With the constant twists and turns of the past two years, it is easy to feel torn. Emotionally, economically, and socially, we are stretched thin. Exhausted by this constant dance upon ever-shifting ground, where we are expected to move - and yet stay still - as the world desperately seeks to find its footing.

And yet, despite the closures and the loss, the disconnect and the devastation, the inertia of time thrusts us forward. With this comes reflection, change, and growth. Some have taken this time to shift, planting seeds for future cultivation. Others have slowed to await what comes next - looking out for new approaches. Others still have given up, given in, or turned a completely new leaf. The pandemic has affected us all, and in our varied reactions to this shared isolation, artists have found inspiration. The PEI Crafts Council welcomes you to share in this exploration of silver linings, through an exhibition acknowledging the ongoing struggle, and celebrating the beauty to be found in perseverance. 

Craft artists from across PEI (or those with significant ties to the Island) are invited to share their work in alignment with the nebulous theme of “yield”. A word with varying definitions, “yield” can describe the act of slowing down, looking out, and watching for threats before moving ahead. It can focus on loss, or surrender, relinquishing space for new voices and ideas. Alternatively, “yield” may refer to the act of cultivation, reaping the abundance that blooms as a result of your efforts. 

We are open to your interpretation of this theme, however it relates to the work you’ve done, and continue to do, throughout this difficult time in history. Whether it’s a conceptual exploration, or a new approach in technical skill - dig into what has changed for you. We are extremely interested in the evolution of developing new work, so applications may include images of completed work, OR, work in any stage of progress, so long as it can be completed and ready for final review by end of May 2022. Finished work must be delivered June 15th 2022.

TIMELINE: 

• April 15th, 2022: Online submission deadline

• April 29th, 2022: Notification of results

• May 31st, 2022: Final review of finished work (by appointment with curator)

• June 15th, 2022: Delivery of final work

• July - September 2022: Exhibit on display, Eptek Gallery, Summerside, PE

APPLICATION DETAILS:

The online application form will require the following information:

• Contact information.

• Links to your website or social media (wherever you promote your work online).

• 1 - 5 images of each piece for consideration (you may submit up to 3 works total)

Please note: Images may be of completed work, examples of similar work, or drawings/sketches of new work in progress. 

• A brief artist statement (this may be provided in writing or orally, if preferred).

• Information on the work: title, year, medium, dimensions, retail price. (These may be estimated for works in progress).

• You may also choose to provide demographic information, which helps us to ensure that artists from diverse backgrounds and experiences are represented.

ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS

• Craft artists working in any material arts based discipline are eligible, including ceramic, textiles/fibre, glass, wood, metal, stone, leather, fur, quill, plastics/resin, and work that blends craft techniques with digital practices. For this exhibition, photography, painting, and printmaking are not eligible.

• Craft artists age 18 years and older, from any and all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply.

• Membership with the PEI Crafts Council is not required to submit your work for consideration, however, artists with membership may be given priority during the selection process.

• Work must have been completed after March 1st, 2020. Work previously exhibited anywhere in PEI is not eligible.

• Applications will only be accepted through the online submission form. Hard copy or email submissions will not be accepted.

EXHIBITION INFORMATION

• Selected artists will be responsible for shipping or delivering the work to the Eptek Centre Gallery, Summerside, PE and for insuring the work while in transit.

• The Eptek Centre will insure all items for theft and damage while on the Gallery premises.

• Any work included in the exhibition that is available for sale (at the artist’s discretion) will be subject to the Eptek Centre’s usual 30% consignment fee.

FEES

• There is no fee to submit an application.

• Selected artists will receive an artist fee in line with CARFAC (Canadian Artists’ Representation/Le Front des artistes canadiens) guidelines.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The curator will consider the following when reviewing applications:

• Quality of work

• Relevance to the theme

• Career Level – we aim to be inclusive of artists at all levels, from emerging through to established

• Disciplines – we aim to show a breadth of material practices

• Identity – we aim to highlight work from the broad diversity of PEI’s population

• For proposed work: capacity of the artist to complete the work on time/in alignment with the quality of other work from their existing repertoire

RIGHT TO REPRODUCE

The PEICC reserves the right to photograph the exhibited work, and use photographs – or the artist’s entry images – in both printed and electronic materials for publicity and promotion.

ABOUT THE CURATOR

With almost 20 years experience in contemporary fine craft, Maegen Black has built a career from her passion. A graduate of OCAD University's Material Art and Design program with a Bachelor of Design in jewellery and metalsmithing, she has long participated in ongoing education and workshops in a variety of craft disciplines. An arts administrator and advocate, college instructor, freelance writer and curator, and the host of the Citizens of Craft podcast, her drive to push conversation about, and appreciation for craft, is palpable. In her position as the Director of the Canadian Crafts Federation, she works directly with professional craft and culture organisations across the country to tackle collaborative projects, national networking, and advocacy at the provincial, territorial and federal level. An avid volunteer, Maegen is the President of the North American chapter of the World Craft Council, a board member to the New Brunswick based publication, Created Here Magazine, and a member of the City of Fredericton’s Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. A lover of craft in all its forms - she sees the story behind the work, and works to share it with the world.