Trying out this thing called 'Blogging' during this crazy time of isolation.

Ok, so I'm in a pretty fortunate place as a maker and arts administrator. Despite feeling like I never having enough time to really focus in on my own work I am very, very lucky to have the job that I have with Craft NB. As the Executive Director of this wonderful organization, I get to know some of the best makers and arts leaders from across Canada and beyond. I've been blessed with the opportunity to bring New Brunswick artists (and sometimes their work) to major events like SOFA Chicago and Collect in London, and have attended craft focused lectures and conferences across Canada and the US. I've visited inspiring art centres like The Plantation in Quidi Vidi Village, Newfoundland; Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Deer Isle, Maine; Cockpit Arts in London England as well as Globe Dye Works, The Clay Studio and The Center for Art in Wood in Philadelphia. All of this has not only opened my eyes to the wonderful resources, makers, and communities in the international craft ecosystem, but it also makes me very proud to be a voice for New Brunswick while out in the big wide world. Sometimes, living in this small and often overlooked province, we tend to think of ourselves, and therefor our work, as not being 'enough' for the international stage. But one thing that has stuck with me throughout my travels, is that we ARE enough and we are just as skilled, and offer a valid and unique perspective to the wonderful world of making. I want to start this blog (if I can figure out how) to share New Brunswick talent with you, and offer some resources and connections both locally and afar that might help, inspire and create connection between New Brunswick artists and supporters and the big wide world out there. First up I'll suggest you check out Craft NB's member profiles, here you can find a list of professional craftspeople as well as links to their social media, websites and more!

I know right now we're all facing a strange new world of self-isolation and economic struggles, and we're all going to feel the financial impact of it. Please, if you are shopping for a gift, or need something that a local craftsperson can provide, support them first. Big businesses can survive this, but many small businesses are already seeing orders cancelled, sales events axed, tourism prospects dry up, and galleries that sell their work close. Local artists need your support now more than ever. LOOK TO THE LOCAL, wherever that is for you!