Barbara Heller is Awarded for her Leadership and Contribution to the Canadian Craft Sector
The Canadian Crafts Federation (CCF/FCMA) is pleased to announce tapestry artist, weaver and dedicated volunteer, Barbara Heller, as the 2022 Laureate of the Robert Jekyll Award for Leadership in Craft. Since 2006, the Robert Jekyll Award has celebrated National leaders advancing the respect and recognition for craft in Canada. Barbara is awarded this prestigious honour to acknowledge her exceptional work and volunteerism within the craft sector community
For over 48 years, Barbara gained national and international recognition for her studio practice, exhibitions and symposia, articles, workshops, and lectures. From British Columbia, she founded the B.C. Society of Tapestry Artists (1993) and the Canadian Tapestry Network (1995). Barbara has served on many boards including the American Tapestry Alliance, the Textile Society of America (Biennial Conference), and the Craft Council of British Columbia, and was the Canadian Correspondent for the International Tapestry Journal. She is invaluable to the greater Canadian craft community, as a mentor and inspiration for generations of artists.
Barbara Heller is not only committed to her art practice, but she is also equally committed to promoting the practice of other tapestry artists: both Canadian and international. Further, Barbara’s commitment to this international community is tangibly realized in her extraordinary volunteer work as the founder and co-editor of the long-established Canadian Tapestry Network newsletter. The tri-annual publication is invaluable for not only connecting weavers from around the world through the written word, but also informing readers of a variety of resources ranging from exhibitions and educational opportunities to materials and equipment suppliers; I, myself, have directly benefitted from many opportunities I would not have known of otherwise.
Murray Gibson, Tapestry Artist & faculty of St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, N.S.
Every year, CCF/FCMA members nominate exceptional individuals to highlight the incredible work of the Citizens of Craft within their community. The CCF/FCMA sends warm congratulations to all nominees, including the 2022 Robert Jekyll Award Shortlist: Amy Gogarty, and Denis Longchamps.
The Robert Jekyll Award celebrates distinguished contributors to the craft sector. It is one of the highest markers of exceptional commitment to the development of the craft community in Canada. Barbara Heller has demonstrated a career and passion dedicated to craft. She will receive an award of $1,000 donated by the award’s namesake, Mr. Robert Jekyll, stained glass artist and the founding president of the CCF/FCMA.