Craft Ontario
[1] The Canadian Handicrafts Guild originated at the turn of the twentieth century in Montreal as a result of the dual efforts of Alice Peck (née Skelton) and Mary (May) Phillips.
[2] In the same spirit as the Arts and Crafts Movement spearheaded by the English artist and designer William Morris, these likeminded women shared an appreciation for handmade work that was becoming increasingly rare as industrialization brought machine-made materials and objects to the market.
Motivated by a desire to arouse waning public interest in handcrafted objects, the group organized two exhibitions of craft.
The instruction program initiated by the Guild enabled workers in Manitoba and Alberta to weave their own fabric for clothing.
[5] The existence of another national craft organization having been brought to their attention, the Toronto group changed their name to the Ontario Branch of the Canadian Handicrafts Guild.
[8] The Foundation was also set apart by its mandate to serve craftspeople throughout the entire province of Ontario since its funding was largely drawn from taxpayer dollars.
[9] The OCC was formed when, in the 1970s, it was evident that there was confusion surrounding the mandates of the two independent provincial craft organizations and overlap of their programming and services.
In October 1975, the first meeting of the Interim Board of Directors of the Ontario Crafts Council was held, though the organization was not patented until August 1976.
In addition to establishing a strong curatorial focus for its exhibitions, of utmost importance to the OCC is that its yearly programming reflects the diversity of its members.
Lacking funds to initiate such an endeavour, the women's committee arranged an exhibition of a portion of the Salvadore Dali collection of "Art in Jewels," owned by the Cheatham Foundation of New York.
[19] At times, The Guild Shop had secondary outlets at various locations throughout Toronto and the wider province, including in Stratford, Ontario, from 1965 to 1969.
[20] An outlet was also open at Trillium Terminal 3 at Pearson International Airport in 1991; however, this location proved unprofitable and was closed after 10 months.
Members also receive discounted rates on OCC workshops, seminars, and conferences as well as complimentary admission to various galleries throughout Ontario.
In addition to these discounts, members pay a reduced rate to advertise in OCC publications and on purchases at The Guild Shop.
Members also receive regular communication and invitations from the OCC, including two issues of Studio: Craft and Design in Canada.
As a result, the database has proven to be a popular resource for craftspeople as well as designers, craft collectors, corporations, and the general public.
The Saidye Bronfman Award is "Canada's foremost distinction for excellence in the fine crafts,"[29] and is one of the highest honours a craftsperson can receive.
