Focus on Fibre Art Association Mission: FFAA was formed in 1998 with the mission to encourage, foster and develop excellence and appreciation of fibre as an art form; we do this by hosting fibre art exhibitions and workshops in Alberta. FFAA holds biennial juried competitions and exhibitions to provide an opportunity for fibre artists to test their ability and progress in their chosen fields, to receive feedback from respected teachers/judges and to exhibit their art to the public.

Keeping It Local 2024 Call for Entry: FFAA invites all Alberta fibre artists to submit artworks that express their individual view of Keeping It Local for the 2024 exhibition. All forms of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) fibre art works are welcome. Artworks can be improvisational, representational or abstract. An exhibition featuring the broadest range of fibre art techniques and makers’ creativity will be curated from the submitted artworks.

CATEGORIES

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Sculptural Works: 100   

        101-Three-dimensional works, any fibre technique

        102-Wearable: Original Design

               Any fibre technique including

               knit, crochet, felt, quilt, weaving, rug hooking, etc.

        103- Wearable: Adapted Pattern, any fibre technique as above

Needlework: 200
        201 Counted thread techniques
        202 Surface embroidery
        203 Lacemaking

Nonwoven Textiles: 300
        301 Felt (2-dimensional)
        302 Paper (2-dimensional)

Quilts: 400
        401 Traditional
        402 Modern
        403 Art

Rug Hooking: 500
        501 Traditional
        502 Punch-hooked
        503 Innovative

Surface Design: 600
        600 Surface Design

Weaving & Tapestry: 700
        700 Weaving and Tapestry
 
Mixed Media; 800
        800 Mixed Media

Youth: Y
        Y: Any item, any fibre technique  

Exhibit only: E:
        E: Any item, any fibre technique

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SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

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1.    The juried competition is open to any Alberta resident who works in fibre.

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2.    There is a maximum of three entries per person. All entries must be made by the applicant.

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3.     An entry may be entered in only one category and class.

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4.    A group of two or more Alberta artists may enter any class. Entry must be clearly labelled as ‘Group Entry’ and all artists identified. A group            entry will count as one of the three entries allowed per person.

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5.    Youth entrants must be under 18 on 15 May 2024. Items in the Youth category will be juried and exhibited but will not take part in the judged

       competition.

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6.   The Exhibit Only category is for works by artists who wish their work to be juried and exhibited, but do not wish to take part in the judged

      competition. These works will be eligible for Viewer’s Choice

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7.   Entry classes no longer specify whether a work is an original design or an adaptation of an existing artwork, this information must be included

      in the Artist’s Statement.

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8.    For clarity, Original refers to fibre art that is made to a design created by the maker(s). Photos for inspiration must be taken by the artist.

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9.    An adaptation of a design, pattern or composition from another source is one that has been changed or adjusted by the artist. (An adaptation 

       can be a purchased pattern where you choose your own materials.) In case of adaptations, credit must be given to the original artist and/or  

       teacher. Items made from kits will not be accepted due to the lack of opportunity for individual creativity.

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10.   An Artist Statement of no more than 100 words must include the inspiration for the design, the relationship to the theme and construction

        details. Please do not include names on the artist statement or images, identify with title only. The following information should be listed at

        the end of the artist statement: construction details including materials and techniques used, finished dimensions in centimeters (width,

        height and depth if 3D), completion year, design source information and consent if applicable.

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        See examples on the website under Competition: Competition Guidelines.

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11.   Size requirements: for flat 2D pieces, a minimum width and/or length of 4 inches. For 3D, a

        maximum width of 18 inches, height of 24 inches and a depth of 12 inches. There is no minimum size requirement for 3D pieces.

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12.   The work must have been completed by the artist(s) after 15, May 2020 and not have been previously exhibited in an FFAA exhibition.

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13.   All entry forms must be submitted by the final deadline of midnight 15, May 2024.

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14.  FFAA reserves the right to combine classes that do not contain a minimum of 5 entries.

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15.  FFAA may recommend moving a piece to a different category. Whenever possible this will be done in consultation with the artist.

 

FEES

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• Members: $30 for the first entry and $10 for each of the next two entries.

