Saskatchewan Craft Council News

FEATURE NEWS OF THE WEEK

SCC Fine Craft Auction: Thanks to all the members who have agreed to participate in the Fine Craft Auction being held on Wednesday, February 28th at the Sheraton Cavalier Ballroom in Saskatoon. We have a great selection of work. If you want tickets or know someone who might, please pass on the information by emailing Nisha at saskcraftcouncil@shaw.ca.

ARTS NEWS

Ursulina Stepan exhibition - Portal:
Feb 1-March 14, 2007, Art Gallery of Regina
Ursulina Stepan's work is about transformation, change, and the passage of time. Integral to her work is the material from which it is constructed - handmade paper, a fragile substance subject to rapid deterioration and disintegration. "Portal" includes a number of large scale installation pieces as well as etchings that explore the ephemeral nature of life.

SCC and Year of the Craft: This year has been designated Craft Year 2007. Across Canada, there will be a national celebration of craft. It offers an opportunity to explore Canada’s craft culture in all its diversity and creativity and to engage and educate Canadians about craft practice as a unique and enriching cultural experience that permeates much of our lives.

As an additional promotional vehicle for existing events that are already a part of the Saskatchewan mosaic, the Saskatchewan Craft Council will be sponsoring special events to celebrate Craft Year 2007. The Council hopes to increase awareness of craft in our province, celebrate its beauty and existence in our lives and at the same time promote its importance to the quality of our lives.

We have invited galleries across the province to participate in Craft Year 2007 with a special event or exhibition. SCC has offered to help facilitate their events in any way we can and already there has been a positive response.

Saskatchewan is recognized nationally for its vibrant and dynamic craft presence. We are proud of this and want Saskatchewan people to be proud too. Watch the web site and SCC Bulletin as events become known. If you as a craftsperson are planning an event to celebrate Craft Year 2007, let us know about it. If you haven’t, give it some thought. We envision a fantastic year-long enrichment and celebration of craft in our province.

Federal Funding for the Canada Council: The Canadian Arts Coalition is conducting a campaign to lobby the federal government for increased funding to the Canada Council. For information on this campaign and how you can help, visit the Canadian Arts Coalition.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCC MEMBERS

Fine Craft Guide: During the month of January 2007, the Fine Craft Guide on the SCC Website was visited 508 times! Be sure not to miss out on this inexpensive way to make your Fine Craft accessible to buyers, researchers. To have your own page on the Fine Craft Guide, visit www.saskcraftcouncil.org and click on the Fine Craft Guide link on the top navigation bar. Then, under the main buttons in the centre of the page you will see the following statement: "If you are are an artisan, click here to register for this exciting new service." Follow this link and the required information will be forwarded to Beagle Productions. They will then reply to you with further instructions and, shortly afterwards, your page will appear on the SCC site. The fee is currently $50.00 per year.

Government of Saskatchewan Gifts: The SCC has asked the Government of Saskatchewan to consider using Saskatchewan Craft for gifts to visiting dignatories. We've been asked to help assemble samples for the purchasing agent to examine. The work should be: portable and not fragile and should be for display rather than for individual wear or consumption. They are looking at production or limited edition items from a price range of $15 to $150. If you are interested in having something of yours considered, give Mark (653.3616 ext 27) or Chris (653.3616 ext 24) a call.

Studio class schedule from the Mendel Art Gallery: Download a printable .pdf copy of the latest Mendel class schedule.

Mother's Day Studio Tours: In many other places, promotion of studio tours has been a very effective way for craftspeople to sell their works. We will be organizing a studio tour promotion for Mother’s Day this year. Details will be coming out soon – but in the meantime, think about whether this is something that might work for you, and put spring cleaning on your “to-do” list.

Blacksmithing Class: There will be an advanced Blacksmithing class at the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon Mar 30 and Apr 1. For more information, visit Jake James' website.

Dimensions 2006: You’ve only got one more weeks to see the Dimensions 2006 show in Saskatoon at the SCC Gallery. The exhibition will move to Barr Colony Heritage Cultural Centre, Lloydminster and may be viewed from Mar 1 to Apr 30.

Dimensions 2007: The Brochure for Dimensions 2007 was mailed along with your Bulletin. If you want another copy, go to the SCC website homepage, and download a printable PDF copy from the News section, on the right hand side of the page. Please notify the SCC of your intention to enter by March 8.

Have a productive and profitable week!