Regional artists show off their love of craft

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By Kristen Coughlar

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EMC Events- On the hunt for the perfect gift to give your loved one this Valentine's Day? You'll no doubt have no trouble finding it at For the Love of Craft, a large-scale craft show being held in Memorial Hall at City Hall Saturday, Feb. 4.

The show, which will feature over 40 vendors from Southeastern Ontario and Quebec is being hosted by the six-year artisan co-op Made 4 You in conjunction with Artignite, the city's two week art festival.

This is the second installment of For the Love of Craft. The first was held two years ago at the Wellington Street Theatre.

"I thought City Hall would be an excellent venue because it's bigger and it's right at market square, and there will be lots of people there because it's Feb Fest," said Made 4 You founding member Mary Anne Lawless.

The craft show will feature handcrafted items in all mediums.

Lawless herself creates works of tie-dye.

She was introduced to tie-dye as a child and revisited the art form in the late 80s. It wasn't until seven years ago, however, that she committed herself to the craft.

"My dad passed away seven years ago and I wanted to do something that was kind of mindless but enjoyable and make a few bucks, so I started to do it again and I just kept doing it."

Today, Lawless operates a market stall in Springer Market Square, where she sells her tie-dye creations, everything from dresses, skirts and leggings to tops, scarves and aprons.

"If you can tie-dye it I'm going to try."

Lawless noted that works by other members in the collective include everything from screen-printing, pottery, jewelry, cards and prints.

In addition to all the vendors, Lawless revealed that students of the Creative Arts focus program at QECVI will have some of their work on display and for sale.

Lawless said that the collective decided to expand this year's juried show and sale to include a fundraising element. They chose to support the QECVI Creative Arts focus program.

"Our conservative government isn't pro art and a lot of funding has been cut in schools for art programs and other programs too. The community has to pick up the slack."

She explained that not all people are mathematically, scientifically or technologically inclined, and that those students who are more artistic should be encouraged to hone and develop those skills.

"They have to be encouraged to be who they are and not necessarily conform. Art has a place in our society. Art is a reflection of society and art can influence society."

Lawless hopes that For the Love of Craft will not only help to raise some money for the focus program, but that its students will perhaps learn a little something about putting on a show.

Additionally, she hopes that all those who attend the event will appreciate all the items on display and for sale.

"I hope that people...really have a good time and find lots of things to buy."

kcoughlar@perfprint.ca




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