The Government of Prince Edward Island will recognize the outstanding contribution of the Federated Women’s Institute of PEI to crafts on Prince Edward Island. During its 92-year history, the PEI Women’s Institute has encouraged women to learn and to teach others about handcrafts and has, in the process, helped to encourage the growth of an important part of the province’s culture and economy.
The recognition will consist of two awards. The Premier’s Award for Craft Education will be a $3000 bursary which will allow an exhibitor at the annual Women’s Institute Handcraft Exhibition to attend a short course or seminar of their choice which will further proficiency in their chosen craft. The winner will be chosen by the Women’s Institute from the exhibitors.
The province will also name one of its four craft education awards after the PEI Women’s Institute. The awards are given out annually to young people who are pursuing post secondary education in crafts.
“For over 90 years, the Women’s Institute has played a vital role, both in educating people about handcrafts and in promoting their development, “ said Premier Pat Binns. “In fact, I think it’s safe to say that PEI’s reputation for excellence in crafts has its foundation in their work. I am pleased to be able to recognize their longstanding and largely volunteer contribution.”
The Women’s Institute has sponsored the annual Handcraft Exhibition for the past 81 years. In earlier years, the WI ran a handcraft van, which travelled to rural communities across the province, teaching women traditional and domestic crafts. Many of those women then passed on their skills to other members of their families.
“I’m really excited about this,” said Carol MacLellan, who is outgoing chairperson of the Women’s Institute handcrafts and arts division of the Provincial Exhibition. “We have people who have been involved in our exhibition, both as judges and exhibitors, for many decades. This year, four generations of one family had entries in our show. I think these awards are a real tribute to all of those people.”
The Women’s Institute Craft Education Bursary will be awarded next fall and the first Premier’s Craft Education Award will be handed out at the 2006 Provincial Exhibition.