CRAFT IN BC
Guest contribution by Yvonne Chui
The Crafts Association of British Columbia (CABC) celebrates both its 35th anniversary and Craft Year in 2007. A charitable arts service organization, it provides leadership in the craft community by building and promoting the development, viability and appreciation of Canadian Fine Craft. We work with fine craft professionals and local, provincial and national arts organizations to promote the development of excellence in crafts. Since 1972 we have been making craft more significant in the cultural life of British Columbians and Canadians. Programs and services educate the public in fine craft practices and trends and meet the needs of its membership, craft artists, educators, students and the public through exhibits, publications, workshops, presentations, demonstrations, resource library and scholarship opportunities.
We invite you to discover a hidden "gem" operated by the CABC on Granville Island between Festival House and the False Creek Community Centre: Crafthouse Shop & Gallery features the best juried handmade work by hundreds of craft artists from BC and across Canada in clay, fibre, metal, wood, glass and mixed media. Unique and functional work that is a thing of beauty and a joy forever. New exhibits in our public gallery space every month reflect our diverse culture and Canadian identity. Admission is free and open year round. We welcome submissions of new work in any craft medium for the Shop and Gallery on a regular basis. See www.cabc.net/mem_sect/Chshop.html for guidelines and details. In addition, we organize small exhibits of work by emerging artists at a satellite gallery space at the Jericho Arts Centre.
In partnership with Opus Framing & Art Supplies, the CABC will present a series of demonstration workshops dedicated to fine craft and 3D art. Craft is all around us, giving pleasure as well as serving a function for thousands of years and across all cultures. The series is part of a national initiative, Craft Year 2007 celebration of craft. Across Canada over 550 exhibits, events and programs at museums/galleries, community centres, arts councils, colleges and festivals were presented with a focus on fine craft this year.
To find more details on Craft Year 2007 in BC and across Canada and about the craft artists below, visit www.cabc.net or call 604-687-6511. The CABC will present an inspirational exhibition of innovative handmade works of art in "Contemporary Craft in BC: Excellence within Diversity" at the Vancouver Museum (early spring 2008) in celebration of Craft Year. The exhibition and educational programming explores British Columbia's diverse and internationally recognized craft artists. A professional jury selected over 80 artists and works in every medium for the exhibit. They exemplify innovation, creativity, excitement and discipline. In the meantime, we look forward to introducing more craft artists and mediums, just check out the demos section.
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