Centre Acadien, Université Sainte-Anne

Arts and Crafts - The Conseil des arts et d’artisanat de Clare (“Clare Arts and Crafts Council”) was founded in 1968 to work towards the development and appreciation of arts and crafts of all types. Its first president was Felix Thibodeau. Over the years, it became the "Conseil des arts de la Baie (CAB)" (“Clare Arts Council”).

The Conseil des arts has supported many artists over the years. In the beginning, traditional craft forms were more prevalent: quilting, woven carpeting, embroidery, wood carving, glassware, basketwork, jewelry, etc. Today, the CAB values several forms of visual art: painting, watercolour, oil, acrylics, printmaking, drawing, photography and sculpture. The CAB supports the work of artists through exhibits, workshops, conferences and artist residencies. Several artists who attended CAB workshops now have a studio or art gallery. Various forms of craftsmanship are still practiced by individuals who find their own markets.

An agreement between Université Sainte-Anne and the CAB has resulted in the creation of craft rooms on campus, for the benefit of members of the arts community. They include an office, a room for workshops, a dark room, a print workshop called "La Manivelle" and the art gallery "Le Trécarré".

This photo taken by photographer Harold Robichaud shows an art and craft shop in the early 1970s. Jocelyne Comeau opened this craft shop, one of the first of its kind in the region. There are a variety of craft products made by members of the first Conseil des arts et d’artisanat de Clare: a beautiful hooked rug, knitted wool socks, crocheted toys, hooked afghan covers and quilts.

Topic: Arts and Culture

Date: 11 July 1974

Reference: CNÉ Collection Centre Acadien Folder 74-07-11

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