatoon. This location included a storefront public gallery, which has been the site of many exhibitions of Saskatchewan Fine Craft, as well as national, and international work.

The SCC has also been working to promote public knowledge of Fine Craft – through street demonstrations, educational outreach to schools and projects such as one providing craft education to youth-at-risk at Kilburn Hall.

For professional craftspeople, the SCC continues its dynamic role in developing Fine Craft, providing mentors for emerging artisans, and organizing regular workshops, classes, sales and exhibitions. Traditional work continues to thrive alongside the audacious and experimental. Throughout its history, individuals and Guilds sought out the best practitioners of craft and, with the assistance of the SCC, brought them to Saskatchewan to teach. Eventually, Saskatchewan artisans reciprocated, and have been invited all over the world to share technical and artistic expertise. By developing world-class artists and artisans, many of whom have been nominated or have won major national prizes, and providing venues such as the Emma Collaboration which has attracted hundreds of participants over the years, Saskatchewan is now firmly established in the global craft community.

The SCC receives funding through the Saskatchewan Arts Board, Heritage Canada, SaskCulture, Saskatchewan Lotteries, the Saskatchewan Department of Culture, Youth and Recreation and the City of Saskatoon. Funding for specific projects has been provided by a range of government agencies, corporations and charitable foundations. This generous support, combined with proceeds from the SCC’s marketing activity and the support of craftspeople and craft lovers make the ongoing work of the SCC possible.