Crafting New Traditions: Canadian Innovators Influences Symposium at Harbourfront Centre

Every thing Happens at once in Toronto...

If your not busy enough the weekend of February 22 through 24 here is something else to add to your schedule. If you do have a serious interest in Design and Craft History and practice this landmark symposium delves into the history and innovations of Canadian Craft

Crafting New Traditions: Canadian Innovators Influences Symposium
February 22 and February 23, 2008 at Harbourfront Centre

Theo and Susan Harlander*

Crafting New Traditions: Canadian Innovators Influences Symposium is the first time that Canada's craft practice will be explored from a historical and contemporary artistic perspective - through the minds and voices of some of Canada's most influential curators, artists and academics. This symposium includes three keynote speakers and ten respected researchers from across Canada examining the influences and accomplishments of prominent Canadian craft pioneers working in ceramics, glass, metal, textiles and wood. These presentations coincide with the launch of the book Crafting New Traditions: Canadian Innovators and Influences - published by the Canadian Museum of Civilization (as part of their Mercury series), in collaboration with Harbourfront Centre.

Highlights of this symposium include a Friday night opening event keynote presentation by University of Toronto Professor of Philosophy Mark Kingwell (who has written for Harper's Magazine, the New York Times, Canadian Art and Azure among others). Saturday highlights include lectures and presentations by Canadian craft luminaries like Beth Alber, Sandra Alfoldy, Anne Barros, Alan C. Elder, Sandra Flood, Rachel Gotlieb, Susan Jeffries, Patty Johnson, Julia Krueger, Robin Metcalfe, Dorie Millerson, Carolyn Prowse-Fainmel and Michael Prokopow. The symposium ends with a reception to honour the pioneering work of Jean Johnson, (awarded an Order of Canada in 1993 for her contribution to Canada's craft communities) who will retire after devoting 29 years to Harbourfront Centre. For information on symposium events and presenters visit

http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/noflash/visarts/craftsymposium.php

Tickets prices for the all events at the Crafting New Traditions: Canadian Innovators Influences Symposium are $75 ($50 for students/seniors) and include a complimentary copy of the new book Crafting New Traditions: Canadian Innovators and Influences. Tickets for the Friday night keynote presentation only by Mark Kingwell are $15 ($10 for students/seniors). For more public information and to purchase tickets please call 416-973-4000 or visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com . All symposium events are located at Harbourfront Centre at 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto, Canada.


*image from Library and Archives Canada used with permission from Harbourfront.

Craft Year 2007 was a nation-wide celebration of professional Canadian craft organized by The Canadian Craft Federation/Fédération canadienne des métiers d'art. The year-long festival of events explored Canada's craft culture in all its diversity and creativity. Exhibitions, forums, seminars, publications, web sites, exchanges and other ventures were planned to enchant, engage and educate Canadians about craft practice as a unique cultural activity.