Best of Craft & Design at TOAF.

Craft artists you need to know about

Happy 2024! As we gear up to discovering fresh talents and works through our Call for Artists for the New Year, we continue to highlight last year’s exceptional artists.

Let’s shine the spotlight on the Best of Craft and Design at TOAF and introduce you to Yaw Tony, Mao Chen & Chris Savage, Eiko Maeda and Michelle Ross, working in textile, ceramics, and jewellery.

The honour of the Best of Craft and Design is awarded to Yaw Tony for his exuberant textile designs. This comes with a $2,000 cash award generously supported by Robert K E Mitchell and Brian H Wade of Mitchell Studios.

Since their TOAF recognition, these artists have accomplished more great things. Yaw Tony won the 2023 Award for Emerging Talent in Accessory Design from the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards. Mao Chen and Chris Savage have had exhibitions in Canada and the US. Michelle Ross’s booth at the TOAF online fair was completely sold out.

There is something to bring to your everyday life from this line-up—from scarves you can wear to vessels you can serve loved ones’ food in and jewellery to tell your own story!

Enjoy!
anahita
Executive & Creative Director

ps. See you at the opening at Worth Gallery featuring TOAF Award Winners tonight! More information is below.

Best of Craft & Design: Yaw Tony

“These silk scarves are powerful, colourful narratives in wearable or wall-mounted forms. Graphic designs are produced in limited editions that embrace and communicate traditional symbols and values with a 21st-century voice.”—Sarah Quinton, Judge, Curatorial Director Emeritus, Textile Museum of Canada.

Thank you to Robert K. E. Mitchell & Brian H. Wade of Mitchell Studios for support.

Ceramics Excellence Award: Mao Chen and Chris Savage

“An artistic collaboration that successfully blends the hands of both makers, resulting in a satisfying mix of whimsy and decoration, surface and form. And they are lovely to hold!” —Sarah Quinton, Judge, Curatorial Director Emeritus, Textile Museum of Canada.

Thank you to The Pottery Supply House for their support.

Ceramics Excellence Honourable Mention: Eiko Maeda

“Delicate, precise and organic, those contemporary forms are married perfectly with the ancient craft of Nerikoui.”—Sarah Quinton, Judge, Curatorial Director Emeritus, Textile Museum of Canada.

Thank you to Tucker’s Pottery Supplies for support.

Best of Jewellery: Michelle Ross

“Wonderful, sculptural and eminently wearable jewellery. A simple marriage of materials that convey a handmade immediacy not common in metalwork.”—Sarah Quinton, Judge, Curatorial Director Emeritus, Textile Museum of Canada.

Thank you to Harry Enchin & Susan Friedrich for support.

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Worth Gallery Exhibition