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Crafts
The
practice of crafts is significant to Alberta's art community because it
encompasses so many forms, running the gamut from quilting, woodcarving, stained
glass, ceramics, knitting, sewing and welding. In fact, a review of craft
art in Alberta would be as diverse as the participating
artists.
In Canada, crafts became
popular during what is dubbed "the arts and crafts movement" of the late
1800s, a reaction to the Industrial Revolution. During this time, people
felt separated from their own creative ideas and uniqueness. Many
individuals felt they were reduced to nameless workers, effortlessly
repeating boring tasks. Advocates of craft art wanted to return to an
authenticity in products, which they felt was lost in mass-produced goods.
As a result, participation in crafts increased, developing into successful
industries for artists and entrepreneurs.
In Alberta, many artists are part of the
Alberta Craft Council, an
organization that supports and represents a variety of crafts. Founded in 1980, the Alberta Craft
Council (ACC) lobbies the government for increased funds, pursues new funding
opportunities and develops media coverage for craft art in the province.
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