FIRST PRIZE | Fine Woodworking

Award Donor: MARY MARTIN, Member, Cabbagetown Art & Craft

Wood sculpture rooted in function

My wood-turning practice is rooted in a deep appreciation for the tradition of crafts, the cultural history of artifacts and our human interaction with nature. Through my work I tell stories of fragility, strength and resilience. The fragility and resilience of our forests and of the material wood itself teaches us about our own human psyche. There is beauty in cracks, imperfections and fragility. Once we embrace this, we can stand calm and strong.

I use locally salvaged wood, that I turn "green" (freshly cut). In the drying process the wood is naturally subject to tension, warping and cracking. I embrace and amplify this with the use of fire. Andreas Krätschmer

woodyoucarefor.com

SECOND PRIZE | Fibre Arts

Award Donors: MEG BEST and VIRGINIA HAMARA, Members, Cabbagetown Art & Craft

Exploring plastic and paper waste

Heavily informed by traditional textile and basket weaving techniques, I investigate natural and manufactured materials that I can alter and deconstruct to create sculptural textile vessels. I like to work intuitively, vessels take shape row by row, contrasting the strength and fragility of materials, and employing bold colours and textures. I’m inspired by 20th century studio pottery and architectural structures. I feel my vessels embody human and emotional qualities expressed by whimsical and unexpected forms. I began making baskets in the late 80’s inspired by an international moment to revive traditional basketmaking.Tamara Soto

Terry Raininger

THIRD PRIZE | Painting

Award Donor: SUSAN CORRIGAN, Member, Cabbagetown Art & Craft

An ode to the beauty of natural objects

I'm drawn to the timeless elegance of ancient, big, and curvy trees, I embark on a visual journey to capture the essence of their quiet strength and the stories they carry within their gnarled branches. In the quiet moments of observation I find inspiration, and in the act of creation, I seek to share the profound beauty that lingers in the play of light on leaves and the quiet majesty of age-old trees.

sabinafenn.com

RICHARD SILVER AWARD | Other Materials

Award Donor: Richard Silver, sothebysrealty.ca

A return to traditional crafts

Our craft is rooted in a deep respect for the land and a commitment to sustainability. We believe that functionality and design are not mutually exclusive. We find beauty in the simple act of sweeping. The natural textures of the wood, combined with the purposeful arrangement of the bristles, create objects that are not only utilitarian but also aesthetically pleasing. Each broom and brush is a unique creation, imbued with the spirit of Prince Edward County and built to last.

MONTCREST SCHOOL AWARD | Mixed Media

Award Donor: Montcrest School montcrest.on.ca

Reflections on gender roles

Danielle Cole is a Toronto based artist who creates playful collages through an assembly of original vintage graphics. Her work often explores the absurdity of domestic roles and the need for material goods

Her Cowboys and Wallflowers series combines emblematic imagery and humour to invite the viewer to consider the rigid constraints of gender norms and expectations. Each piece of art is handmade using original vintage materials ranging from the late 1800s to the 1970s. Danielle Cole

daniellecole.ca

SPECIAL MEMBER AWARD | Clothing

Award Donor: Wendy Shingler, Member, Cabbagetown Art & Craft

Colour, joy, preserving craftsmanship and sustainability

I dreamed about outerwear that challenged status-quo materials, colours, cis gender-designations, and styles. SteMargScot's collection centres on timeless yet modern woollen coats that are bold, warm, versatile, and gender-inclusive. As a member of the Canadian Wool Council, I have begun working with Canadian fibre farmers and making pure Canadian wool pieces.

stemargscot.com