René Trim’s Art & Crafts: Citizens of Craft movement

March 14 was a big day for Craft Ontario, as it marked the official launch of the non-for-profit’s “Citizens of Craft” movement which is aimed at reclaiming the word “Craft”. The push for the movement came after Craft Ontario, in partnership with Canadian Crafts Federation and all provincial and territorial craft councils in Canada, started to become concerned that the ‘craft’ designation was becoming synonymous with large corporations pushing the idea of handmade.

Executive director Emma Quin of Craft Ontario explains:  “There’s ‘handcrafted’ coffee, ‘handcrafted’ cars, ‘handcrafted’ everything –giving the illusion that the items are made by one person and not in a factory. It seems the word is being used in much more massed marketing because it is seen as a sexy word. As we’ve seen that happen more and more, we find that it’s diluting and complicating our own messages. It’s time we take craft and move it to the forefront. It’s really important we emphasize that sense of understanding and awareness, as well as an appreciation for what craft is in our community.”

According to Quin, “Citizens of Craft” is meant to be a movement for everyone. “It’s for those who are keen to develop their own style and aesthetic. It’s for those who value the idea of handcrafted, one-of-a kind pieces, whether it’s made from ceramics, glass or wood.  It’s for makers, it’s for appreciators, and it’s for collectors. It’s for anyone who really values the idea of local products that are, in fact, handmade by an artist.”

The launch, which took place in Toronto, invited the public to become citizens of craft by sharing stories and ideas of original craft items through social media using the hashtag #CitizensofCraft and by visiting the website www.citizensofcraft.ca The movement comes complete with a 10-point manifesto found on the website.

For more information on Craft Ontario, visit www.craftontario.com

Upcoming events

** T.H.A.T.  Spring Craft Fair **

When: Saturday 21 March from 10 am to 3 p.m.

Where: Jack Purcell Community Center (room 203), 320 Jack Purcell Lane, Ottawa.

Admission is free but donations for a local not for profit dog rescue, New Beginnings Pet Rescue., will be accepted. Please look for jars at the front table for all monetary donations. T.H.A.T. will also be accepting dog toys, food, blankets, beds, etc. Visit their Facebook page for more details.

** The Baby Show **

When: Saturday 21 March (9 am to 6 pm) and Sunday 22 March (10 am to 5 pm)

Where: EY Centre, Hall 2, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa.

A jam-packed event filled with over 150 exhibitors showcasing the latest in prenatal, post partum and baby & toddler products and services. Talk to the experts face-to-face, attend free expert seminars, ask all the questions you have been seeking the answers for, entertain your entire family and walk away with tons of free samples and giveaways! Visit the show’s website for more information

** Ottawa Antique and Vintage Market **

When: Saturday 21 March (10 am to 5 pm) and Sunday 22 March (10 am to 4 pm)

Where; The Fieldhouse at Carleton University, Bronson at Sunnyside, Ottawa.

Discover the best antiques, vintage & retro all in one venue! If you’ve never been to the show before, you will be surprised at the amazing inventory that you just won’t see anywhere else. Discover unique finds for you, your home, condo or cottage. The show attracts thousands of shoppers who love to browse the 30,000 sq./ft. of fabulous antique and vintage finds! Details can be found here .

_ Clément Hoeck is one of the participating artists in the Pakenham Maple Run Studio Tour _

** Pakenham Maple Run Studio Tour **

Indulge in sweet maple products and meet local craftspeople and local artists in the historic village of Pakenham and surrounding area  on March 21 and 22 during the 13th Pakenham Maple Run Studio Tour. The Tour includes Fulton’s Pancake House & Sugar Bush and several tour stops. At the various venues there will be glass blowing, paintings in oil/ mixed media/ acrylic and water colour, up cycled painted pots, fine wood working, photography, jewellery, pottery in various forms, miniature quilting, leather work, woven garments and many more unique one of a kind arts and crafts to be discovered. Maps and detailed tour destination descriptions can be picked up at Fulton’s Sugar Bush, at any tour stop along the way (look for the green maple leaf sign), or at the Pakenham General Store. Visit the website for more information.

_ That’s all for now; have a creative week, folks! _