Isn’t the Fibre Universe Wonderful!
Free Fibre Workshop for Alberta Culture Days
Saturday, Sep 18, 2021
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
(variable time slots)
Contemporary Calgary, Grotto Gallery
FREE with registration for ages 6 and up, under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
This is an in-person program. Masks are mandatory and will be made available at our welcome desk. Physical distancing will be maintained in seating arrangements.
This easy-to-understand fibre workshop facilitated by artists Richard Boulet and Marilyn Olson, focusses on a playful and stress-free attitude to material exploration. Participants receive a variety of easy-to-handle fibre-related materials and are guided on creating their own artwork. Once you’ve registered you can decide on your time of arrival, and how long you wish to stay.
Participants can also bring their own materials to use themselves and/or share. Think of ribbons and bows, buttons and beads, a favourite scrap of fabric, a sentimental small object, a rather eccentric looking yarn or two: the list is endless. The word “concoction” comes to mind: and let us not forget the word “joy”. Isn’t the fibre universe wonderful!
Funded by Alberta Culture Days, this workshop is produced by SITE c PROJECTS, the creative arm of OBAD (Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorders). Also in attendance at the workshop will be OBAD Executive Director Kaj Korvela, SITE c PROJECTS founder Anthony Preston, and curator Dick Averns.
Workshop participants are welcome to bring their own snacks, food and beverages: there is no food or drink vending on site. This is an in-person program. Masks are mandatory encouraged and will be made available at our welcome desk. Physical distancing will be maintained in seating arrangements, and Contemporary Calgary will maintain a vigorous cleaning schedule.
Richard Boulet and Marilyn Olson will be exhibiting later in the fall at Contemporary Calgary in Perspectives From Within, curated through SITE c PROJECTS by Dick Averns. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Workshop Facilitators Introduce Themselves…
Richard Boulet
I was born in Alberta and moved to Winnipeg to study architecture and then art. Through my drawing and fibre practice I address issues of marginalization, specifically mental health and concerns relating to LGBTQ+ communities.
The completion of graduate studies resulted in exhibiting my fibre art nationally, and I have been fortunate to have worked a wide range of jobs in the arts. Many years ago I was diagnosed with schizophrenia and since then have adopted artistic strategies that embrace mental health.
I am doing well these days, and both Marilyn and I feel it is important to disclose that we live with mental illness. Collaboration helps reduce stigma and allows for new pathways to making art.
Marilyn Olson
Most of my life has been spent in the Edmonton area, although I lived in Calgary for twelve years when I began my accounting career. I also have experience in the garment industry but making art is new to me.
In 2017 I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder and a few other disorders. I have been struggling with my mental wellness since my late teens.
Richard and I have been working together since May 2019 and I am now finding my voice as an artist as I realize how my craft becomes art.