European Tour for My Corner of the World - Canada!

Rusty Gate by Penny Berens

Those of you following this blog know that eight textile artists from Atlantic Canada have work in My Corner of the World - Canada, a regional SAQA exhibition. 

Participating artists recently got the exciting news of the exhibit's upcoming tour of Europe. The pieces are now in France, being readied for a one-year tour with the European Patchwork / Carrefour European du Patchwork show circuit. 

The first two venues have been announced:

September 14-17, 2017: 
European Patchwork Meeting
Saint-Marie-aux-Mines, Alsace, France (Read about this premiere event on the tour website)


October 19-22, 2017:
Abilmente Mostra-Atelier Internazionale della Manualita Creativa 
Vicenza, Italy

Stayed tuned to learn where our pieces go next!

SAQA's All-Canadian exhibition, My Corner of the World Canada, on display at the Ailsa Craig Quilt Festival, June 8th-11th, 2017

My Corner of the World (Canada) invited the artist to create a glimpse of the spirit of Canada; to convey through their art something true, meaningful and important about this beautiful country and its people.

Kate Madeloso (Nova Scotia) – Fundy Flame Agate

This juried show of 40 art quilts includes eight from Atlantic Canada. It has garnered much media attention during stays in Stratford and Thunder Bay. A Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal review stated:

“Words don’t do justice to the exquisite colour and artistry of the quilts on exhibit... You can’t rush through this exhibit. Each work will pull you in. Some will tug at your emotions, others will inspire memories, but all of them will make you think.”

My Corner of the World Canada will be on display at the annual Ailsa Craig (Ontario) Community Quilt Festival, June 8th-11th.

The exhibit is available for travel. Contact SAQA Traveling Exhibitions Coordinator, William Reker, to learn how to bring this wonderful art quilt exhibition to Atlantic Canada.

View the exhibition online.
Learn more about the exhibition.

My Corner of the World - Update

What's next for the two SAQA My Corner of the World exhibits (Canadian and international), currently on display in Stratford, Ontario?

At Anchor by Heather Loney, Dartmouth, NS

The exhibits' stay at the Stratford Perth Museum has recently been extended until October 20, 2016. Next stop on its cross-Canada journey: Thunder Bay! Over 80 pieces of artwork, including eight from Atlantic Canada, are on display. 

My Corner of the World Canada curator, Bethany Garner, recently wrote in her message to contributing artists:

"It is with great pride and thanks to each of you for making this past four months a truly exceptional experience for the many hundreds of visitors to the Stratford Perth Museum... the reactions have been of wonder, joy, excitement and awe... from the students in summer camps travelling in for their field trips, to the many artist groups making plans for a day trip to see the exhibition - to the locals who are amazed and delighted to have the work so close by that they can take all of their summer guests and family to see the marvels on the walls and corridors at SPM!


Your work has inspired and delighted those who love art created with fibre and stitch, and the fascination continues as we have a number of all new SAQA members, inspired by your creativity, beautiful execution and stunning originals designs. Thank you!"

If you expect to be in either Stratford or Thunder Bay (Ontario) in the coming months, or have friends and family there, please suggest they visit!

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FORTHCOMING EXHIBIT - THUNDER BAY MUSEUM, Thunder Bay, ON

MY CORNER OF THE WORLD 

ART QUILT EXHIBITION

A Fall Day in Westport by Joan Reive, Belleville ON

THUNDER BAY MUSEUM

November 1, 2016 – January 29, 2017

Canadian and international artists interpret their “corner of the world” in this colourful exhibition of exquisite art quilts. This 80 piece show was developed in collaboration with SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates). A two-part exhibition, it consists 40 pieces from SAQA Canadian member artists, and 40 pieces from SAQA International member artists. The artwork includes representational as well as abstract pieces, portraying a wide range of interpretations of the theme – from the geographical to the meta-physical.

