Sharing some good news!

[Amber]

So this past month has been crazy, busy and at times a bit of a nail bitter... but in a good way *smiles*. We've been rushing to do a bunch of things to the house before Jon departs again, seems like he only just got back *lol. So the decks and porches are now the bain of my existence having cost me rashes up the arms, sore backs and stiff knees at the tender age of 27. Along side that I just got a new toy, an electric bicycle, looks cool and environmentally friendly, for transportation. Anyways here in Lil' Ol New Brunswick our laws aren't up to speed, so many days that aren't doing house projects are spent on the phone with police all over New Brunswick, Dept. of Public Safety and Service New Brunswick discussing legislation and our federal motor vehicle act. (still an ongoing discussion *lol).
In the midst of all this I found out that our provincial crafts council, one of the oldest in Canada, was having a jury session for new applicants during a week in May. So after humming and hawing I decided to apply, I didn't have high hopes of being accepted but the opportunity for frank critiquing of my work was something I decided I did need. The only way to get better is to learn the hard way what really isn't working, so I humbly applied and received an ACCEPTANCE letter in the mail today!!! Wow, wow, wow!! I can't stop looking at it... maybe it's a mistake but I'd feel pretty silly calling and asking "are you sure?" *lol.
And to some it all up, I am happy and tired, but very happy *smiles*! The husband and I are off to see a show in Halifax this weekend, to get away from the house and to have a nice weekend before he flies out for another month and a half of playing with jets in America. Looks like we're celebrating!

[Audrey]

Well congratulations on getting accepted. ou should learn a lot from that. Feel free to share what you learn!

[JoanFrances]

Oh Amber Good for you.  Let us know how you do in the show.  Have a great weekend too.

[Becki]

Congratulations, Amber!  Thanks for sharing the good news!

[Malinda]

Well congrats....that is great news, now go celebrate and have a wonderful day / evening. 

[Lauren]

Congratulations Amber!!  Enjoy your show  

[ct4mom]

  Congratulations Amber, You must be so thrilled.  Have fun celebration with Jon and enjoy the show.

[Lou Ann]

Amber,

Congratulations!!! I don't know why you are suprised, your work is beautiful!!!

Have a great get away.

Lou Ann

[Kev]

Congrats Amber..that's fantastic news!

[Tre V]

   Lots of sacrifice there, on many levels. Good job!    

[Amber]

Thanks everyone! It feels pretty cool, I think I'd be dancing if my body wasn't this tired at the moment *lol! For now this little guy will do the job for me  dancing dancing .

[memaribeth]

Congratulations!  This is such great news!!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Mary

[Anne]

Oh Amber, good for you, that's awesome! Ok, (and I guess this may be a stupid question) but exactly what does this mean, you're in a really good show that's hard to get into? Or something else? I'm assuming it's a show.  You're way too hard on yourself my friend, what I've seen of your work is very nice and obviously the jurying committee agrees. Congratulations.

Have a wonderful weekend away!!

[Amber]

Basically it's a group of artists from around the province that work on promoting art and craft with a high standard. They will feature artists in individual shows, as a collective with a theme and also host craft shows twice a year. It's a bit more prissy then your neighbors knitting at a farmers market *lol, and the jury process is fairly specific but it's also a well respected group.

 Here's a little blurb from Studio, Craft and Design in Canada to give an idea as to the shows they do:
Celebrating Fredericton's 2009 designation as a Cultural Capital of Canada. The New Brunswick Crafts Council presents React:A craft artist's response to the provincial capital at the Government House Gallery from June 11th- August 7th, 2009.





And this is the jury standard that works are judged on:

NBCC Guidelines for Jurying

Juried Membership:

• A juried member of the New Brunswick Crafts Council is a professional craftsperson/artist creating exceptional quality hand-made contemporary or traditional items, or historical reproductions.
• To become a juried member, individuals must fill out an application form and submit five professionally-presented examples of their work to be reviewed by a peer-based jury.
• The five examples must be typical items in the medium in which the craft artist plans to sell. Members must be re-juried to sell products in a new medium
• To be successful, the applicant’s products must demonstrate all of the following four areas:

1. Originality:
• products must be original to the craftsperson or a skillful rendering of a traditional or classic design
• work must show the ‘hand of the maker’ indicating a personal contribution that separates the work from that of other craftspeople. Work must demonstrate a clear, personal vision and unique, distinctive style

2. Design:
• products must demonstrate that the maker has an understanding of design, indicated by a careful consideration of concept, function, colour, texture and form

3. Materials:
• products must be made of high quality materials, suitable to the item produced
• commercial, pre-manufactured components and recycled materials can be used if the original form is substantively transformed by the craftsperson

4. Technique:
• must demonstrate a high level of technical skill and consistency of quality
• must be sound and able to withstand normal expected usage


Jury Process:

• The peer-based jury will be made up of three craft professionals with a minimum of two jurors in the specialized field of the applicant. Applicants must submit five individual pieces which demonstrate the breadth of their practice.
• In the incident that work is very large, arrangements will be made to have the jury process occur either on site or in close proximity to the maker’s studio.
• In exceptional cases, digital images may be permitted. Please contact the Project Coordinator for details.
• Juries will be held twice a year in mid May and October.
 

Evaluation:

• Each piece will be examined and evaluated by the jurors individually.
• Submissions will be evaluated on a yes/no basis in each of the four criteria: individuality; design; material; technique.
• Every item must receive a “yes” evaluation for the applicant to jury successfully.

[Anne]

Aweesome!  These are the kind of shows I've always looked for to sell my art in Amber.  In my experience they bring the crowds that come expecting to spend money and you're not contending with the bazaar crowd.  Sorry, don't mean to sound like a snob - I'm not - but I want to have my work displayed in a venue where the people attending appreciate the art and workmanship.  People go to those shows because they know the work is juried and they're prepared to pay for quality. Congratulations. This will give you lots of valued contacts as well, lots of networking!

[PiscesGlass]

What wonderful happenings in your life Amber!  Celebrate, Celebrate, Celebrate!   I hope that you and your husband have a wonderful time away for the show.

I'm not in the least surprised by your acceptance into the Crafts Council..what I've seen of your work so far is very original and very well done!  You've found your "niche"..and that's a good thing! 

I hope that the show does very well for you!  I'm sure that it will.  I keep hoping to find one of these myself one day!  And I totally agree with Anne, this will be a different crowd with more disposable income, collectors of fine craft and art.  May you do extremely well there!  I'll be rooting for you!

De

[nansea121]

Way ta go Amber!!!  
I know you'll enjoy and absorb the whole process which you'll learn alot from.
Wishing you a fine weekend with your husband. 1½ months will go quickly m'dear, especially with this fine opportunity that's popped up!!!

Nancy

[Barbara]

That is really fantastic Amber.  You will do great with this and I hope you enjoy your weekend and that the time away is refreshing and a happy time--Barbara