National Craft Month is a time to celebrate the creativity and skill of artists across Canada. At the Canadian Craft Federation, we’re continuing our tradition from last year by suggesting ways to celebrate this exciting month. From exhibitions showcasing traditional and contemporary works to insightful publications, there are many ways to immerse yourself in Canadian fine craft. Here are some exciting ways to recognize Craft Month…
Attend Exhibitions Featuring Fine Craft
Explore a variety of craft exhibitions happening during National Craft Month. From Métis Ribbon Skirts to miniature artworks, these exhibitions showcase the diverse talents of craft artists across Canada…
GISHCHI-ITEEYIHTEENAANEE-KISHKAMAAHK: WE WEAR THEM WITH PRIDE
Saskatchewan Craft Council • Saskatoon, SK
Co-organized by the Gabriel Dumont Institute and the Saskatchewan Craft Council, this exhibition celebrates Métis history through the art of Métis Ribbon Skirts. Explore this traditional garment’s cultural significance and contemporary expressions before the exhibition closes on March 9th, 2024. Learn more ↗
THE SECRET CODES: AFRICAN NOVA SCOTIAN QUILTS
Textile Museum of Canada • Toronto, ON
This exhibition brings together historic and contemporary quilts from African Nova Scotian makers. Discover how these quilts have served as sources of decoration and warmth, as well as communication tools for enslaved people seeking freedom, records of family histories, and celebrations of Black women and culture. Learn more ↗
RESONANCE: LISA CRESKEY, SUSAN DAY, AND EDDY FIRMIN
The Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery • Waterloo, ON
Featuring the work of three artists, this exhibition explores ceramics as a medium for social activism. Each artist’s unique approach to clay draws attention to pressing social issues, including climate change, disability justice, and the legacy of slavery. Learn more ↗
DIVERSIFIED
Manitoba Craft Museum and Library • Winnipeg, MB
In response to the question, “What does reconciliation and decolonizing mean for museums?” the Manitoba Craft Museum and Library presents Diversified. This exhibition showcases works by ten artists from under-represented communities, recently acquired by the Manitoba Craft Museum and Library. Visit Diversified from March 1st forward. Learn more ↗
SACRED INTERACTIONS: UKRAINIAN/QU’WUTSUN’
Craft Council of BC Gallery • Vancouver, BC
In this solo exhibition, artist Nikkie Manzie integrates Ukrainian folk traditions with her knowledge as a therapist and teacher of Earth-based spirituality and medicine. Experience the fusion of tradition and contemporary craft at the opening reception on Thursday, March 7th. Learn more ↗
MINUTIAE
Alberta Craft Feature Gallery • Edmonton, AB
Alberta Craft’s Minutiae show features miniature artworks by 52 artists from across Canada. Each piece showcases meticulous attention to detail and creativity in miniature form. Don’t miss the exhibition opening on Saturday, March 9, 2024. Learn more ↗
KNOTWORK: SANDY LAMB & MIRIAM PARKMAN
Craft Ontario Gallery • Toronto, ON
This exhibition showcases woven works by Montreal-based artist Sandy Lamb and Stockholm-based artist Miriam Parkman. Discover more about the artists’ unique collaborative partnership and the inspirations behind their intricate works at the opening reception on Saturday, March 9th. Learn more ↗
YOU MADE ME REMEMBER: SHAWN O’HAGAN
Craft Nova Scotia, Mary E. Black Gallery • Halifax, NS
you made me remember consists of small textile collages and laser-cut and hand-carved plywood paintings by artist Shawn O’hagan. Inspired by her children’s approach to artmaking, the cheerful works in this exhibition are driven by the artist’s subconscious and intuition. The opening reception will take place on Thursday, March 14th. Learn more ↗
SPRING BREAK UP
La Guilde • Montreal, QC
This Spring, La Guilde will present an exhibition of Indigenous Northwest Territories art, featuring traditional and contemporary art across various media. Join the vernissage on March 28th to celebrate NWT arts. Learn more ↗
Read New Publications About Craft in Canada
Discover new insights into the world of Canadian craft through these recent, compelling publications…
Max Wyman, The Compassionate Imagination: How the Arts Are Central to a Functioning Democracy (2023)
In his seventh book on the arts in Canada, Max Wyman explores the central role of the arts in a functioning democracy. Wyman challenges the perception of art as a “frill” in a market-based economy, advocating for Canadians to place art at the heart of political decision-making and education systems.
Annette W. de Stecher, Wendat Women’s Arts (2022)
Wendat Women’s Arts is the first book to provide a comprehensive history of Wendat embroidery. Highlighting the intricate designs and complex meanings of Wendat moose hair and quill embroidery, this book celebrates the artistic legacy and cultural significance of Wendat women artists.
Linda Ranaldi, Outsider Art of Canada: What Else Can Art Be Like? (2024)
In this recently published survey, Linda Ranaldi explores “outsider art” in Canada, art made by self-taught creators outside the boundaries of art recognized by established art institutions. This book examines the biases and ideologies that shape our perceptions of art, challenging readers to question how we think about art and who is entitled to call themselves an artist.
Sharp Notions: Essays from the Stitching Life, edited by Marita Dachsel and Nancy Lee (2023)
This anthology features essays by writers and artists of diverse backgrounds reflecting on their relationships with fibre arts. From discussions on creative practice and identity to explorations of technology and climate change, these essays offer thought-provoking perspectives on the role of craft in contemporary life.
Explore Citizens of Craft
Citizens of Craft is a national project created in partnership with Canada’s Provincial and Territorial Craft Councils and the Canadian Crafts Federation. Its online platform works to promote Canadian craft to an international audience. Artists, guilds, museums, galleries, shops, organizations and more have profiles on Citizens of Craft, making the website a fantastic repository of Canadian craft and current events. If you are a maker and a provincial/territorial craft council member, celebrate National Craft Month by creating a profile on Citizens of Craft. Learn more ↗
Buy Craft Online
Discover and purchase works from Whitehorse to St. John’s from the comfort of your home. Canadian Crafts Federation members offer an array of locally made works – all online. These platforms enable you to support Canadian craft artists and bring the beauty of Canadian craft right to your doorstep with just a few clicks. Visit our “Buy Craft Online” webpage for links to our members’ online shops.
As National Craft Month unfolds, let’s continue to explore and celebrate Canadian craft! Whether you plan to visit exhibitions showcasing fine craft, dive into new publications discussing craft in Canada, or purchase craft online, your participation in National Craft Month supports artists and the wider Canadian craft sector.