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Awards

The Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership

The Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to advancing the Canadian craft sector. Members of the Canadian Crafts Federation (CCF/FCMA) can nominate candidates for this prestigious award, which honours the recipient’s esteemed reputation and exceptional leadership within the craft community.

Background

This renowned award is named after Robert Jekyll, the founding president of CCF/FCMA, who played a vital role in leading the organization during a period of transformation. In addition to his outstanding work in stained glass for over 30 years, Jekyll is highly regarded as a significant influence in the creative community, elevating the status of craft nationwide.

The CCF/FCMA presents the Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft to recognize exceptional citizens of craft. The award honours the legacy of Mr. Jekyll and aims to encourage the growth and development of the sector. The CCF/FCMA graciously acknowledges Robert Jekyll who donates the Award fund. As well, as the donors who contribute through Canada Helps

Important Dates To Be Announced

  • Nomination Deadline: October 6th, 2023
  • Shortlist Announcement: TBD
  • Winner Announcement: TBD
  • Award Ceremony: TBD

Mailed applications must be received by the Nomination Deadline

Watch this video, filmed by Claire Sanford (http://clairesanford.ca/) during the 2015 National Conference in Quebec City, for an overview of the award and to learn more about Mr. Jekyll’s notable achievements.

Past Recipients

2022 Recipient

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Barbara Heller, British Columbia

Barbara Heller has been at the forefront of developing the tapestry, weaving and craft communities in BC, Canada, and internationally for over 48 years. 

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She organized exhibitions and symposia, wrote articles, taught workshops and lectures, and juried and curated exhibitions. Barbara founded the B.C. Society of Tapestry Artists (1993) and the Canadian Tapestry Network (1995). In her studio on Granville Island in Vancouver, Barbara is an information hub for craftspeople and tourists alike. As an ambassador for the Canadian craft sector in general and tapestry in particular, Barbara is a dedicated volunteer moving the sector forward.

2022 Shortlist

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Amy Gogarty, British Columbia

Amy Gogerty is an author, ceramic artist, and sector volunteer, conversant in historical and contemporary craft processes, trends and traditions.

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Amy was editor (Ruth Chambers and Mireille Perron) of Utopic Impulses: Contemporary Ceramics Practice, a contemporary anthology of socially responsible ceramics practice, and, along with Nisse Gustafson, of the third volume of Paula Gustafson’s influential series, Craft Perception and Practice. She frequently contributes to Galleries West and, as a volunteer, to the CCBC and PGBC newsletters. Amy is a superlative ambassador of craft volunteerism and craft practice. She has been the ‘backbone’ and skilled collaborator for many projects and continues to be an esteemed contributor to strengthening the status of Craft across Canada and abroad. 

Denis Longchamps, Quebec

Dr. Denis Longchamps has been an integral voice as a writer and curator of contemporary and historical Canadian craft.

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He created and published the Cahiers métiers d’art: Craft Journal (2007-2016), which supported and celebrated craft across Canada. Denis has been a member of several boards and committees, including the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, the Montreal Centre for Contemporary Textiles, the Centre de céramique Bonsecours, the Musée des maîtres et artisans du Québec, the Musée de Joliette as well as the Regional Editorial Team of Studio Magazine. He is dedicated to advancing the public discourse in craft in Canada and increasing visibility and financial support to up-and-coming Canadian Glass craftspeople and artists.

2021 Recipient

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Susan Hanrahan, Nova Scotia

As Executive Director of Craft Nova Scotia, Susan guided, influenced, and contributed to the ongoing development of craft on a provincial, national, and international level.

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Leading not only Craft Nova Scotia itself but also the Centre for Craft Nova Scotia, one of Canada’s only public institutions dedicated to education, promotion and opportunities for fine craft artists in the province, which includes the craft-focused Mary E. Black Gallery.

2021 Shortlist

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Amy Gogarty, British Columbia

Amy Gogerty is an author, ceramic artist, and sector volunteer, conversant in historical and contemporary craft processes, trends and traditions.

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Amy was editor (Ruth Chambers and Mireille Perron) of Utopic Impulses: Contemporary Ceramics Practice, a contemporary anthology of socially responsible ceramics practice, and, along with Nisse Gustafson, of the third volume of Paula Gustafson’s influential series, Craft Perception and Practice. She frequently contributes to Galleries West and, as a volunteer, to the CCBC and PGBC newsletters. Amy is a superlative ambassador of craft volunteerism and craft practice. She has been the ‘backbone’ and skilled collaborator for many projects and continues to be an esteemed contributor to strengthening the status of Craft across Canada and abroad. 

Claire Kusy, Québec

With a passion for leatherwork and shoes, Claire Kusy’s visionary contributions in the province of Quebec and beyond are internationally renowned.