• Non-members: $50 for the first entry and $15 for each of the next two entries.

• Youth category: $15 for the first entry and $5 for each of the next two entries.

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FFAA 2024 "keeping it Local" Entry Form and Payment is on the front page under the Upcoming Events.

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DEFINITIONS

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• Fulled works have been knit, crocheted or woven prior to felting, and will be entered in the appropriate category.

• Counted-thread needlework techniques are done on even weave fabrics or canvas and include (but are not limited to) Assisi, bargello, blackwork, cross-stitch, drawn-thread work, hardanger, and needlepoint.

• Surface Embroidery includes all non-counted decorative embroidery stitches.

• Lacemaking includes needle lace, cutwork, bobbin lace, and knotted lace (macramé, netting, and tatting). The following belong in either the counted or surface embroidery classes: knitted and crocheted laces; filet laces and laces made using dissolvable backing.

• Nonwoven Textiles felt refers to fabrics or fibrous structures created by interlocking wool, fur, or hair under conditions of heat, moisture and friction; with or without additional fibres and materials as embellishment. Commercially made prefelt may be included in the piece.

• Paper refers to non-woven textiles made of solely non-wool fibres such as cellulose and silk created under pressure.

• Quilts shall have a minimum of 3 layers of fabric.

• Traditional wall or bed quilts are based on traditional-style piecing, appliqué or whole cloth.

• Modern wall or bed quilts make use of minimalism, asymmetry, negative space, improvisational piecing, solids or modern prints, and alternate grid work.

• Art quilts must be original designs and made to hang on a wall; they may be non-pictorial or depict a portrait, landscape or still life.

• Original refers to fibre art that is made of a design created by the maker(s)

• Rug Hooking consists of a running loop stitch worked on an evenweave foundation fabric.

• Traditional rug hooking refers to two-dimensional works entirely in running loop stitch worked using a hand-hook.

• Punch-hooking refers to works created using a punch needle to push loops through the foundation.

• Innovative rug hooking may include decorative stitches, embellishments, prodding, or unusual fibres.

• Sculptural Works may include any three-dimensional works in any fibre technique, including but not limited to cloth dolls, textile books, small sculptures, and basketry.

• Wearables are body adornments including garments, accessories and jewelry.

       Surface Design starts with raw fibre or fabric and develops a design using dyeing techniques including (but not limited to) batik, painting,

       screen printing, shibori, stamping, and stencilling.

• Weaving & Tapestry may include any textile created by hand using warp and weft on a loom, backstrap, tablets or a loomless technique.

• Mixed media describes visual artwork where more than one textile medium or fibre has been employed. Assemblages, collages, and sculpture are three common examples of art using different media.  Materials used to create mixed media art include, but are not limited to fibre, textile, cloth, paper, paint, embellishment and found objects.

 

JURYING AND JUDGING

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• Entries will be selected by a Jury based on the submitted images and the accompanying Artist’s Statement.

• Artist names will be withheld from the Jury.

• The Jury will consider creativity, visual appeal, craftsmanship and adherence to competition theme in their decision-making.

• The number of works selected by the Jury for each category will be in relation to the number of works submitted to ensure even consideration for artist work in every category.

• Submissions will be judged anonymously according to standards of workmanship for each medium and accepted elements and principles of design.

• 10% of the score of any individual piece will be based on the interpretation of the theme and the Artist’s concise statement of that  interpretation of theme.

•  50% of the score will be based on the elements and principles of design as displayed in the piece.  

•  30% of the score will be on execution and workmanship of the particular technique(s) used in the piece.

• 10% will consider originality and degree of difficulty evidenced in the piece.

 

AWARDS

 

• ● Placement Ribbons will be awarded where merited to First, Second and Third place.

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  ● Rosettes will be awarded to Best of Show, Best of Category and Viewer’s Choice.

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  ● Sponsored monetary prizes may be awarded.

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  ● A Viewer’s Choice will be awarded in the Youth Category.

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• THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN COMPLETING THE ENTRY FORM

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• Each entry form should be filled in completely and be accompanied by an artist statement and the required digital images using the online form. Helpful hints are on the website under Competition: Competition Guidelines.

