Craft Awards

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2023 Alberta Craft Awards. And thank you to all the nominees, nominators, jury members, and staff who helped make the 2023 Alberta Craft Awards a success. The Alberta Craft Awards are designed to honor individuals and groups who make significant contributions to Alberta’s Craft culture. The Awards not only stimulate awareness and distinction for Craft in Alberta, they give prominence and encouragement to deserving artists and their work.

The 2023 recipients are:

Michele Hardy - Tom McFall Honour Award

Given to a volunteer, supporter, teacher, or craftsperson who has made a significant contribution to Alberta’s craft culture.

Karen Cantine - Excellence Award

Given to an established craftsperson who excels in his or her area of craft.

Leia Guo - Early Achievement Award

Given to an emerging craftsperson/student in recognition of his/her achievement to date and/or potential.

Lael Chmelyk - Linda Stanier and Family Memorial Award

Honours excellence in ceramics.

Tanis Simpson - Hand Weavers, Spinners and Dyers of Alberta Endowment

Honours fibre artists sharing skills and creativity with a broader community.

The Alberta Craft Awards are awarded biannually and designed to acknowledge individuals and groups who make significant contributions to Alberta’s Craft culture.

Early Achievement Award
The Early Achievement Award gives $1,000 to an emerging craftsperson or student to recognize his/her/their achievement to date, and/or potential. Alberta Craft Members in the student, general or professional categories are eligible. Learn more about becoming a member here.

Excellence Award
The Excellence Award gives $1,000 to an established craftsperson who excels in his/her/their area of craft. Alberta Craft Members in the student, general or professional categories are eligible. Learn more about becoming a member here.

Tom McFall Honour Award
The Tom McFall Honour Award gives $1,000 to a volunteer, supporter, teacher, craftsperson (individual or group) who has made a significant contribution to Alberta’s Craft culture.

Fibre Arts Award - Hand Weavers, Spinners and Dyers of Alberta Endowment 
This award celebrates the legacy of the Hand Weavers Spinners, and Dyers of Alberta and honours fibre artists sharing skills and creativity with the broader community. The award is open to emerging to established individuals, collectives, and/or guilds. Alberta Craft will accept one nomination per group or individual. Projects completed August 2023 – August 2025 are eligible.

Linda Stanier & Family Memorial Award for Excellence in Ceramics
The Linda Stanier & Family Memorial Award for Excellence in Ceramics celebrates the life of Linda Stanier and honours excellence in ceramics, and gives $2,000 to to a craftsperson who works and resides in Alberta, and is primarily a studio-based, full-time professional ceramic artist. Nominations may be made by individuals, groups or by Alberta Craft. A couple that works together on the same body of work may be considered as one nominee.