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From lawyer to Craftsperson, she is the former Executive for the Centre des métiers du cuir de Montréal (CMCM). Claire has been directly credited for developing footwear and design workshops, helping bring Canada’s first footwear program to life. An instigator and organizer, Claire is responsible for the rise of the specialization of leather goods, advocates for artists and leads exceptional teams.

2020 Recipients

Dr. Sandra Alfoldy, Nova Scotia

The late Dr. Sandra Alfoldy’s impact on the world of craft leadership is truly remarkable.

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Her outstanding accomplishments as a teacher, researcher, curator, author, and historian have earned her the CCF/FCMA’s first posthumous recognition after her unexpected passing in 2019. You can pay tribute to her incredible contributions by donating to the Dr. Sandra Alfoldy Memorial Scholarship. You can listen to her on the first episode of the Citizens of Craft podcast or read her book, Crafting Identity.

Nominated by Craft Nova Scotia’s Executive Director, Susan Hanrahan.

Louise Lemieux Bérubé, Québec

Louise Lemieux Bérubé is an accomplished weaver, educator, art historian, author, and politician.

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Her passion for textile arts has led to worldwide recognition and a lasting legacy of teaching and creating. She is also committed to volunteer work, co-founding the Montreal Centre for Contemporary Textiles and serving on craft organization boards in Québec. A true role model whose contributions will inspire generations to come.

Nominated by Marc Dousenard, Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec.

2018 Recipients

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Anne Manuel, Newfoundland

Anne Manuel has been the backbone of the craft community in Newfoundland and Labrador for many decades.  

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She held the helm of the Craft Council of Newfoundland & Labrador for 33 years of its 47-year history, building and developing a sector in the province while leading the Council through many challenges and changes.

Anne has been instrumental in organizing international events, including a very successful international Fibre Conference in Newfoundland in 2015, which brought 150 participants from around the world to Gros Morne National Park.

Tom McFall, Alberta

Tom McFall spent 19 years as the executive director and curator of the Alberta Craft Council, now recognized nationally for having an extensive exhibition program, running innovative marketing projects, initiating and leading national events, and enjoying a high level of member satisfaction.

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Tom has already been recognized with many awards, including an Alberta Centennial Medal, the prestigious Rozsa Award for Excellence in Arts Management, a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Syncrude Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Arts Management.

2017 Recipient

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Charlotte Kwon, British Columbia

A business leader, teacher, promoter, non-profit founder and textile artist in her own right, Kwon has worked for over 30 years to advance the practice and appreciation of textile arts in Canada and globally.

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An expert in natural dyes, she has travelled the world, studying, teaching, and working with artists in traditional techniques in India, Peru, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and here at home in Canada.

Through documentaries, books, workshops and symposiums, she shares her love of textile arts with an audience both in and outside of the craft community.

2016 Recipient

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Michael Hosaluk, Saskatchewan

Well-known for his artistic career, Hosaluk has also significantly impacted the Canadian and international craft community.

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A founder of the Saskatchewan Woodworkers Guild in 1979, the American Association of Woodturners in 1986, and the Furniture Society of North America in 1991, he has strengthened the community through active leadership for more than 40 years.

The internationally renowned ‘Emma International Collaboration,’ which grew from Hosaluk’s first Wood Turning and Furniture Making conference in Saskatoon in 1982, has continued for over 30 years, inspiring similar events across the globe.

As an artist and teacher, his influence is resounding. Hosaluk has been recognized with a Saidye Bronfman Award for Excellence in Craft, Royal Canadian Academy of Arts membership, and Honourary Lifetime Membership to the Saskatchewan Crafts Council.

2015 Recipient

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Ann Roberts, Ontario

A leading presence in the Canadian ceramics scene throughout her career, Ann Roberts has served on the boards of the Montreal Potters’ Club, Ceramists Canada, and the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery, where she played a crucial leadership role in the founding of this national gallery.

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Roberts was instrumental in establishing and expanding a ceramics program at the University of Waterloo, the Keith and Winifred Shantz Summer Internship, and the Waterloo Potters’ Workshop. A member of the International Academy of Ceramics, the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, and winner of the “Woman of the Year for Culture” and the Kitchener-Waterloo Visual Arts Award, her creative skills are renowned. Her work has been shown across Canada and internationally, is published in 15 books, and collected by 22 museums in Europe, Asia, Australia and Canada. 2012, Roberts’ lengthy career as a ceramic artist was celebrated at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery through a 50-year retrospective exhibition, “With Both Fear and Intrepid Enthusiasm.”

Award Winners

More information is coming soon.

2014: Deborah Dumka, British Columbia

2013: Jane Kenyon, British Columbia

2012: Simon Wroot, Alberta

2010: Marilyn Stothers, Manitoba

2007: Jean Johnson, Ontario

2006: Robert Jekyll, Ontario & Charles Lewton-Brain, Alberta