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Joining in the celebration

Rossland is taking part in a Craft Council of B.C. celebration with a Juried Art Show featuring crafts from local artists and artisans.
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By Ida Koric, Rossland News

Communities all over British Columbia have been called upon to join in the celebration of the Craft Council of B.C.’s 40th year.

Rossland is taking part in the festivities with a Juried Art Show featuring crafts from local artists and artisans. The show will run in the Rossland Gallery from Oct. 18-30, with a free opening night gala featuring wine and cheese this Friday.

The purposes of the show are to showcase local craftspeople, provide learning experiences and inspiration for artists and the general public and to initiate collaboration between artisans in the lower Columbia Valley.

Amongst the current exhibits are fabrics, metal, jewelry, wood, clay, glass, soap-making, basket-weaving and even succulent displays to add an even more organic feel to the experience.

Demitri Lesniewicz, program director for the Rossland Council for Arts and Culture, said the event was more than just a juried show.

“There is an idea out there that craft is something that your grandmother does, and we’re trying to change that,” he said. “Craft is about human experience, about learning, and about special skills that people have taken great time to acquire.”

The juried show provides local artists with the opportunity to have the merit of their work discussed by professionals in the field, and to receive guidance and reviews from their peers.

Juried shows tend to draw more artists and more items than sales shows, because many craftspeople aren’t eager to part with their work, and the pressures that can come with a sales-focused event are eliminated.

“The gallery is full, beautiful and the exhibits are striking,” Lesniewicz insisted. “Everyone really should come and see what we have here.”

In addition to the two-week gallery showcase, there are a number of craft-focused events around the community. A quilting exhibition will occur at the Miner’s Union Hall on Sunday, Oct. 20.

Wednesday, Oct. 23 will see a panel discussion on the show’s theme, “Relevance of craft in the 21st Century,” at 7 p.m. at the Rossland Gallery.

Documentary-style films relating to craft and artistry will be shown at the Miner’s Union Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 22 and Sunday, Oct. 27.

Additionally, spinning and weaving demonstrations will occur at the gallery as well, throughout the exhibition. Demonstration and film times, as well as film synopses, are available on the RCAC website: www.rosslandcac.com.

A series of crafting workshops were slated to occur as well, but artisans are hoping for a keener interest from the public.

The RCAC encourages all interested parties to learn more about existing workshops and availability by contacting Rossland Recreation at 250-362-7396.

Workshops

  • The RCAC has put together some amazing courses, led by local crafters and professional artists who are excited to share their passions with Rossland.
  • For those who are interested in quilting, Karen Thatcher and Deyanne Davies are offering three different quilting workshops over the last weekend in October.
  • On Sunday, Oct 20, Jessica Haskins is offering a loom beaded bracelet workshop and on Saturday, Oct. 26, Barbara Robinson is offering a jacquard-knitting program.
  • For those interested in spindle spinning, Barb Robinson is offering one on Sunday, Oct. 27.
  • Sarah Zanussi is offering some pottery workshops for kids, on Saturday, Oct. 19 that will have children making hand-built pumpkins.
  • Contact the Recreation Department, at 250-362-2327 or recreation@rossland.ca for more information.