The Renfrew Mercury Feb 17/09
Local Artist Chosen for One of a Kind show
JOHN CARTER john.carter@metroland.com
A Renfrew artisan has been chosen to be this region's representative in the prestigious One of a Kind show in Toronto.
Valerie Miller is making quilted table and wall covers and hangings for the show that runs April 1 to 5 at the Direct Energy Centre at the CNE's Exhibition Place.
The One of a Kind Shows feature the works of almost 800 Canadian artists.
Held twice a year prior to Christmas and in the spring, the show features fashion, jewelry, crafts, food, home accessories, furniture and many other unique items.
Miller was successful in a juried show competition, one of many held across Canada, to earn a coveted spot in the show.
She is enthusiastic about her participation, both for herself and the area. Having a local artist at the show is "good for Eastern Ontario," she said, noting her booth will be decorated with a distinctive panel promoting Renfrew, County. "It lets Toronto know we're up here."
As each show features new artists, it's a great way to encourage and support newcomers, she noted.
About 250,000 people attended last year's
11-day One of a Kind Christmas show.
"It's quite a big step for me," she said. "I've been working at the craft for years, but this is a new, higher level for me."
She explained there are strict rules regarding the quantity and quality of the original pieces an artist must display at the show. Even the artists' booths must be designed under strict guidelines, she said.
Miller's work is well-known locally and she has participated in several smaller shows in the Valley and the Muskokas. Her crafted items are available at the Bittersweet Gallery in Burnstown and the Artists Co-op in Deep River.
Miller gravitated to quilting naturally, as her grandmother was an avid quilter. She and her two children decided to design quilts as a summer project one year and her involvement grew from there.
"I really enjoyed it," she said. She moved from quilts to other small quilted items such as wall hangings. As her production began to increase, she started selling her pieces. '
"I'm drawn to fabric. Choosing the right fabric is the big part of a successful project," she added. "I like the feel of the texture and the colours... getting just the right combination makes it fun."
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