Help Save Inspirations Studios

by | Oct 11, 2017 | Uncategorized

 

From their funding page: “We are heartbroken to share that Inspirations Studio is facing imminent closure.  For 23 years, the ceramics-based program has supported hundreds of low-income women who have been impacted by poverty, homelessness, addiction, trauma, and mental health issues.

You can learn more about the program here.
As we look for stable funding and a new partner, we are asking for public donations to keep the program alive.  Our target of 60K will sustain the program through 2018, in conjunction with funds we are anticipating from the City of Toronto and those received already from an anonymous donor.  Together this support will secure studio rent, bills, materials, and skeleton staff so the current members can sustain their essential income, continue to access a safe space to be creative, and maintain a sense of meaning and purpose.  As one member told us, “Inspirations saved my life.”
Although we aim to reach our target and sustain the Studio for one year while we find long-term funds, any amount raised will help extend the program beyond 2017 and support the participants.  Any and all donations represent a success and will benefit the women. “
Visit the organizations website here: https://inspirationsstudio.org/inspirations-studio/
Article about the Studio in the Star.

monday morning eye candy: The Crafted Dish

by | Oct 9, 2017 | monday morning eye candy, Uncategorized

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Okay so this isn’t a typical Monday Morning Eye Candy for musing about mud, but hopefully you can forgive me this week. I’ve been working with National Clay Week over the last year on this amazing publication that showcases a range of ceramic eye candy and talent from across Canada. We’ve paired up gorgeous pots with mouth watering recipes to entice you to pull those beautiful pots in your collection out of the cupboard and use on a daily basis.

Sixty one artists are showcased in the publication, and we’ve included an essay by Julia and Yolande Krueger. Proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to The Stop, our community partner in Toronto, ON. From their site:

“The Stop strives to increase access to healthy food in a manner that maintains dignity, builds health and community, and challenges inequality. For over 30 years, The Stop Community Food Centre has been at the forefront of dignified, innovative programs that provide access to healthy food; build skills, health, hope, and community; and confront the underlying issues that lead to poverty and hunger. Our wide range of programs include drop-in meals, a food bank, community kitchens and gardens, perinatal and family support, civic engagement, and children and youth engagement.”

Below are some of the gorgeous spreads from the publication. I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished on a zero budget, with the support of some seriously amazing folks in our creative community. Please consider adding this publication to your book collection. Support exposure for #canadianceramics and financially support The Stop and their programming.

Find out more about this project and links to the 61 artists: www.thecrafteddish.com

Buy the book here: www.blurb.ca/b/8196010-the-crafted-dish

 

National Clay Week starts OCT 9th!!!

by | Oct 6, 2017 | Uncategorized

Here’s a quick last minute rundown:

Monday: Using Handmade with The Crafted Dish

  • Purchase a copy of The Crafted Dish.

  • Follow @Thecrafteddish and @nationalclayweek on Instagram

  • Join in the fun by sharing your own recipes and images on your instagram feed using #thecrafteddish #NCW2017 and tagging @thecrafteddish for the opportunity to be showcased during the Monday of NCW. While the publication was limited to #canadianceramics – this call for online participation is open to everyone! Celebrate your culture, your art, and your food through sharing recipes and stories of how handmade craft and homemade food go hand in hand.

Tuesday: Clay Conversations with Artaxis

Artaxis is hosting 24 conversations by our members streaming live from 16 countries over 12 hours on our Artaxis Facebook page. Each artist will spend 30 minutes answering questions submitted via the form on this page. The event begins at 10:00 am Eastern Standard Time on October 10th, 2017.

Wednesday: Collaborations with Clementine Porcelain and Manchester Crafts Guild Youth and Arts Program

  • Visit nationalclayweek.org for a how-to guide on how to plan your own Plate Project and plan one for the near future.

  • Or if you are feeling ambitious- get in touch with Clementine Porcelain now and they will help you organize an event to coincide with their live stream on Oct. 11th.  Let’s make it the biggest Plate Project workshop yet!

  • Participate in the live auction hosted by Clementine Porcelain, clementineporcelain.com. The auction of plates is to raise money for the National BackPack program. Including a plate from Jeff Bridges!!

  • Visit MCG’s live stream instagram 4-5pm EST to view and participate in their class collaboration –  https://www.instagram.com/mcgyouthandarts/

Thursday: Nuts and Bolts with The Pottery Workshop

  • LIVE Simultaneous Roundtable discussion and demonstration with live Q&A starting at 9pm with: Dryden Wells, Luca Li, Huang Fei, Rain Harris, Birdie Boone, Ekrem Yazici, and more!

  • Every three hours, starting at 9am EST, we will release a new youtube video that highlights The Pottery Workshop in China and their surrounding area. Videos will explore Historic Jingdezhen, Artists Interviews, The Pottery Workshop, and many other topics!

  • Post your own photos of your time at The Pottery Workshop on Instagram – #thepotteryworkshop #NCW2017

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Open Studios with YOU!

  • Visit a studio who is hosting an Open Studio and bring students, family and or  friends. Support your local community just by being there. Our website has a map and links of studios in your area. Find one and mark your calendar. We hope to see you there! 

  • Post photos of studios you visit and #NCWOS #openstudio #NCW2017 and we will repost on our feed.