Celebrate at the Inaugural Canadian Craft Biennial
The Art Gallery of Burlington and Craft Ontario are pleased to announce that the official website for the inaugural Canadian Craft Biennial has been launched: www.canadiancraftbiennial.ca. This national event, taking place between August 19 and October 29, 2017, will showcase provincial, national, and international craft artists through four gallery exhibitions, a two-day symposium, two ten-day residencies, and additional community programming.
Denis Longchamps, Artistic Director and Chief Curator at the Art Gallery of Burlington, addresses the need for a national celebration of craft:
“The Biennial is a dream that started to develop a few years ago to bring together makers, scholars, collectors and craft aficionados together to discuss contemporary Canadian craft within a larger discourse.”
Today, this dream is a reality, with the inaugural Biennial being presented under the theme Can Craft? Craft Can!, which will explore historical contexts and offer critical insights into the future of craft in Canada. Aligning with Canada’s 150th anniversary, Can Craft? Craft Can! will highlight and celebrate Canadian craft professionals, and educate the public on the role that craft plays in Canadian arts and culture.
You are Invited: The grand opening for all exhibitions is on Friday, September 15th, 6:00 pm, at the Art Gallery of Burlington (1333 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington).
Can Craft? Craft Can!
This national exhibition will be showcasing seventy makers from across Canada with a focus on the themes of identity, sustainability and materiality
Nothing is Newer than Tradition
A feature exhibition of emerging Ontario artists that reflect the way in which craft materials, tools and processes of creativity are reiterated through the hands of a new generation of makers
International Ceramic Exhibition: Anton Reijnders
Anton is internationally renowned for his site-specific ceramic installations
Setting Ontario’s Table:
Once Upon a Time
The Art Gallery of Burlington’s permanent collection’s exhibit will explore functional ware from Ontario ceramists, and juxtapose each artist’s early work with their recent work to explore the progression in their practice
The two-day symposium is where scholars and enthusiasts alike will come together to discuss a wide variety of topics related to the exhibition. Over two days split between Burlington on September 15th and Toronto on September 16th, participants will have the chance to learn, discover, and gain insight into the past and future of Canadian craft.
Craft Ontario members save $50 on symposium registration Register in advance to secure your place
If you would like to take advantage of the shuttle bus service on Friday evening from the Burlington Holiday Inn to the Art Gallery of Burlington for the reception, and/or for Saturday from the Burlington Holiday Inn to OCAD University, it will be an additional $20 that can be selected on the online registration form.
Why Attend the Biennial? The Canadian Craft Biennial is a chance to unite those who make, appreciate, and study Canadian craft. For the first time, Burlington will host a national celebration of craft on the international stage, shining a spotlight on the immense creative spirit of our country.