The Thunder Bay Museum is located in downtown Thunder Bay South, kitty-corner to City Hall near the intersection of Donald and May Streets. Our street address is 425 Donald St. East.

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And if you don't expect to be anywhere near Ontario, you can view all of these fabulous art quilts online:

My Corner of the World (Canada) 

My Corner of the World (international) 

View both My Corner of the World slideshows, online now

You've Got Mail! by Susan Tilsley Manley, Westville, NS

The two My Corner of the World exhibits -- Canada and All SAQA -- will debut at the Stratford Perth Museum in Stratford, Ontario on May 21st. The show was juried by Micaela Fitzsimmons, Manager of Collections and Exhibits at the museum. Over 80 pieces of artwork, including eight from Atlantic Canada, will be on display. 

If you aren't able to attend, please enjoy online slideshows of the artwork in the two exhibitions:

My Corner of the World (Canada) 
My Corner of the World(All SAQA) 

My Corner of the World Art Quilt Exhibition

Seven SAQA Atlantic members will be showing their work together with SAQA artists from Canada and beyond, at the upcoming My Corner of the World exhibition that will open in Stratford, Ontario. If you can't make it for the event, tell your friends!

Stratford Perth Museum, Stratford ON

May 21 to September 5, 2016

A Fall Day in Westport, Joan Reive, Belleville, Ontario

VERNISSAGE

Saturday May 21, 2016

1-3 pm

Canadian and international artists interpret their “corner of the world” in this colourful exhibition of exquisite art quilts.

This 80-piece show was developed in collaboration with SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates). A two-part exhibition, it consists 40 pieces from SAQA Canadian member artists, and 40 pieces from SAQA International member artists.

The artwork includes representational as well as abstract pieces, portraying a wide range of interpretations of the theme – from the geographical to the meta-physical.

The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, May 21, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. We are pleased to welcome Incoming SAQA President Lisa Ellis, as well as other SAQA Representatives, who will offer opening remarks.

Our SAQA Artists who have work in the exhibitions are certainly encouraged to join in on the festivities, as are all of our Canadian SAQA members, family and friends who are able to be with us in Stratford for the Opening event.

Let's make celebrating this remarkable Exhibition a very special time to thank each of you who participated in the Call to Entry, and shared their beautiful work with the Juror and to enjoy the beauty of the art pieces as they begin their journey across Canada and beyond.

Looking forward to seeing many of you in May!

Stratford Perth Museum would like to thank Studio Art Quilt Associates for their collaboration and support in this project.

Originally posted by Bethany Garner, Exhibition Coordinator.

A Vanishing Culture

We were delighted to learn that Wolfville, NS artist Kate Madeloso was one of six Canadians whose work was accepted into SAQA's international My Corner of the World exhibition. Her art quilt, A Vanishing Culture, was one of the 41 entries juried in to the show. The competition, open to SAQA members from around the world, received responses from 115 artists who submitted a total of 189 pieces. Well done Kate!

A Vanishing Culture (70" x 24") by Kate Madeloso

Kate's successful art piece represents her Doukhobor heritage. She used a wide variety of materials and techniques to tell the story of her grandmother's immigration to Canada, including antique cottons, silks and linens, old photographs, hand embroidery, and rubber stamping.

Detail of A Vanishing Culture, by Kate Madeloso

We asked Kate Madeloso to talk about her inspiration for A Vanishing Culture:

Kate: I was in my late 30's when my mother, who I knew had Russian heritage, revealed a secret she had kept from me and my siblings. Her mother, Evdoitia Oosichoff, had come to Canada in 1897, with 7500 other Russian peasants, mostly women and children. These families had been persecuted in Russia because they practiced pacifism and refused to fight for the czar. They called themselves ‘Doukhobors’ or 'Spirit Wrestlers'. 

Detail of Kate's grandmother, in A Vanishing Culture.

