Circle & Square: A Manitoba Festival of Craft kicked off with smart conversation thanks to dynamic and articulate panellists sharing details about their diverse practices and motivation. Many intriguing topics were touched on including: the politics of handmade vs. mass production, the intersections and incongruities between production motivated by need/survival vs creative impulse, discovering and passing on lost and/or disappearing skills, and the significance of public and private collections of craft both for the sake of preserving cultural patrimony and to generate better respect for the technical and creative abilities of handmakers.

But that’s not all… there’s more!

Today:
10am sock doll workshop with Shosana Funk, 12:15pm History of Knitting in Manitoba Lecture by Jennifer Smith, 1:30pm Embroidery workshop with Chandra Mayor, and 3:45pm Making Art in South Africa Lecture by PJ Anderson.

Tomorrow:
Show and sale featuring a fantastic selection of work by diverse local handmakers

Both days:
A very interesting exhibition of intriguing contemporary craft production spanning textiles, glass, metal, and wood

Join us! Find additional information here: https://www.facebook.com/events/346389765433342/

Details about Circle & Square: A Manitoba Festival of Craft have arrived!

The first annual Circle & Square: Manitoba Festival of Craft will take place from June 22-24, 2012 at Atomic Centre! Events include: A panel discussion featuring local artists, a craft gallery exhibit, a day filled with workshops and lectures, and a handmade marketplace.

~Friday June 22nd~
Panel Discussion & Show It! Exhibit Opening Party

Join us for a panel discussion on “Working in the Field.” Doors open at 6pm & Panel will be from 7-8:30pm. Stick around afterwards for our Show It! Exhibit opening party to see beautiful handmade art and craft from talented local artisans. Admission by suggested donation of $5.

Our Panel includes:

• Ben Borley
• Matt Jenkins
• Chantel Mierau
• Andee Penner
• Tammy Sutherland

Show It artists include:

• Kami Goertz
• Matt Jenkins
• Chandra Mayor
• Susana Meza
• Nandita Selvanathan
• Jolanta Sokalska
• Melanie Wesley
• Beth Wolchock-Brown

~Saturday June 23rd~
Teach It!

Join us for a day filled with workshops and lectures pertaining to craft. Please RSVP to circleandsquare.mb@gmail.com. Workshop admission is $30 + $10 for supplies. Lecture admission by suggested donation of $5.

10am-12pm – Sock Creature Workshop (Shosana Funk)
In this beginner class Shosana will help you create your very own sock creature! Make a cat, an owl or a creature of your choosing. All supplies included.

12:15-1:15pm – The History of Knitting in Manitoba Lecture (Jennifer Smith)

1:30-3:30pm – Embroidery 101: From Sampler to Smartass (Chandra Mayor)
In this hands-on beginner embroidery class needleworker Chandra Mayor will teach you the basics of embroidery (stitches and materials) with an emphasis on how to employ embroidery in non-traditional ways. All supplies included.

3:45-4:45pm – Making Art in South Africa Lecture (PJ Anderson)

5-7pm – Pastie Making Workshop (Liz Garlicki)
Burlesque performer and handmade artist Liz Garlicki will introduce you to the fun and flirty world of pasties by helping you make your own! All supplies included.

~Sunday June 24th~
Sell It! Handmade Marketplace

Join us from 12-5pm for a craft sale filled with amazing local makers selling their creations and giving demonstrations.

featuring…

Just the Goods
handmade natural skin care for everyone
&
Orange Lily Raw Foods &  Catering

12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday July 16, 2010
Atomic Centre – 167 Logan Ave.
@ the corner of Martha St. + Logan Ave.

accessible via numerous bus routes; street parking available
all welcome – please join us!
contact [at] justthegoods [dot] net for more information

ps. There is still room for up to two more crafters, ideally those producing healthier lifestyle items such as, for example, up-cycled items or reusable diapers. There is no table fee to participate, just willingness to help promote this event =-) … contact [at] justthegoods [dot] net for more information