Honourary Members

Honourary Members are a revered group appointed by the board to recognize their significant contributions to contemporary Canadian craft, including the recipients of the Robert Jekyll Award. The list of honourary members also acknowledges members from the previous incarnation of the Canadian Crafts Federation, the Canadian Crafts Council.

Honourary Members

Robert Jekyll, Ontario

In memoriam (1933–2023)

2006 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

Stained glass artist Robert Jekyll was the founding president of the CCF/FCMA and was closely associated with the development of stained glass in Canada. Jekyll helped guide the Canadian Crafts Federation through change and was a significant force in the craft, visual art and design movements. In 2010 Jekyll was inducted into the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. Named after his leadership, the Robert Jekyll Award is a prestigious honour to recognize an invaluable citizen of craft.

Stained Glass, The Canadian Encyclopedia, by Robert Jekyll

Robert Jekyll passed away on December 23, 2023. Read our tribute.

Charles Lewton-Brain, Alberta

2006 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

Master goldsmith Charles Lewton-Brain (Calgary, AB) is the former President of the CCF/FCMA. He has trained, studied and worked in Germany, Canada and the United States. Since 1986 he has lived in Calgary and served 19 years as the head of the Jewellery and Metals Program at the Alberta College of Art + Design.

2005 Alberta Craft Award of Honour

2012 Canada Council laureate

Jean Johnson, Ontario

In memoriam

2007 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

Jean Johnson’s professional and volunteer career spanned 65 years. She was a passionate supporter of Craft Ontario, serving on numerous committees and as a board member. 

“My participation is based on the potential to make something exciting, new and important happen.”
– Jean Johnson, 2008

Also an Honourary Member of the Canadian Crafts Council.

Marilyn Stothers, Manitoba

2010 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

Marilyn was one of the first quilters to perfect a method of machine-piecing and appliqueing thin strands of curved patchwork. Eventually, she wrote a book, Curved Strip-Piecing, to share this skill with others. She is internationally renowned, exhibiting her quilts in the Ottawa Parliament building and worldwide. 

Curved Strip-Piecing – A New Technique by Marilyn Stothers

Information gathered from Quilt Inspiration: http://quiltinspiration.blogspot.com/2010/03/curves-colors-contrasts-artistry-of.html 

Also an Honourary Member of the Canadian Crafts Council.

Simon Wroot, Alberta

2012 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

Simon Wroot is a metal artist who became the CCF/FCMA President of the Board of Directors with over a decade of history with the organization. Trained as a jewellery artist, he is known for creating small detailed landscape sculptures. 

Artists of Bluerock Gallery | Meet Simon Wroot

Jane Kenyon, British Columbia

2013 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

Jane Kenyon began working as a medical doctor, eventually studying and working as an artist full-time in 1993. 

2012 Cheongju International Craft Biennale

Tête-à-Tête: Jane Kenyon, Seasoned Women

Instagram: @mpjkenyon

Deborah Dumka, British Columbia

2014 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

Deborah Dumka is a fibre artist who has worked with wool for many decades. She works from her home on a small island in the Salish Sea, British Columbia.

Ann Roberts, Ontario

2015 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

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.

Michael Hosaluk, Saskatchewan

2016 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

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

Charlotte Kwon, British Columbia

2017 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

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.

Anne Manuel, Newfoundland and Labrador

2018 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

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

Tom McFall, Alberta

2018 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

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.

Dr. Sandra Alfoldy, Nova Scotia

In memoriam (passed away in 2019)

2020 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

Her outstanding accomplishments as a teacher, researcher, curator, author, and historian have earned her the CCF/FCMA’s first posthumous recognition for the Robert Jekyll Award after her unexpected passing in 2019.

Louise Lemieux Bérubé, Québec

2020 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

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

Susan Hanrahan, Nova Scotia

2021 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

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.

Barbara Heller, British Columbia

2022 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

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

Gilles Latour, Ontario

2023 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

Gilles Latour is a dedicated leader, volunteer, and advocate with over 30 years of experience in advancing the craft sector at both the provincial and national levels.

Dr. Carol E. Mayer, British Columbia

2024 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

Dr. Carol E. Mayer is the founding president of the North-West Ceramics Foundation and a board member for 30 years.

Charley Farrero, Saskatchewan

2025 Laureate, Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft

Charley Farrero is a ceramic artist born in Paris, France, who has lived and worked in Meacham, Saskatchewan since 1979.

Also an Honourary Member of the Canadian Crafts Council.

Maegen Black, New Brunswick

Maegen Black held the position of Executive Director for the Canadian Crafts Federation for more than 16 years. Throughout her tenure, she played a pivotal role in advocating for the national craft voice of its members.

Canadian Craft Council Honourary Members

The Canadian Crafts Council (CCC) was formed in 1974, when a number of craft organizations and guilds merged to unify and represent Canadian craftspeople nationally and internationally. In 1998, the CCC transformed into the Canadian Crafts Federation / Fédération canadienne des métiers d’art. The individuals below were named Honourary Members of the CCC in recognition of their contributions to Canadian craft, and the CCF/FCMA continues to honour them today. Honourary Members of both organizations are listed above.