Professional Affiliations:
CreativFestival: Formerly the Creative Sewing & Needlework Festival. Next show – April 15 & 16, 2011. Get up to the minute news on upcomming festivals on their blog. Contributor since 2006.
Markham Guild of Village Crafts: A multi-media guild offering classes in fibre arts, quilting, knitting, rug hooking, crochet, paper craft and weaving. General and media specific interest groups meet regularly to inspire and motivate group members – project troubleshooting available. I’ve been a full member since 2004, but I’ve been around the guild since I was a toddler. A lovely place for creative exchange. Member since 2005.
Markham Arts Council: The hub of all things Arts and Culture in my hometown – Markham, Ontario. Member since 2011.
Ontario Museum Association: Proffesional association for museum professionals and their institutions. A forum for networking, intellectual exchange and professional development. Member since 2009.
Products:
Colour Vie Pigments: a non-toxic pigment system for silk screening, fabric dyeing and painting. This system was created and distributed by Toronto textiles artist, Gunnel Hag, and has been used to create custom fabrics for professional film and theatre including the Lion King and the Doodlebops! In addition to managing her own product line, Gunnel offers classes in silk screening and fabric texturizing.
Artisans, Designers & Crafters:
Anne-Marie Chagnon: One of my favorite jewelry designers. Based in Montreal, Anne-Marie Chagnon works extensively in Glass and Pewter. Her abstract, modern designs are the perfect addition to any outfit. I’ve made it a ritual to pick out a new set annually. I simply can’t be without her work.
Joie de Bead by Jean Evelyn: Lovely hand crafted jewelry by my cousin Jean. Jean works in semi-precious stones, crystal and Czech glass and uses some gorgeous claps and findings.
Magpie Artworks by Cheryl Smith: Cheryl makes the most whimsical Art doll you’ll ever see. Jesters, Goddess figures and Creatures of Wonderland are her domain. Also a quilter, beader, illustrator she is a true multi-media Artist. She gives an incredible talk and trunk show – very inspiring.
Entertainment
Resonance Live Music Series presented by Brian Gordon: Creating an intimate live musical connection between established artists, up & coming musicians and music enthusiasts. Brian Gordon & Resonance present a house concert series located just 45 minutes East of Toronto, Ontario that brings together both well known and new artists in a comfortable, intimate home setting where musicians will have the opportunity to perform and interact with an attentive audience of 25 – 40 guests. You can also find Resonance updates and event reminders on Facebook.
Acts of Green:
Platypus – Green Energy Gifts: Give the gift of green energy with carbon negative e-greetings and an individual / corporate donation to Gold Standard green energy initiatives worldwide.
Town of Markham – Greenprint: My hometown’s sustainability plan.
Envirosax: The cutest shopping bags ever!
Beauty:
Humour:
Natalie Dee / Married to the Sea
Lileks: Institute of Official Cheer
Britney Spears’ Guide to Semiconductor Physics
