FEATURE NEWS OF THE WEEK

Fine Craft Auction: Thanks to all who made the Fine Craft Auction a success. People are telling us they had a great evening - and some have even asked when the next one will be. The final financial figures are not yet in, but the auction (not counting goblet sales) yielded almost $26,000 in sales - before taxes. This will put about $14,000 into the pockets of contributing members.

A few contributors to the auction will have noted that their work was sold for slightly less than the reserve bid. The auctioneer had been granted this authority (within defined limits). In these cases, the contributing craft person will receive 50% of the reserve as their share. Cheques for craftperson's shares will be mailed very shortly.

Thanks everyone, for making the evening a success.

New Email Newsletter "SaskCRAFTchewan": We are pleased to offer a brand new Email Newsletter "SaskCRAFTchewan" which will be sent to Galleries, Arts agencies, Craft Councils, and any other interested persons. The newsletter will have lots of images and links which might not be ideal for those with slower speed internet connections.  Therefore, we will not send SaskCRAFTchewan to all SCC members automatically.  If you would like to receive a copy, we would be happy to add you to our mailing list. Please send an email here with the following text in the Subject area: "Yes, send me SaskCRAFTchewan".  You may unsubscribe any time. 

Trumpet Your Success: We want to hear and share your GOOD NEWS! The Saskatchewan Craft Council loves to promote the success of its members, but we don't always hear about them until they are too late. If you have a particularly large sales success, receive a grant or award, if you are holding a class or exhibition, or if you have teaching or travel opportunities let us know so that we can share your news with others.

The SCC staff is often in contact with media and political figures who are interested in the happenings of our members; the more information that we have about your activities, the more we can support your continued success and growth.

If you have news to pass on to the SCC, email our publications coordinator, Colin Wallace, at scc.editor@shaw.ca .

ARTS NEWS

SCC Gallery Exhibition Clay Inside and Out opens March 10: Saskatchewan clay artists, Judy Tryon and Ken Wilkinson, present architectural ceramics works which redefine and expand the boundaries of studio clay to building decoration.

M. Craig Campbell Exhibition: Craig will be holding a two day show "Forged Iron - Inside/Outside," in the upstairs gallery on Saturday, March 10, 1:00 to 5:00 pm and 7:00 to 9:00 pm, and on Sunday, March 11, 1:00-5:00 pm.

Melvyn Malkin: Melvin is opening a one person show at Ottawa's Snapdragon Gallery on March 2. The show, called Secret Landscapes, features raku wall hangings and pastel on paper drawings. You can check out the Snapdragon Gallery at: www.snapdragongallery.com.

Miranda Jones: Miranda will host an exhibition, "CATS IN CONTEXT AND A DOG OR TWO," at the Darrell Bell Gallery. The exhibition opens Sunday, March 18, 2:00 to 5:00 pm and continues to March 31.

MEMBER SUCCESS

Jean E. Sonmor has had a piece titled "I Just Wanna Be Loved By You"  accepted in the following show:

North Vancouver Arts Council Presents: The Jean Jacket Show "From June Cleaver to Jane Fonda.  The show runs from March 2 to March 31, at CityScape Community Art Space, 335 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver BC. Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 12:00-500 pm.

This group exhibition features embellished jean jackets as icons of rebellion by women over 50 who have participated in the major social changes of the feminist movement. These works trace their journey and transformation which set new principles and ideals for society today.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCC MEMBERS

Marketing Opportunity: Mother's Day Studio Tours: The SCC would like to try a Studio Tour Promotion on Mother’s Day (May 13th). We need to know if there is enough interest in this to proceed. Here’s how it would work:

• Participating Craftspeople would open their studios to the public and market directly to visitors on Mothers’ Day.
• The SCC would publish two brochures – one highlighting studios in and around Regina and one for studios in and around Saskatoon.
• Each participating Craftsperson would have a page in the brochure – outlining them, their work, and their location.
• The SCC would also print and market gift certificates that would be redeemable at every participating studio.
• The SCC would advertise the event and sell gift certificates with the sales pitch of “Get your mother something she’d really like – a work of Saskatchewan Fine Craft – and spend an afternoon with her visiting studios so that she can pick it out.”

Cost to participating Craftspeople: The SCC would operate this promotion on a cost-recovery, break even basis. Artist fees and commission rates would be spent on printing the brochure and advertising the event. The cost to participating craftspeople would be:

• An up-front fee of $75 to pay for the production of the brochure and initial advertising; and
• Gift certificates would be redeemed at 80% of face value. In essence, this would represent 20% commission for the printing, advertising and sales expense of getting the customer to your studio doorstep.
• Any cash sales that you generate as a result of the visit would not be subjected to any additional fee or commission.

Fine Craft Guide: During the month of February 2007, the Fine Craft Guide on the SCC Website was visited even more than in January (582 visitors)! 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 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, payable to the Saskatchewan Craft Council.

Clay Re-Jury Session: We plan to continue the Clay Re-Jury process early this spring in Regina for those who were not part of the September session in Saskatoon. Each marketing member juried in Clay will receive information about the session when details are finalized.

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 by 5:00pm.

Fishing Lodge Catalogue: The Fishing Lodge catalogue is at the printers, and will be distributed early next week.

Government of Saskatchewan Gifts: The SCC has asked the Government of Saskatchewan to consider using Saskatchewan Craft for gifts to visiting dignitaries. 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, phone Mark (653.3616 ext 27) or Chris (653.3616 ext 24).

Have a productive and profitable week!