100 Mile Shopping with Masterworks Southwest

(Guelph, ON) Masterworks Southwest, a touring exhibition of contemporary craft, is now showing at Guelph’s Greenwood Quiltery & Gallery. This juried show features a compelling selection of work in clay, glass, fibre, metal and wood, all created by makers living in southwestern Ontario.

This exhibit offers something for everyone, making it the perfect starting point for holiday shopping. Whimsical, conceptual, wearable and functional works are unified by their outstanding quality. All thirty-eight pieces are available for purchase, ranging in price from $50 to $7 000.

Local potter Jessica Steinhäuser feels it’s a privilege to be a ‘Kunsthandwerker’ or fine craftsman. “However, this privilege comes with a duty to create objects that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing to the eye, which is equally important.”

This combination of function and design can also be seen in the work of Shannon Kennedy and Juan Bohorquez of Cynosure Jewelry. Both are active participants in the arts community in Kitchener through local galleries and studio workshops. Known for their unique designs, the couple encourages commission pieces for those seeking the perfect gift.

Mary Calarco, exhibition organizer and Guelph resident, is thrilled with the strong local representation. “I’m so lucky to live in a city that boasts such talent! Over one third of the pieces are from Waterloo/Wellington, with three artists living right here in Guelph.” London artist Susan Bidinosti believes handcrafted gifts add a “breath of fresh air in a world where big box stores abound. Choosing to buy handmade is like selecting a special meal over fast food.” Masterworks Southwest is 100 mile shopping at its best!

A reception will take place at 275 Woolwich Street, Guelph on Saturday, October 16 from 1-4pm. All are welcome to attend. Masterworks Southwest, showing in Guelph until October 30, is receiving rave reviews as it travels across the region. Select pieces will also be on display in Kitchener at Artworks Show and Sale, October 30 -31, 2010 at Bingemans Conference Centre.

About the Ontario Crafts Council

The Ontario Crafts Council (OCC) is a non-profit arts organization that has been advocating on behalf of craftspeople since 1976. Masterworks Southwest is part of the OCC’s Growing Ontario’s Craft Community initiative. For additional information please visit http://www.craft.on.ca/OCC_News/Southwest_Update#Masterworks_Southwest

Media Contact:
Mary Calarco
Southwestern Regional Coordinator, Ontario Crafts Council
mcalarco@craft.on.ca
519-841-6481