Highlights of the night:

Kicking off the night, Kerri-Lynn Reeves, a Canadian artist working within the medium of textile, video and installation, provided interactive evidence to attest to the fact that everyone (artists and non-artists alike) can enjoy craft. Handing out several patches of fabric, Reeves asked the audience to embroider anything upon it, which she then explained would be fashioned into a quilt. The audience accepted the challenge and embroidered throughout the evening. SIDE NOTE: My patch wasn’t anything to run home and tell mom about, however, my French knotting skills caught the eye my neighbor and Reeves herself. Passing my knowledge onwards, I in turn learned how to crochet.   

Adopting a theoretical approach, Helen Delacretaz, Chief Curator at The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG), touched upon the history and functionality of ceramics. Delacretaz stated that everyone can enjoy the beauty and utility of a well-made vase, teacup or bowl explaining that the first exhibition Delacretaz curated for the WAG consisted of like objects from their permanent collection. The exhibition attracted a large audience of curious individuals. To the chagrin of gallery attendants, many viewers were so enthralled with the exhibition that they resorted to touching and opening bottles and tins. However, it appeared the audience shared Delacretaz’s enthusiasm for ceramics.

The top highlight of the night was discovering Roy Liang and his unusual and humorous pieces. Liang is a coordinator of the annual “This Ain’t Your Grandma’s Craft Sale” held at the Park Theatre in December, which invites an ever-changing group of emerging crafters to show and sell to Manitoba’s “alternative” and “edgy” crowd. Liang’s love affair with craft began as a child wanting to wear unique fashion forward clothing. Having zero access to such items seen in magazines, Liang turned to himself and began to sew and design clothing. Now, his practice includes refashioning old suit jackets or leather letter jackets into handbags (which can be found at McNally Robinson among other places). For Liang, crafts allowed him to explore his personal creativity and a world beyond the confines of Manitoba.

Overall, the night was good fun. My relationship to craft, I feel, will only strengthen and develop as I begin my first crocheting project.