Prince Edward Islanders were recognized with two of the four awards handed out at the Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence Saturday evening in Halifax. These prestigious awards are held in conjunction with the Annual Atlantic Craft Trade Show (ACTS) to recognize leadership and excellence in the industry.
The Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence are handed out in the following categories: Excellence in Product Design, Outstanding Exporter, Outstanding Retailer, and Industry Leader/Supporter. Island winners were Joan Auld for Industry Supporter/Leader and the Island Craft Shop for Outstanding Retailer.
The Industry Leader/Supporter Award is designed to recognize an individual, organization or company which has made significant contributions to the craft community for over five years through superior leadership, development of quality crafts and/or giftware. Joan Auld of Prince Edward Island received this year's honour for her tireless efforts on behalf of the industry. Auld recently retired after more than 30 years in the industry during which time she held several craft-related positions with the provincial government as Craft Coordinator, Economic Development Officer and Craft Development Officer.
In addition, to her involvement with the Canada Crafts Council, Auld was also a founding member of the Atlantic Craft Trade Show and served as a provincial representative on the committee for almost 25 years.
"I've been involved in this industry for 30 years and, even though I officially retired last June, I am simply getting retreaded and plan to be involved in the craft industry again," said Auld as she accepted the honour.
The Island Craft Shop received the Outstanding Retailer Award which is designed to acknowledge significant contributions made to the industry by an individual, organization or company that successfully represents the region's identity through quality displays of craft, gift or apparel products. The Island Crafts Shop, located in Charlottetown, is owned and operated by the PEI Crafts Council and only displays products handcrafted in PEI. All products must meet high quality standards, and over 90 craftspeople are currently represented at the shop.
A year-round operation, the shop's sales have seen dramatic increases over the past five years. In addition to its store, The Island Craft Shop also operates nine year-round promotional displays and several seasonal display cases, all of which promote Island-made products. Irene Renaud of the PEI Crafts Council accepted the award on behalf of the shop and noted that the recognition should be shared with all who have helped make the Island Craft Shop a success.
"This award is really for all of the volunteers, staff and craftspeople who make the Island Craft Shop what it is," said Renaud. "I'd also like to thank our provincial government for its ongoing support for the development of PEI's craft industry."
The Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology, is the minister responsible for the Provincial Craft Development Initiatives and was pleased to hear of PEI's success at the Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence.
"These awards are for the entire region, and winning in two of the four categories speaks volumes for PEI's craft industry," said Minister Currie. "Both Joan Auld and the Island Craft Shop have been instrumental in developing the Island's craft and giftware sector and are very worthy of this recognition."
Another Island company, Malpeque Fine Irons, received an award for Best Booth at the Atlantic Craft Trade Show. Approximately 200 exhibits were on display at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax and, during the awards ceremony, Eric and Dianne Schurman accepted Best Booth honours on behalf of their company.
Currently in its fifth year, the awards ceremony has quickly become the highlight of the Atlantic Craft Trade Show. Event organizers believe the Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence pay well deserved tribute to leaders in the craft and giftware industry.
"The craft and giftware industry plays a very important role in Atlantic Canada and has significant impact on our economy," said Chris Tyler, chair of ACTS 2002. "The goal of these awards is to shine the spotlight on those whose significant contributions benefit the entire industry and our culture. This year we had great response from the nomination process which is indicative of the incredible talent in this region and also of the growing prominence of the Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence."
ACTS is organized by the provincial governments of Atlantic Canada, providing a bridge between retail and wholesale for crafts and giftware producers. For more information, visit the Atlantic Craft Trade Show website at www.actshow.com.