World-class fashion weaves through WAG-Qaumajuq to kick-off CRAFTED

CRAFTED: A Fashion Show welcomes local and Northern fashion designers to the Gallery to flaunt their fits

Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 21, 2022: This year, the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq is launching the celebrated annual craft sale, CRAFTED: Show + Sale, with a full fashion runway featuring 25 collections from fashion designers based in Manitoba, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Nunatsiavut. CRAFTED: A Fashion Show will wind through five exhibition galleries, showcasing a feast for the eyes, with over 200 looks featured on the runway. Looks will include ready-to-wear fits, sculptural designs, wearable works of art, and traditional Inuit garments from the WAG-Qaumajuq permanent collection. Models will be accessorized with handmade items by CRAFTED artists.

During the CRAFTED: Show + Sale, visitors can shop ready-to-wear collections from many of the fashion designers throughout the Gallery spaces and in a dedicated space on the Penthouse level.

CRAFTED: A Fashion Show will feature the designs of Anne Mulaire, April Allen of Stitched by April, Bambi Amos of Bambi’s Traditional Arts, Beithe Clothing, Cheryl Fennell of Snowfly, Delia Cepoi of Studio Silver Bliss, Evan Ducharme, Hello Darling Co., Fashion by Hafsa, Kataisee Attagutsiak, Kim Ruben, Lennard Taylor Design Studio Inc., Loretta Wiley of Do it in the Sahtu, Maison Corazon, May-Lain Siusangnark, Melanie Alagalak, Michel Dumont, Sarah Sue Design, Siggi Clothing, Simone’s Rose, Taalrumiq, Victoria’s Arctic Fashion, and Wendy Sinclair of Pretty Windy Designs.

This year’s CRAFTED: Show + Sale will be the largest CRAFTED ever, with 100 artists from Manitoba, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Nunatsiavut.

CRAFTED: A Fashion Show takes place Wednesday, November 2 at 7:00pm, with a champagne and hors d’oeuvre reception to follow. Doors open at 6:00pm. Proceeds from the fashion show will be donated to Tunngasugit, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Inuit living in urban centres in Manitoba. Tickets are available now at wag.ca/fashion⁠. Fashion show tickets include free entry to the Show + Sale weekend.

CRAFTED: Show + Sale takes place November 4-6, 2022. Explore the full list of amazing CRAFTED artists at wag.ca/crafted.

MEDIA PREVIEW:

Quick Facts:

• The 8^th annual CRAFTED: Show + Sale weekend kicks off with CRAFTED: A Fashion Show in the WAG-Qaumajuq galleries on November 2, 2022.
• CRAFTED: Show + Sale takes over WAG-Qaumajuq November 4-6, 2022 and features 100 artists including 20 of the designers with garments featured in the fashion show up for sale!
• CRAFTED: Show + Sale is a one-of-a-kind juried craft show where supporters and lovers of fine, handmade goods will enjoy a beautiful shopping experience surrounded by the art of WAG-Qaumajuq. Visitors will enjoy current exhibitions Robert Houle: Red is Beautiful, INUA, Transmissions, the Permanent Collection, and more.
• Designers featured on the CRAFTED runway include: Anne Mulaire, April Allen of Stitched by April, Bambi Amos of Bambi’s Traditional Arts, Beithe Clothing, Cheryl Fennell, Delia Cepoi of Studio Silver Bliss, Evan Ducharme, Hello Darling Co., Fashion by Hafsa, Kataisee Attagutsiak, Kim Ruben, Lennard Taylor Design Studio Inc., Loretta Wiley of Do it in the Sahtu, Maison Corazon, May-Lain Siusangnark, Melanie Alagalak, Michel Dumont, Sarah Sue Design, Siggi Clothing, Simone’s Rose, Taalrumiq, Victoria’s Arctic Fashion, and Wendy Sinclair of Pretty Windy Designs.
• Proceeds from the fashion show will be donated to Tunngasugit, a non-profit dedicated to supporting Inuit living in urban centres in Manitoba. Tickets are available now at wag.ca/fashion.
• CRAFTED: Show + Sale takes place November 4-6. Explore the full list of amazing CRAFTED artists, available at wag.ca/crafted.

