- Annual Members Campaign
- Anniversary Award Series
ANNUAL MEMBERS' CAMPAIGN IS HITTING THE MAIL!
As always at this time of year, the OCC is reaching out to our members, for a little help through our Annual Members’ Campaign drive. This year we’ve changed things up a bit, changes that we’re really excited about and think you will be as well.
This year, instead of asking for support for our general programming and exhibitions, we’re asking you - the craft community - to contribute directly to the Awards & Scholarships Program. Your donations to the program will help us to not only support some of the older existing awards, but also to create new ones down the road! It’s an exciting campaign and one that we feel will truly translate back to real benefits for you, our community and for future generations of makers.
Watch your mail boxes – the packages with all the details should be arriving very soon. To get a sneak peak at the wonderful letters written by this year’s signatories Steve Tippin and Keith Campbell, or to donate now please CLICK HERE.
ANNIVERSARY AWARD SERIES
As part of The Ontario Crafts Council’s 35th Anniversary celebrations, the OCC announces the launch of the new Anniversary Award Series
The Anniversary Award Series has been established to celebrate the spirit of community and giving as exemplified by three of the craft community’s great supporters - M. Joan Chalmers C.C., O.ONT, and Mary and Bill Corcoran. Named in their honour, and presented every five years in alignment with the organization’s major anniversaries, these awards will continue to celebrate those individuals who have made significant contributions to the spirit and vitality of Ontario’s craft sector. In this inaugural year, the OCC is pleased to be honouring M. Joan Chalmers C.C., O.ONT, Barbara Mather, and Mary and Bill Corcoran.
The Joan Chalmers Award has been established by the OCC’s Board of Directors to recognize longtime support of craft in Ontario. As the founding President of the Ontario Crafts Council, and in her positions with the Ontario Crafts Foundation and the Canadian Crafts Council, Joan has been a visionary leader, a passionate advocate and a committed supporter. The OCC is very pleased to present Joan Chalmers with the inaugural award, alongside Barbara Mather as the award’s first recipient. Barbara has continued her family’s support of the John Mather Award since her husband’s death in 1977. John Mather was the founding treasurer of the Ontario Crafts Council, and in 1972 was President of the Ontario Crafts Foundation. Since 1980, the John Mather Award for Lifetime Achievement has been awarded to 91 people who have displayed exceptional contribution to furthering the development of craft in Ontario and throughout Canada.
The Mary & Bill Corcoran Award has been established by the OCC’s Volunteer Committee to celebrate volunteerism and the support of craft based organizations. Mary Corcoran was a founding member of the OCC’s Volunteer Committee and has been an active member ever since. Together with her husband Bill Corcoran, Ontario’s craft sector has prospered through their volunteer activity, patronage, and Mary’s own craft practice. The OCC is very pleased to jointly present Mary & Bill Corcoran with the inaugural award.
In addition, and in special recognition of the Ontario Crafts Council’s 35th anniversary, a one- time $3,500 award will be given to a craftsperson in honor of all four Anniversary Award Series recipients. The OCC Volunteer Committee has generously provided this award for a participating artist in the upcoming Ontario Craft ‘11 biennial member exhibition. Chosen by the exhibition jury, this award will recognize excellence and innovation in the artistic practice of a mid-career craftsperson.
The inaugural Anniversary Award Series were presented at the Ontario Crafts Council’s 35th Anniversary Gala Dinner celebrations on Tuesday, October 18th, at the Sunnybrook Estates’ Vaughan Estate.
For more information please contact Caitlin Plewes at 416-925-4222x222 or cplewes@craft.on.ca
