DONATE TODAY
DONATE TODAY
Muskoka Arts & Crafts and Craft Ontario have joined forces to present an exhibition of craft artists from the Muskoka region and beyond! Explore Craft in Muskoka showcased work by member artists from both organizations over October 18 - November 3, 2024, at the main gallery location of Muskoka Arts & Crafts in Bracebridge. This impressive exhibition was then juried by Craft Ontario and the works of seven artists were selected to go on to be featured in a Retail Window Feature at the Craft Ontario Shop at 1106 Queen Street West, from Friday, November 8 - Sunday, December 1, 2024.
Laura's work explores the relationship between rust and textiles, hand dyeing cloth with found metals and cloth reminisce to create one-of-a kind pieces. The cloth is bound to the rusted metal, sunlight and time have their way with it, and once the cloth emerges it has become completely and irreversibly transformed. With this, Laura either weaves it back into metal, hand stitches or hangs the pieces of rust dyed cloth to be enjoyed. She lives tucked in the forest in Huntsville Ontario where she has a "rust garden" of metal which she uses to bring to life beautifully stirring images within the cloth she dyes.
You can find her on Instagram @fallingtoland
Andrea is a texture and colour lover. Making things that can be felt is important in her work and so using a combination of fibres; her tufting, punch needle, weaving and hooking work transforms into 3D pieces you can’t help but run your hands over! Also a painter by heart- abstracts are done with acrylic and India ink.
John’s artistic journey began as a collector, culminating in the creation of award-winning bird carvings that offer people a lingering look at the details that escape the eye in real life. Using Tupelo wood from the Everglades, he shapes the contours, burns the feathers, and applies washes of paint. The mounts are often synchronized to the natural habitat, with flowers and leaves fashioned from epoxy, brass foil, and sculpi.
John’s fusion of authenticity with innovation has garnered top awards at the local, national, and international levels, including the Ward World Carving Championship. His work may be seen by appointment at his studio in Kilworthy in southern Muskoka.
"My work shifts between design, craft and art. Combining elements from a broad scope of metalsmithing methodology that includes commercial fabrication and machinist skills as well as traditional blacksmithing techniques. My work can include found art, constructivist assassemblages, and free form linear monoliths."
"I have been a stone sculptor since 2001. I trained at the Haliburton School of Art and Design in Haliburton, fine art at McMaster University as well as art design and mixed media in Dublin, Ireland. My sculptures range from figurative to abstract to monumental. Some of my pieces are very small such as stone necklaces and earrings. I also carve lettering and numbering into boulders. In 2018, my granite sculpture Attunement won the Canadian Sculpture Competition at Kingsbrae Garden in St. Andrews, New Brunswick."
Brenda Nieves is a sculptor & ceramic artist living and working in her studio in The Junction, Toronto. Nieves trained at Sheridan College in the Craft and Design program from 2015 - 2016. Her earlier career was designing children’s clothing, then as a Fashion Director for Eaton’s. Nieves works in multiple media, primarily in clay but also explores fabric, painting and printmaking.
"Originally, I went to the Ontario College of Art and Design to become a graphic designer but fell in love when I discovered the Jewellery Design program. It is so exciting to take beautiful, unique stones, a sheet of silver or piece of wire and, using fire and imagination, turn them into a beautiful, wearable piece of art! Even after over 20 years, it is never boring.
I love to experiment and believe that everyday jewellery should be just as unique and conversation starting as special occasion pieces. Now that I have relocated to beautiful Muskoka with my family, I am very excited to see where my inspiration will take my work in the future."