(above) Brook Drabot, Forest Floor, 2016
best
C2 Centre for Craft
1 – 329 Cumberland Ave
Wednesday to Saturday
12 – 4 pm
The Manitoba Craft Council (MCC) is pleased to be partnering with the Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library to present best, a juried exhibition of contemporary craft. best is the latest in a long line of juried shows stretching back decades in the MCC’s history. Traditionally produced on an annual basis, these exhibitions have always had a mandate of showcasing excellence in fine craft by Manitoba-based craftspeople.
For the past decade, the MCC has been producing all of its exhibitions in partnership with venues across the province and beyond. The best exhibition, however, was planned to coincide with the opening of the new C2 Centre for Craft, the MCC and MCML’s new joint space; it would be the exhibition that launched a new life stage for both organizations. Rather than hem ourselves in with a very specific theme, we simply wanted to select original, high quality work that would speak to the range of our members’ studio practices.
best, as an exhibition title, is both ironic and sincere. It brings to mind the prize-winning pig at an agricultural fair or the hyperbolic claims of mattress wholesalers.
Many thanks to the best jurors: David Krindle (MB) ceramic artist; Janet Morton (ON) textile, installation artist; and Sonja Rosenberg (MB) goldsmith, fine art jeweler
best was made possible through the generous support of: the Manitoba Arts Council, the Province of Manitoba (Arts Branch), and trustees of the Judith Ryan Memorial Award. Thanks to URBANINK for their work on the catalogue, and to the MCC and MCML staff, boards and volunteers for their behind the scenes labours.
As you visit this exhibition, may these small works channel the spirit of creativity, playfulness and humour in you.
Tammy Sutherland, Director, Manitoba Craft Council
