Mastery and Encouragement

Celebrating Brigitte Clavette, 2022 Saidye Bronfman Award

Brigitte Clavette is a master of her craft, a thoughtful mentor and this year’s recipient of the prestigious Saidye Bronfman Award. Brigitte joins an amazing assembly of recipients of the Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts, celebrating her skill in metalsmithing and community building. 

Inclusivity, direct training and encouragement is the trademark of Brigitte’s 40-year career. She is one of Canada’s foremost artists in silversmithing and an elected member of the Royal Canadian Academy of the Arts (2000), recipient of the Excellence Award for High Achievement in the Arts (2002) and the Strathbutler (2006), New Brunswick’s highest awards. These accomplishments reflect Brigitte’s conceptual and technical innovations in fine craft and are an acclamation to her generosity to lead while advocating for others to succeed.

I’ve known Brigitte for over 30 years and to this day I think of how she taught us; to be open-minded, willing to try new things. I still go to her for advice or help with a technique. She is always there to help.

Michael Massie, OC, Artist

The Canadian Crafts Federation is honoured to have nominated Brigitte Clavatte for the Saidye Bronfman Award. Administered and promoted by the Canada Council for the Arts as part of the Governor General’s Awards, this Award recognizes the careers of exceptional artists who have helped shape the field of fine craft. We thank visual artist Ann Manuel, writer and co-nominator of Brigitte Clavette, for her extensive efforts.

You can explore all of the 2022 Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts recipients online, including sculptor David Ruben Piqtoukun. The Canadian Crafts Federation congratulates Brigitte Clavette and all of the recipients and recognizes their impact on Canadian Art and Culture.

Listen to “S2 E2: Cookie Cutter Doesn’t Cut It ft. Brigitte Clavette & Melanie Egan” on Spreaker.

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