Quotes:

“Philanthropy has always been part of CRAFTED’s zeitgeist. Over the years, we’ve invited the community to make mittens, scarves, and quilts, invest in cookbooks highlighting local ceramic artists and chefs, purchase beading kits and gather to share stories and skills – all in support of people and causes that are dear to us. This year we’re excited to roll out the red carpet and introduce Crafted: A Fashion Show. Seeing works of wearable art in their “natural habitat” – on the human body – will fill them with life and movement while offering a rare glimpse into the local and northern fashion design. That a portion of the proceeds is being directed towards the Tunngasugit Inuit Resource Centre will make it all the more meaningful.”

— Tammy Sutherland, Manitoba Craft Council

“For a second year, NWT Arts is honoured to partner with the WAG-Qaumajuq, to participate in CRAFTED Show + Sale, and now the highly anticipated CRAFTED: A Fashion Show. Without their commitment for collaboration and passion to showcase northern artists and designs, our participation would not be possible. We are so excited for the opportunity to share handcrafted wearable art from the Northwest Territories on the runway – it is sure to be a spectacular display of culture and beauty you won’t want to miss.”

— Johanna Tiemessen, Manager, NWT Arts Program, Government of the Northwest Territories

Craft is at the core of Inuit culture and history, from the fine threads of a muskox hide woven into wool, or the tusk of a walrus carved into figurines for traditional games. Over time, craft has evolved as new mediums have been introduced such as delicate clay sculptures or precious metal work. One thing is for certain: Inuit craft artists across Nunavut will continue to share their stories through their craft for years to come, but, like the ever-changing snow drifts, Nunavut artists will surprise you with their innovative techniques!

— Goretti Kakuktinniq, Business Advisor, Nunavut Development Corporation

“CRAFTED: Show + Sale is my most favorite shopping event by far. It’s a pleasure each year to work with our partnering organizations to bring together artists from so many different communities. Getting to see these artists engage with each other and visitors at WAG-Qaumajuq — sharing stories, making friends, selling their work — this is what brings meaning to the work we do at ShopWAG. It’s also a great way for us to connect with the artists we work with throughout the year, to build relationships with new artists, and to help artists create their own connections, all while generating income. Artists keep 100% of the profits from the sale of their work at CRAFTED: Show + Sale. It is our hope that the addition of CRAFTED: A Fashion Show will not only entertain and highlight their talents but create an awareness of and desire for their collections. These garments are handmade, sustainable, long-lasting, and enrich their wearers’ everyday lives. The work of over 50 artists from Manitoba, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Nunatsiavut (accessories designers included) will be featured on the runway this November 2^nd. Be sure to get your tickets to the fashion show in support of Tunngasugit and come out to the CRAFTED market November 4-6 to buy directly from these 100 fabulous artists.”

— Sherri Van Went, ShopWAG Manager, WAG-Qaumajuq 

“What better way to kick off CRAFTED 2022 than by bringing the fashion runway to the Gallery? CRAFTED has always been about embracing the skill and excellence of artists and designers throughout Manitoba and the North. I’m personally thrilled for the opportunity for guests of the Gallery to see traditional Inuit amautiit from the WAG-Qaumajuq permanent collection on the runway.”

— Stephen Borys, Director & CEO, WAG-Qaumajuq

Partnerships

WAG-Qaumajuq thanks the Manitoba Craft Council, Northwest Territories Arts, and Nunavut Development Corporation for their partnership.

Associated Links

CRAFTED: A Fashion Show
CRAFTED: Show + Sale

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For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Hanna Waswa
Public Relations Officer
Winnipeg Art Gallery
204.789.1295
hwaswa@wag.ca

The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq is a cultural advocate using art to connect, inspire, and inform. Playing a dynamic role in the community, we are a place for learning, dialogue, and enjoyment through art. Opened in March 2021, Qaumajuq connects to the WAG on all levels, celebrating the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world. The new WAG-Qaumajuq cultural campus is now one of the largest art museums in Canada. To learn more visit wag.ca.

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