[Bcma-l] Media Release: Upcoming Crafthouse Gallery Exhibit, Nancy Hall

[bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca]

For immediate release: September 19, 2007

"The Climb": A Rug Hooking Exhibit by Nancy Hall


Image: "Climb at Your Peril", hooked wool rug, image by Nancy Hall

Exhibit: October 4 - 28, 2007
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 4, 6 - 8pm
Crafthouse Gallery, 1386 Cartwright St., Granville Island
Vancouver, BC V6H 3R8 www.cabc.net

Nancy Hall's October exhibit is a celebration of her growth, her "climb" 
both in her chosen art medium and as an artist. Her insight has inspired 
her latest works in recycled wool hooked rugs. "I propose to fill the 
gallery with colour and texture, and each rug, in its own way, will 
celebrate an ascent."

Nancy's work combines both aesthetic and political concerns. She says 
"Women continue the climb from invisibility to recognition, both on the 
home front and in the public arena. From being declared "persons, to 
gaining the right to vote, to being let out of the kitchen to enter the 
corporate world, and it has been a long, hard climb. And it's far from 
over. We may have summitted but it's going to be a continuing battle to 
hold that turf."

Nancy also likes to explore the relationship between the definitions of 
"craft" and "fine art". She observes that "It has been a climb taking 
the traditional craft of rug hooking into the art world. The debate 
rages: can function and fine art exist in the same work? Is there such a 
thing as "fine" craft? Who determines this? Am I an artist or a 
craftsperson? Personally, I've answered it for myself. I'm an artist 
whose craftsmanship enables me to produce my art. The show honours my 
climb up the artistic ladder, from my humble first mats to loud, mouthy 
pieces I feel proud to display."

Geography, also influences her work. She draws a parallel between her 
focus on ascendancy and her work moving from the Prairies to the Coastal 
Mountains of British Columbia (Nancy is a visiting craftsperson from 
Manitoba). She notes that ". . . there's the literal climb - taking my 
Prairie sensibilities to the Mountains, an often difficult stretch for a 
flatlander."


The Crafts Association of British Columbia provides leadership in the 
craft community by building and promoting the development, viability and 
appreciation of Canadian Fine Craft. Contact: Calvin Taplay, 
Communications Coordinator at 604-687-6511, toll-free (in BC) at 
1-888-687-6511 or info@cabc.net

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Media Inquiries Contact:
Calvin Taplay, Communications Coordinator calvin.taplay@cabc.net
(images available)


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The Crafts Association of BC gratefully acknowledges the support from 
the following: City of Vancouver, the British Columbia Arts Council and 
the Province of British Columbia through Gaming Revenue, CHMC Granville 
Island, CABC members and volunteers.