Curatorial Statement
Emma Piirtoniemi, Curator
Operations Manager, Craft Nova Scotia
Craft Nova Scotia’s Summer Studio: Practice + Presentation Residency is a program for emerging artists working across craft disciplines, including ceramics, jewellery and metalsmithing, textiles, and glass. For many of this year’s residents, it marks their first experience participating in a professional residency program.
The unifying– and most striking– quality shared among the artists-in-residence is the spirit of innovation and exploration. Each artist, in their own way, is mining material knowledge, experimenting with new skills and techniques, and reflecting on conceptual and personal paths.
Running from June through September, the Summer Studio Residency provides participants with 24-hour studio access, professional development opportunities, and mentorship from Technical Advisors in each discipline. While residents receive practical and professional support throughout the program, they retain full creative independence in shaping their work and direction.
We invite you to get to know this year’s artists-in-residence and follow their creative journeys throughout the summer.
The residency will culminate in an exhibition featuring work developed during the program, opening on September 3rd at 6 PM. We welcome everyone to join us for the opening reception and celebrate the achievements of this talented group of artists.