Craftstravaganza 2015

At our much-anticipated 7th Annual International Women’s Day event, four master craftswomen will be on hand to share their skills. Drop in to learn one traditional craft practice or stay longer to experience all four. Materials provided and child-minding available. Snacks will be served. Enjoy good food, good company and good crafting! The workshops will feature:

Granite Engraving with Tetyana Demchuk

Demchuk will teach the practice of hand carving onto stone. Images are etched using a hand engraving tool and diamond tipped bits. This technique has been used by artists from the medieval ages until today, from Egypt to Europe, and continues to be a specialized skill. Tetyana Demchuk immigrated to Winnipeg in 2009 with her husband and two sons from the town of Lutsk in Western Ukraine. She became interested in the process of hand etchings on granite over 17 years ago, while she was helping her father, who has practiced this art for over 30 years. A professional engraving artist in the Ukraine, Demchuk now continues her career in Canada as an artist and designer with Westwood Memorials.

Loom Beading with Emily Taylor

The early bead loom, used by Ojibwa women, employed a bow-shaped ash branch. This age-old technique continues to be used by the First Nations People of North America. Loom beading creates rows of beads joined by beading string across warp and weft. A variety of designs can be created: geometric, letters, floral, etc. Looms can be homemade, allowing for a variety of different lengths and widths to accommodate your project. Taylor will show how to draft a pattern for a loom-beaded project and how to bead on the loom. She will also illustrate different applications for your finished project. This technique is great for all ages and skill levels. Emily Taylor is of Cree decent from the Fisher River Cree Nation. Growing up, she was introduced to a variety of different traditional craft techniques, often spending her free time with her mother creating. Among her favorites were beading and garment making. Taylor has created a wide variety of jewelry, costumes, and garments over the years, using a variety of different techniques. She is currently studying Psychology at the University of Manitoba.

Decoupage with Queti Azurin

Decoupage is an ancient artform originating with nomadic tribes in Siberia. From there it spread to China in the 12th century and Venice in the 17thcentury. Designs are created by cutting pieces of paper or fabric, gluing them onto a surface and applying layers of varnish. For this workshop all materials will be provided, however participants are encouraged to bring empty glass bottles or pickling jars to use as a surface. Queti Azurin immigrated to Winnipeg from Manila in September 2013. She works as a visual artist and the home-school mom of her two children. She has also just completed her training as a graphic designer and is embarking on that career. For more information on Azurin’s art, please see her website, quetiazurin.com.

Quillwork with Shalana Yuzicappi

Quillwork is a form of textile embellishment used by the First Nations people of North America, mainly in the subarctic, northeastern woodlands and northern plains in Canada. The quills from porcupines and, less commonly, bird feathers are used. Quillwork was the predominate form of garment adornment before the introduction of glass beads. The First Nations people of Canada use the quills to create colorful intricate designs on garments, jewelry and bags. Shalana Yuzicappi will be assisted by Tanya Lynne Hanska. Yuzicappi is a member of the Standing Buffalo First Nation, in Saskatchewan.

MAWA thanks the partners and funders who have made this program possible: Neechi Commons, Manitoba Community Services Council, the Winnipeg Foundation, Assiniboine Credit Union, Thomas Sill Foundation, Manitoba Craft Council, Councillor Mike Pagtakhan, the Minister Responsible for Manitoba Status of Women, Kari Irvin-Ross, and the University of Manitoba Women’s and Gender Studies.