In Canada, the Doukhobors were officially recognized as pacifists and were not called upon to bear arms. They played a vital role in developing the Canadian west, by settling Prairie farmland and helping to build railroads. They flourished for decades, a productive, creative and religious community holding their history sacred. The population reached its peak in 1941, when nearly 17 thousand Canadians identified as Doukhobor. Most have since integrated into the fabric of Canada, and by 2011, just over 2200 people reported being active in the culture. 

Since my mother's revelation, I've heard stories from my uncle about growing up in a Doukhobor community near Castlegar BC. Just recently, he gave me a wool rug made by my grandmother and great grandmother, together with a hand woven linen shirt which he called Dora’s ‘birthing’ shirt. She wore the shirt during the delivery of her six children. And there began my journey into my heritage and this rich and often overlooked culture.

Grandmother's rug, the inspiration for A Vanishing Culture.

Kate Madeloso, Wolfville, NS

https://madeloso.wordpress.com/

The My Corner of the World exhibition will debut at the Stratford Perth Museum in Stratford, ON, May 21 to August 14, 2016, and then travel internationally. Follow the exhibition's travel's here.

Have you Heard?

Seven members of SAQA Atlantic Canada have just received word that their pieces were juried into a Canada-wide SAQA exhibition, My Corner of the World (Canada). 

The request for submissions called on Canadian SAQA members "to create a glimpse of the spirit of Canada; to convey through their art something true, meaningful and important about this beautiful country and its people." Seventy-three artists responded, with 115 entries. All 40 artworks selected for this show are listed on the SAQA website. 

My Corner of the World (Canada) will debut in May 2016 at the Stratford Perth Museum in Stratford ON together with a parallel, international SAQA exhibition of the same name. The Canadian exhibition will then travel across the country and possibly to selected venues in the U.S. and overseas. 

Congratulations to all our members who answered the call for My Corner of the World (Canada). Here is a sneak peek at those entries that were selected.

Detail of Rusty Gate by Penny Berens

Rusty Gate
Penny Berens, of Granville Ferry NS
“An old rusty gate leans against the side of my house right by the back door. It welcomes every visitor and tells me I am home. This piece is that gate rusted onto cotton fabric and hand stitched with cotton and rayon thread.”

Detail of Fishing Weir in Moonlight by Sandra Betts

Fishing Weir in Moonlight
Sandra Betts, Saint John NB
“I wanted to express the serenity and beauty of New Brunswick, the Picture Province. This common sight along the Bay of Fundy is transformed into a thing of beauty by the moonlight.”

Detail of Laurentian Fall by Susan Lilley

Laurentian Fall 
Susan Lilley, Bridgewater NS
“I made Laurentian Fall after a Thanksgiving weekend at my family’s cottage. My challenge was to recreate the intoxicating glow of the sun shining through the brilliant yellows, oranges and reds of the sugar maple, so characteristic of the Laurentian Maple Forest in central Quebec.”

Detail of Into the Heart of the Birches by Holly McLean

Into the Heart of the Birches
Holly Mclean, Bathurst NB
“I draw solace from nature, especially on the trails that are near my home here in northern New Brunswick. I feel a connection to all trees and as I walk the trails, it calms me to breathe in their healing essence. In my region, pretty white birch tree stands are common, seen along trails and along highways and byways. The beauty and simple graphics of the white bark set against the ever changing colours of the seasons and weather, captivate and inspire me to create them in fibre.” 

Detail of At Anchor by Heather Loney

At Anchor
Heather Loney, Dartmouth NS
"I've spent many summers in Nova Scotia before moving here full time. All of the shoreline drives are special, but Peggy's Cove, symbolic of so many fishing communities is the most popular."

Detail of Fundy Flame Agate by Kate Madeloso

Fundy Flame Agate
Kate Madeloso, Wolfville NS
"You can pick amethyst off the shores of the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia. I was enthralled watching a presentation by Dave and Chris Sheppard on their rock hounding adventures, climbing the cliffs and scouring the beaches of Cape Split. With permission to use Chris's photos for inspiration, I endeavoured to recreate a slice of agate which was an exciting challenge to do in fibre, fabric, beads and thread."

