Donate to the Melanie Egan Award for Material Investigation fund. 

The Melanie Egan Award for Material Investigation honors a third- or fourth-year Sheridan Craft and Design student whose work explores the capacity, stories, and intentions of materials, reflecting how material intelligence can shape our way of being in the world.

Inspired by Melanie Egan’s passion for materials and their deep cultural and personal significance, this award celebrates students who demonstrate a profound understanding of how materials connect us to identity, culture, and shared human experiences. The recipient’s work must exemplify the exploration of materials as a language for cultural dialogue and personal expression, highlighting the tactile and sensory qualities that define and communicate our relationships to the world around us. 

Established by the Sheridan College Craft and Design Program, in partnership with Craft Ontario.

Melanie Egan is a respected figure in the field of contemporary craft and design, with over 35 years of experience dedicated to advancing the craft sector in Canada and internationally. She retired from her role as Director of Craft & Design at Harbourfront Centre in March 2025, after a distinguished career shaping the craft and design landscape.

Throughout her tenure at Harbourfront Centre, Melanie led Canada’s foremost artist-in-residency program devoted to ceramics, glass, textiles, jewellery, and design. She curated and presented numerous exhibitions, organized symposia and events, lectured, mentored, and served as an advocate for the craft community. Melanie's influence extended well beyond the institution, as she also contributed to various craft organizations and academic committees. Melanie has been an integral voice in the broader craft community - she served on the Editorial Advisory and Nominations Committees at Craft Ontario, the Program Committee at the Textile Museum of Canada, and the Professional Advisory Committees for Sheridan College's Craft & Design Program and George Brown College's Jewellery Program. 

Melanie’s contributions to the world of craft and design continue to inspire artists, curators, and students alike. Her legacy includes not only the many projects and exhibitions she led but also the mentorship and advocacy she provided throughout her career.

"In the midst of making, craft artists are viscerally and intellectually connected to materials; endeavouring to represent meaning that cannot be expressed in mere words. Born out of embodied knowledge, research, fluency and intention, craft artists hone connections, and relationships, between making, culture and their materials." - Melanie Egan

All donations valued above $20 will receive a charitable tax receipt.

There are many ways to give that will have a lasting impact. To discuss any questions related to legacy giving, bequest planning, or donations of craft work, please get in touch with:
Janna Hiemstra, Executive Director
jhiemstra@craftontario.com 
416-925-4222

Donations by cheque can be made out to Craft Ontario, and mailed to:
1106 Queen St W
Toronto ON, M6J 1H9