Two Central Alberta ceramicists are in the running for a 2014 Alberta Crafts Award.
Dawn Candy, a graduate of the Red Deer College Visual Arts program, is up for an Award of Achievement. It recognizes emerging crafts persons for their accomplishments and potential.
Candy runs Little Sister Pottery in Red Deer and draws on natural inspirations for her functional bowls, mugs and teapots. The pieces are formed on the wheel, then altered by adding or removing clay. “My work features strong visual edges and dynamic texture, designed to indulge not only the eye but the hand,” Candy writes in her artist statement.
She regularly shows works in the Viewpoint Gallery in the City of Red Deer’s Culture Services building. Candy also teaches community art classes, and is nominated in the same category is Andrea Blais, a jewelry and metal artist from Calgary.
Anna Rasmussen, of Dickson, is nominated for a Linda Stanier and Family Memorial Award, honouring an Alberta professional crafts person working in clay.
While studying business at college, Rasmussen took a community education pottery course and was hooked. She now owns the Gammel House Gallery and Pottery Studio in Dickson, and has also pursued more experience and education through Red Deer College, Series and the Australian residency program.
Rasmussen’s functional stoneware pieces are all about form and colour. She fires her pottery using a gas kiln and enjoys working with reduction glazes. Her biggest decorating influences come from the environment.
Rasmussen is nominated in her category along with Edmonton ceramicist JoAnna Lange.
The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, in Calgary.