HAND & SPIRIT CONFERENCE & JURIED SHOW

Workshops:

Spontaneous Geometrics With John Willard

This course is designed to inspire artistic freedom for those who wish to break away from the confines of tradition. It is designed to help experienced quilt makers venture forth into the untried. You will learn how to design and construct a quilt, bypassing the tedious methods of measurements, templates and patterns. You will finally be free from “corners that don't meet exactly!”

BIO: John Willard came to quiltmaking via display, theatre design (costumes and sets), collecting antiques and photography. He began collecting antique quilts in 1972 and made his first quilt in 1975. His quilts reflect his optimism, his shameless use of colour and have been exhibited in many European countries and Canada and the US . John has taught quiltmaking at the Quilt Surface Design Symposium in Columbus , Ohio and at the Haliburton School of Fine Arts.

Fabric & Paper Collage With Judith Martin

Spend an enjoyable (packed) morning by creating beautiful and unique art papers. The afternoon will then be devoted to combining them with fabrics and thread in experimental mixed media work. Judy will offer two formats as starting points but there are no rules. This is a very satisfying way to express the creative self.

BIO: Judith wa s born in Fort Frances and spent the next four decades of her life in North Western Ontario. She attended Lakehead University twice, once at age 19 for a teacher's diploma and again fifteen years later for a fine arts degree. Working in mixed media textile art, Judith has had thirteen solo exhibitions. On The Lake, a wall piece made from stitched photos and satin is in the Canada Council Art Bank.

Shibori Dyeing With Russ Mason

Using pre-reduced indigo the participants will fold, bind, wrap scrunch, wrap and dip silk scarves to create one of a kind pieces. Learn additional Shibori techniques that do not need to be the bull's eyes of the 60's tie dyed t-shirts. Participants will complete 2 silk scarves during this quick paced rubber gloved event.

BIO: Russ Mason is a retired teacher-librarian who has been active in the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Arts community for over 30 years. He has served as chair of the Sault Craft Association, the Algoma Weavers Guild, as well as the Festival of the Arts Committee. Currently he is the President of the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners. This self-taught weaver specializes in functional design for personal comfort and household use. Using looms of various sizes and complexity and multi shaft weaves he explores further the use of design and colour, as well as surface design techniques. He has taught workshops on shibori techniques in parts of Ontario as well as in Michigan.
From Flat to Form: Easy and Versatile Fiber Techniques With Lissa Hunter

Lissa's workshop will focus on simple fiber techniques for structures and surfaces.  This will include looping, twining, needle-weaving, and various other techniques.  These are techniques that can be used both two and three dimensionally, are simple to learn and are very versatile. 

BIO: Lissa's work is in mixed media using a variety of materials. Her craft is basketry and is interwoven with painting, drawing, and textiles. Her work can be found in corporate, private and museum collections in the U.S. Her work has been exhibited extensively in personal and group shows throughout the U.S. Lissa has had major commissions for her work and has also taught at many art schools and colleges throughout Canada and the US . She has also served on various arts boards and has been the recipient of fellowships and residencies. Lissa holds an MFA in Textile Design from Indiana University , Bloomington IN and a BA in Painting from Indiana University , Bloomington IN.

Finding creativity in the studio
Pottery Workshop with Steve Irvine

A demonstration and discussion of how to generate creative new ideas
in your work.

BIO: Steve Irvine began working in clay in 1968 and is a Ceramics Major of Sheridan College, School of Crafts and Design (1971 - 74).

For the past 33 years he has been working as a full time potter on the Bruce
Peninsula in southern Ontario.

Steve has received numerous awards including the John Mather Medal, from the Ontario Crafts Council. He is author of about 55 craft related articles published in Canadian, American, British and Australian magazines, has had his work represented in many books, and has presented workshops internationally.
During the past 36 years, Steve has been in many solo, group and invitational exhibitions. He is the former President of Fusion: The Ontario Clay & Glass Association.

Building Your Successful Craft Career: Getting That Grant - Presented by Ontario Crafts Council

Lisa Wohrle and Peggy Mersereau discuss how to develop clear, concise proposals, the specifics of grant writing, choosing images to support your application, how to successfully pitch your idea, while demystifying the jury process and revealing common mistakes.

BIO'S: Lisa Wohrle is Associate Visual and Media Arts Officer for the Ontario Arts Council, where she is responsible for grant programs that support professional craft artists, organizations and collectives.

Peggy Mersereau is an alumna of the Sheridan College Textile Program and of the Harbourfront Centre residency program. She has received numerous awards, Ontario Arts Council grants, and is involved in two artist-run galleries in Toronto: *new* and Channel.

Building Your Successful Craft Career: Portfolio Photography - Do It Yourself - Presented by Ontario Crafts Council

Through demonstrations, participants will learn how to approach 2 and 3D objects simply, but effectively, using do-it-yourself studio set-ups. Covers lighting, digital point-and-shoot cameras, and preparing images for clients and the web.