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Upcoming Events

• Artworks Show and Sale - October 29 + 30, 2011, Bingemans, Kitchener http://www.myartworks.ca

The Ontario Crafts Council is thrilled to once again partner with Artworks during their fall show at Bingemans in Kitchener. In 2010, the OCC featured pieces from Masterworks Southwest, a touring exhibition of contemporary craft, and the response was fantastic. We look forward to this grand opportunity to once again show off the work of our talented members!

Participation details coming soon!

 Past Events

• Jury Preparation Workshop (Jordan) - CANCELLED
• The Potters' Market, May 27-28 (Guelph)
• CultureCamp Guelph, May 16 (Guelph)
• Photo Clinic with Dean Palmer, May 26 (Southampton)
• The Made of Wood Show, April 23 - May 15, 2011 (Erin)
• Market Readiness Workshop with Paul Portelli, May 7 (Bayfield)
• Fused Glass Workshop with Renato Foti, April 9-10, 2011 (Kitchener)
• Juried Art Preparation Panel Discussion, January  2011 (Guelph)
• Craft Practical, September 11, 2010 (Owen Sound)
• Artworks Show and Sale - October 2010 (Kitchener)
• Masterworks Southwest, March - December, 2010 (Owen Sound, Orton, Windsor, Guelph, Tillsonburg)

This year, the OCC was a proud supporter of the The Potters' Market.  This outdoor event featured the work of over 50 fantastic potters from across the province and beyond. For a full list of participating artists, visit http://www.thepottersmarket.ca/potters.html

The OCC partnered with the City of Guelph, Guelph Arts Council, Guelph-Wellington Business Enterprise Centre and the Cultural Careers Council of Ontario to host 'CultureCamp Guelph'. Taking place on Wednesday, May 25 from 2-4pm, this free unconference brought over 65 creative minds together for an exchange of ideas focusing on CultureDays. For full details visit http://culturecampguelph.eventbrite.com/

Masterworks Southwest

Masterworks Southwest is a juried travelling exhibition of contemporary craft touring the region between March – December, 2010.  This exhibit showcases 39 pieces of contemporary craft from makers across Southwestern Ontario.

• Tom Thomson Art Gallery, Owen Sound, March 28 - May 2
• Burdette Gallery, Orton,  May 15-June 20
• Art Gallery of Windsor July 10-September 5 (Reception: Friday, August 20, 7-10pm)
• Greenwood Quiltery & Gallery, Guelph,  September 17 - October 30 (Reception: Satruday, October 16 1-4pm)
• Artworks Show and Sale, Kitchener, October 30-31
• Station Arts Centre, Tillsonburg, November 12 - December 17 (Reception: Friday, November 12 7-9pm)

Please click on the icon below to download our double-sided postcard or our 44 page booklet.  This booklet will be available for purchase at each of the venues for $6 each.  Please contact mcalarco@craft.on.ca to order in advance.

Masterworks Southwest postcard (PDF)

Masterworks Southwest booklet (PDF)

We're thrilled to be featuring the work from the following craftspeople:

Meet & Greet

OCC Meet and Greets have been taking place across the region since the fall of 2009.  Small, informal gatherings are a great way to meet likeminded craftspeople in your community.  Exchange stories, swap business cards and socialize!  If you think an OCC Meet and Greet would benefit makers in your area, please suggest a time, place and location.  Mary Calarco, the Southwestern Regional Coordinator will be more than happy to plan the event and help you connect with other OCC members.

The OCC Heads South

In the fall of 2009, the OCC staff and board were very excited to welcome Mary Calarco to the organization as the Southern Regional Consultant. Mary brings with her a true passion for Canadian art, craft and design.  Since graduating from OCAD’s Interdisciplinary Studies program in 1995, Mary has spent over a decade promoting the work of Canadian creators and connecting them with the public.  Mary was instrumental in establishing online branding for the One of a Kind Show, and spent eight years developing close relationships with artists across Canada.  Mary has a keen interest in social media and is eager to connect with Ontario’s crafts community online as well as in person. 

The OCC's regional focus was made possible through grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Henry White Kinnear Foundation and the McLean Foundation.  Collectively, these funds support a three year initiative called “Growing Ontario’s Craft Community”.  We’re eager to bring programming directly to you in order to expand our services, improve our communications and strengthen our partnerships outside of the GTA.  For additional details about the Southern Region, please contact Mary at mcalarco@craft.on.ca.