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• For further information, please contact the registrar at: registrar.ffaa@gmail.com

 

• An Artist Statement of no more than 100 words must include the inspiration for the design, the relationship to the theme, and construction details, including if quilted by someone other than the artist. The following information should be listed at the end of the artist statement: materials andtechniques used, completion year, design source information, and permission if applicable. See examples on the website.

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• Digital images: For flat 2D pieces, each piece submitted must include two (2) images: one of the full piece (including the frame if framed) and one close-up showing fine detail. (2 images)

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• For 3D pieces and wearables, each piece submitted must include three (3) images: a full front view, a full back view and one close-up of the fine detail. Image files should be no larger than 10MB or approximately 1500 pixels by 2000 pixels at 300 pixels per inch (ppi). (3 images)

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• Entries that are an adaptation of a design, pattern, photograph, or composition from another source that has been changed or adjusted by the artist, must give credit to the original artist and/or teacher. Permission to exhibit the work must be obtained from the holder of the copyright and needs to be included with the artist statement. If the above criteria apply to the piece, please include a photograph of the original design. This is to determine the degree of changes made by the submitting artist. (3 or 4 images)

 

ELIGIBILITY

This exhibition is open to members of Focus on Fibre Art Association, including the members of:

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• Black Gold Quilt Patch Guild (BGQPG)

• Edmonton & District Quilters’ Guild (EDQG)

• Edmonton Modern Quilt Guild (EMQG)

• Edmonton Needlecraft Guild (ENG)

• Edmonton Rug Hooking Guild (ERHG)

• Edmonton Weavers’ Guild (EWG)

• Latchet Machine Knitting Club (LMKC)

• Sheep Creek Weavers and Fibre Art Guild (SCWFAG)

 
* as well as Individual FFAA members and non-members.

 
SUBMISSION OF ACCEPTED PIECES

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• Artists will be advised by email or phone which pieces are accepted and be given details for mailing or delivery.

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• Entries must be prepared for display hanging sleeves, wooden lath (with ¼ inch holes a ½ inch from each end), hanging wires, and any hanging support/display aids.

  • See an example on the website under Competition: Competition Guidelines.

  • All display aids must be labelled with the artist's name so they can be returned.

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• Each mailed entry is to be sent by Canada Post and must have sufficient return postage in Canadian funds (in the form of a postage sticker) included with the submission of the piece. Strong reusable packing material must be used to send entries by mail. Mailed entries will bereturned in original packing material. Label all packing material with the artist's name.

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• Pick-up of artwork - Artists will be notified of the date, time, and location of pick up. Any artworks not picked up within 45 days will become the property of FFAA. FFAA may dispose of the remaining pieces at its discretion without incurring any liability.

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• Every precaution will be taken to protect all articles. In no case shall FFAA be held responsible for any loss or damage of any kind to any artwork submitted for the exhibition. Insurance on all items is the artist’s responsibility.

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• Artists agree to allow images of their work be used for promotional purposes, including the newsletter, website, and for advertising.

 

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PICK UP OF COMPETITION PIECES

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• Artists will be expected to pick up their artwork at the end of the last exhibition.

• Artists will be notified of the date, time and location of pickup of pieces.

• Pieces to be mailed back must provide a sleeve with return address and return postage with their entry.

• A letter of authorization from the artist MUST be presented if someone other than the artist is picking up the entry.

• Any pieces not picked up within 45 days will become the property of FFAA who may dispose of the pieces at its discretion without incurring any liability.

• If picked up by someone other than the artist, a letter of authorization must be presented.

• For specialized arrangements please contact the registrar at registrar.ffaa@gmail.com

 

 

Important Dates

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•   March 1, 2024 -  Submissions open

•   May 15, 2024 -   Submissions close at midnight

•   May 31st, 2024 - Jurying complete

•   June 15th, 2024 - Entrants notified of successful pieces

•   July 29th, 2024 - Intake and installation

•   July 30th, 2024 - Judging

•   August 1st, 2024 - Exhibition opens

•   August 2nd to 30th, 2024 - Exhibition open to public

•   August 31st, 2024 - Entries available for pick up