Detail of You've got Mail by Susan Tilsley Manley

You’ve Got Mail
Susan Tilsley Manley, Westville NS
“You've Got Mail is part of a series about the accelerated corrosion of rural life in Nova Scotia. The disappearance of door to door mail delivery is another way our society is changing rapidly and not for the better. I'm a little surprised it got in as it is not the typical "love letter to Canada" but more a lament of loss. I suppose all the best love songs are on that theme.”

More information about venues and dates will be posted as it becomes available. Stay tuned!

SAQA is coming to Canada!

At SAQA's annual conference last year I had an opportunity as a regional representative to address the Board of Directors about concerns and ideas that affected our region. I chose to discuss the fact that a significant portion of the SAQA budget is directed to exhibitions yet none of those shows travel to Canada. We have to go to the United States or Europe to see the artwork in person and reap the rewards of our investment in the shows. My remarks were well-received and it seemed likely that arrangements would be made to ship an existing or future show to a venue in Canada.

I am delighted to report that something even more wonderful has occurred. In May 2016 two brand new SAQA shows will open at the Stratford Perth Museum in Stratford, Ontario. They will tour in tandem in Canada and one will also travel to venues in the United States and possibly Europe.

One of the two shows is open only to Canadian members of SAQA. It is called My Corner of the World: Canada. The text of the call for entry reads as follows:

You are invited, as a Canadian artist, to create a glimpse of the spirit of Canada; to convey through your art something true, meaningful and important about our beautiful country and its people. We are excited by the thought of galvanizing our creative community to express and share, through this exhibit, our vision of Canada. 

Few countries are as richly blessed as ours in geography, humanity, diversity, and artistic tradition. A vision of your corner of Canada might capture a vignette of everyday life or a unique landscape. Perhaps it is a reflection on the mosaic of Canadian peoples or draws on some iconic feature of Canadian history or ideals. Whether reverent, reflective, funny or whimsical, the story you tell should embody the Canadian experience from your unique corner of this land.

Daring to capture the ocean in a cup, you might look for inspiration to the great masters of Canadian artistic expression, visual artists, musicians and writers who have interpreted an essential feature of Canadian life with such perfection that it reflects something authentic about the whole country.

Your artwork can be representational or take an abstract approach. Let the cloth speak to the viewers. We are eager to see what the hearts, minds and skills of Canadian textile artists will craft as a woven love song to this unique and beautiful land. 

You can find the complete prospectus on the SAQA Calls For Entry page (Scroll down to closing date of November 30, 2015). In brief, here's what you need to know: 

• closing date: November 30, 2015 
• size: 20-40 inches wide, 20-72 inches high
• number: you may enter three pieces
• cost: $40US for up to three pieces

What about the second show? It is called My Corner of the World (International) and is open to all SAQA members, including Canadians (yes, you can enter both shows). Here is the text from the call for entry for that show.

My Corner of the World invites you, the artist, to examine your world - the world, real or imagined, that represents what is important in your life.  It might be where you reside, work, or grew up. It might be a favorite place from any point in your life or the special space you take yourself to internally.

Where do you feel most yourself? What place makes you feel most grounded, inspired or at peace? My Corner of the World asks you to look at the big picture including, but not limited to your homeland, ancestry or culture.

The complete prospectus for this show is also on the SAQA Calls for Entry page. Most of the important details are the same as the all-Canada show. Note that you cannot enter the same piece in both shows. The prospectus contains an interesting reference to collaborative pieces - they are allowed so long as all of the contributors are SAQA members. 

The development of these shows is an exciting opportunity to share what we do with the people of Canada. I urge you to give some thought to ways in which you might interpret one or both of the themes.  Let's reward the Board of Directors and the Exhibition Committee for their attentiveness to our concerns with spectacular shows.

Chris Nielsen