Alberta Craft Team
Jenna Stanton - Executive Director
executivedirector@albertacraft.ab.ca / 780-488-6611 ext. 228
"I have been a part of the Alberta Craft Council for the past 15 years, and often refer to it as my Craft family. Since I graduated from ceramics at ACAD in 2003, I knew it was the next step in my career in Craft to work at and learn from an organization dedicated to the advancement and support of professional and emerging Craft artists. It was there I found I had a passion for arts admin, working with artists, and using my creative scheming brain to generate opportunities and advocate for Craft. After working for the Alberta Craft Council for seven great years, I left to return focus to my own ceramics practice for an MA in Ceramic Design in Stoke On Trent, England. Upon my return to Canada as Medalta’s Curator of Exhibitions and Collections I quickly rejoined the organization as part of the Board of Directors.
I am always proud to be a part of this organization, the artists, staff and board are a creative dedicated team. I am more than happy to step into this role as Executive Director to continue to support, advocate, and create opportunities on behalf of our artists and the Craft Council, following in the footsteps of my mentor and favourite fellow creative schemer Tom McFall.
I look forward to rejoining the staff, spending more time in Edmonton and Calgary over the next few months, and connecting/reconnecting with our talented members & supporters." ~ Jenna Stanton
Rael Lockwood - Gallery Shop Coordinator - Edmonton
rael@albertacraft.ab.ca / 780-488-5900
Rael studied Fashion Design at Ryerson University before moving to Calgary to complete a BFA in Fibre at Alberta College of Art + Design (AU Arts). She graduated from Arts and Cultural Management at MacEwan University and most recently worked for the Art Gallery of Alberta in Art Rentals and Sales. Rael brings the knowledge she has acquired from years of retail experience and her passion for promoting and selling craft to her role at the Alberta Craft Council.
For all shop inquiries, please email shop@albertacraft.ab.ca
Samantha Dumont - Gallery Shop Coordinator - Calgary
samantha@albertacraft.ab.ca / 587-391-0129
Samantha has a long history of retail experience, selling handmade and luxury items across Canada. She is an avid traveller and former teacher who received a BA and a Master of Education from the University of Calgary. Samantha is also a potter who has learned the craft from many local artists and she loves to attend workshops around the globe studying new techniques and meeting other art enthusiasts.
Laura O'Connor - Digital Content & Marketing
laura@albertacraft.ab.ca / 780-488-6611 ext. 234
Laura is a visual artist, designer, and creative communication professional with a Bachelor of Design in Photography from ACAD (now AUArts) in 2007. Since then, her work has been exhibited across Alberta in solo and group shows. Laura brings more than ten years of design and communications experience to her role at the Alberta Craft Council.
Jill Nuckles - Outreach, Events & Volunteers - Calgary
jill@albertacraft.ab.ca / 587-391-0129
Jill studied Business at MacEwan University and received a BFA with distinction from ACAD majoring in sculpture. She is a current artist in the Alberta Craft Gallery in Edmonton & Calgary and has participated in many group and solo exhibitions in Canada. At the Alberta Craft Gallery - Calgary, Jill is the main point of contact for outreach projects, events, and volunteers.
Jennifer Illanes - Gallery Assistant - Calgary
Jennifer Illanes is a multimedia artist living in Calgary, AB who holds a BFA with distinction in Sculpture from The Alberta University of the Arts. She works in leather, bone, metal, fabric, and performance, and shows her work in group and solo exhibitions, participates in residencies, and has received grants to continue her practice.