Current Projects
Citizens of Craft
A nationally collaborative project, citizensofcraft.ca is a marketing campaign intended to help every craft based artist, organization, association, educational institution, or otherwise, to reclaim the word ‘craft’, and to bolster its recognition in society. Declare yourselves as #citizensofcraft TODAY, and join us as we work together towards an expansion of the public’s understanding and appreciation for craft. Immense credit must be given to Craft Ontario, who spearheaded the endeavor and continues to lead the project on behalf of all the Craft Councils to make Citizens of Craft a reality.
The Podcast
These guest speakers are, truly, the “Citizens of Craft”. They are masters in their own right, chasing techniques that have been in use for thousands of years, or exploring new technologies that have just begun to push the boundaries of art. They appreciate and create objects with meaning, history, and purpose – rejecting the mass manufactured lifestyle of our time to capture something more authentic.”
Each episode addresses one of the ten manifesto statements from the Citizens of Craft movement. Join us as we animate the story of craft through the values we hold dear. This project is made possible through extensive partnership with voicEd Radio, and the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
Craft News
Exhibitions
Upcoming Exhibitions
The Canadian Crafts Federation/Fédération canadienne des métiers d’arts brings together exhibitions that highlight the incredible talent of craftspeople across Canada. Through our shows, we aim to share the beauty and diversity of craft and its important place in both contemporary art and our cultural traditions. Check back regularly for updates on our upcoming exhibitions.
Coast to Coast to Coast: Celebrating Canadian Craft
Ottawa Art Gallery, Ottawa, ON
Gala & Exhibition Opening: Thursday, February 6, 2025 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Exhibition Runs Until: April 20th, 2025
Craft tells a story of culture, innovation, and the hands that shape it. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Canadian Crafts Federation/Fédération canadienne des métiers d’art (CCF/FCMA) proudly presents Coast to Coast to Coast: Celebrating Canadian Craft, a national touring exhibition that showcases the extraordinary diversity of contemporary craft in Canada.
Curated by Mike Patten, this exhibition features works from artists selected by provincial and territorial Craft Councils, spanning a wide range of materials, techniques, and traditions. From intricately woven tapestries and eco-printed textiles to sculptural ceramics, beaded adornments, and contemporary metalwork, each piece in this collection represents the depth and excellence of Canadian craft today.
Featured Artists
Among the many talented craftspeople in this exhibition:
- Jane Kidd (Craft Council of BC): Shaped woven tapestries that explore environmental themes.
- Hilary Johnstone (Saskatchewan Craft Council): Fabric collage that captures the power of nature.
- Melanie Monique Rose (Saskatchewan Craft Council): Wearable art eco-printed with native prairie plants.
- Shawn O’Hagan (Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador): Small sculptures made with hand-dyed linen and local natural materials.
- Judy Blake (Craft NB): Saggar-fired ceramics that embrace organic forms and natural firing techniques.
- Kye Yeon Son (Craft Alliance Atlantic – Nova Scotia): Sculptural metalwork exploring organic forms.
- Paul Robles (Manitoba Craft Council): Intricate paper-cut works that challenge themes of identity and transformation.
- Takashi Iwasaki (Manitoba Craft Council): Hand-embroidered and ceramic works bursting with colour and energy.
- Brook Bampton (Alberta Craft Council): Intricately beaded jewelry that blends traditional and contemporary influences.
- Vi Houssin (Manitoba Craft Council): Beaded landscapes that capture the essence of place and memory.
- Sheena Yakeleya (NWT Arts): Exquisite beaded tie honouring Indigenous artistry.
- Nathalie Bertin (Craft Ontario): Beaded and fur-trimmed works that reflect Métis and Anishinaabe traditions.
- Nicole Travers (Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador): Jewelry crafted with spruce-tanned salmon leather and intricate beadwork.
- Hudson Lester (Nunavut Artist): Hand-carved caribou antler pens blending functionality and unique materials.
- Wei Cheng (Craft Council of BC): Mixed-media ceramic sculptures incorporating found objects.
- Jim Aquilani (PEI Crafts Council): Jewelry inspired by the resilience of nature, incorporating silver, copper, and salvaged materials.
- Randi Nelson (Yukon Artist): A breathtaking fusion of beadwork, gemstones, and fur.
- Rosie Godbout (Le Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec): Textile works that push the boundaries of traditional fibre arts.
- Montserrat Duran Muntadas (Le Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec): Glass sculptures intertwining tradition and innovation.
The Ottawa presentation of Coast to Coast to Coast coincides with the CCF/FCMA’s Annual Symposium: Crafting Connections, a gathering of artists, makers, and advocates dedicated to the future of craft in Canada.
Join us for the Gala & Exhibition Opening on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the Ottawa Art Gallery, where we will launch not only this exhibition but also a year-long celebration of Craft Year 2025.
Discover the materials, techniques, and cultural narratives that shape craft across Canada. Connect with artists, engage with the work, and celebrate the vibrant world of contemporary craft.
Want to learn more about Coast to Coast to Coast: Celebrating Canadian Craft and other CCF/FCMA initiatives? Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates. Subscribe today.
Past Exhibitions
Coast to Coast to Coast: Celebrating Canadian Craft
Salon des métiers d’art du Québec, Montréal, QC
December 12-22, 2024
In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, the CCF/FCMA is thrilled to present a collective exhibition of fine crafts at the Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec, part of the Salon des métiers d’art. Featuring works from artists selected by Craft Councils nationwide across craft media and curated by Mike Patten, this exhibition will highlight the exceptional diversity of Canadian craft. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to view works by some of Canada’s leading craftspeople, all gathered in one incredible exhibition!
Join us for the opening at Coast to Coast to Coast: Celebrating Canadian Craft at the Salon des métiers d’art du Québec in Montreal from December 12-22, 2024.
Karen Burk, Bowl for Hanging and Serving, New Brunswick