mini-dispatch

Lots to report on today so I’ll do a little digest thingie.

1. Ontario Crafts Council's Business Conference: Building Your Successful Craft Career
2. IT HAPPENS HERE: OCAD Graduate Exhibition
3. Hot deals on fabric and sewing machines
4. Open Call to Artists– "Bloom" The Bluffs Gallery, Scarborough


1. Building Your Successful Craft Career Conference
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“Building Your Successful Craft Career includes presentations and workshops tailored to meet the needs of craftspeople in every phase of their careers. It is a forum that encourages presenters to discuss the important issues that concern you today and share their professional experience and knowledge with you in an intimate setting.”

2006 Conference
Saturday, June 3, 2006
Ontario College of Art & Design
100 McCaul Street, Toronto, Ontario

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS FRIDAY, MAY 5TH (that's tomorrow!)

For workshop and presentation details visit www.craft.on.ca/events

To register, or for more information, contact Deborah Kirkegaard at 416-925-4222 ext. 224 or dkirkegaard@craft.on.ca


2. IT HAPPENS HERE: OCAD Graduate Exhibition
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Check out what these emerging craftstars are up to at the OCAD Grad show this weekend.

Students work in all areas of art and design including drawing and painting, photography, sculpture/installation, ceramics, printmaking, jewellery, textiles, integrated media, advertising, illustration, graphic design, industrial design, and environmental design. Visitors also have the opportunity to see demonstrations in printmaking, ceramics, jewellery and textiles, and purchase select student work.

Ontario College of Art & Design
Main Campus, 100 McCaul Street, Toronto
Friday May 5th – Sunday May 7th
(11am-6pm)
Admission: Pay what you can

3. Hot deals on fabric and sewing machines
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Siphoned these tips from Nathalie-Roze’s DIY Style Column in the Star (where she has kindly plugged the Alert today – ow ow):

“Lunatic deals at Fabricland: The Buy One, Get 2 (metres) Free sale is in full force at Fabricland locations until May 15. Visit fabricland.ca.
This is the shopping cue for anyone making their own prom or wedding dress or just a fab excuse for crafty folk who always have a project on the go. Don't snooze and miss out on this super deal.

Sewing World: Located at 3003 Danforth Ave. at Victoria Park Ave., has a phenomenal deal on select Janome sewing machines — just $198 for a limited time (regular price $498) with a 17-year warranty. Ask for Theresa, the owner who is super-friendly and completely in-the-know about all things sewing. Each new machine sold includes three free beginner sewing lessons. Call 416-699-7119 or see sewingmachine.ca.”

4. Open Call to Artists– "Bloom"
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Open Call to Artists– "Bloom"
Scarborough Arts Council Members’ Exhibition at The Bluffs Gallery June 8 – 27, 2006

“In keeping with the Scarborough Arts Council’s beautiful grounds and commitment to the environment artists are asked to contribute work that explores the theme “Bloom.”

Visual artists may submit up to two works and crafts people no more than five. Pieces must be dropped off at the gallery ready for hanging with an accompanying list specifying titles, media, sizes and prices.

Deadline: June 2. Though we will try to accommodate as much work as possible, please e-mail programs@scarborougharts.com ASAP to confirm your participation and number of pieces, as it will be first-come-first-served. Artist drop-off will be from June 5-7.

For more information please contact Nina Leo at programs@scarborougharts.com or 416-698-7322.”