Summer at Dales Gallery

add to outlook add to google calendar remind me

Thursday, August 30th, 2012
1:01 AM to 1:00 PM

Island Artisans Association Celebrates Ten Years at Dales Gallery This Summer
With a mandate to foster excellence in craft and to support artisans from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands in developing a successful craft industry, the Island Artisans Association has continuously had over 70 members for the past ten years.

The association grew out of an initiative undertaken by the Community Economic Development Corporation, CEDCO, in Victoria. The craft industry in this region is comprised mainly of self-employed individuals making a diverse range of objects in studios scattered over a broad area. The CEDCO study started a process that brought together these craftspeople to share their ideas for the advancement of the craft industry locally. It was decided that an organization was needed to speak for craft producers and assist in the development of skills to attract more rewarding markets. To this end, the IAA was formed and incorporated as a non-profit society in August 2002.

This summer, the IAA is organizing one of our most exciting initiatives to date, an exhibition and sale at Dales Gallery during the months of July and August. Dales Gallery is located at 537 Fisgard Street in the heart of Victoria's historic Chinatown. Over 45 artisans from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands will be showcased in this exhibition. Handcrafted jewellery, clay, glass, textiles, wood, metal, paper and a myriad of other creative media highlight the talent of our local artisans. It is fitting that our celebration of ten years coincides with the City of Victoria's celebration of 150 years in one of the oldest areas of Victoria. The building that is home to Dales Gallery is itself significant to Victoria historically.

Since the inception of the IAA, many activities have been pursued to help craftspeople connect with one another, improve their business skills and their profitability, and raise the profile of the craft industry in the region. A members' meeting is held once a month in Victoria and there is a website, www.islandartisans.ca. It is a testimony to the organization that many of the founding members are still active in the association.

The IAA produces Gifts for Myself and Others, a premier craft show and sale held each November in Victoria. This year the first spring Gifts for Myself and Others was held and will continue in the future. We also offer opportunities for wholesale buyers to connect with our member artisans.

The Island Artisans Association always welcomes new members and strives to encourage the public who appreciate and buy fine craft to support local artisans. Whether you are searching for a special gift or an irresistible treat for yourself, you will find something to please and will be supporting local art with your purchase. Dales Gallery will be open 7 days a week this summer. Various artisans will be on hand to talk about their work and some will demonstrate their skill.

Please join us!