Congratulations to Nova Scotia jewellery artist Pamela Ritchie, the 2017 laureate of the Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts Saidye Bronfman Award for Excellence in Fine Craft. The CCF/FCMA is delighted to see this deserving artist recognized for her many years of artistic creation.

For decades, Ritchie has built a body of work that is undeniably unique, spanning a bold variety of materials, techniques, and concepts. Her dedication to craft education as an instructor at NSCAD University has impacted countless students, sharing her thirst for creative exploration with the next generation of craft artists.

Ritchie’s announcement as the 2017 recipient comes during a particularly celebrated year, the 40th anniversary of the Bronfman Award. To mark this occasion the Canada Council for the Arts has launched a new website outlining the history of the award. Read about the impact the Bronfman has made on its recipients, and view an online collection of all the laureates work, and be inspired by the truly remarkable breadth of work by master craftspeople from across the country.

Recognized Canadian specialists in the visual or media arts or fine crafts are encouraged to submit nominations for the 2018 Bronfman Award, due July 1st, 2017. Find out more information on how to apply here.