The Oshawa Fibre Art Show takes place every year at the Centennial Retirement Residence in Oshawa, Ontario.

The Address is 259 Hillcroft Street and the Residence faces Ritson Road. Parking is behind the building and on Hillcroft Street.

905-436-1901

Show History

The first show here was in the spring of 2005 when the Residence was referred to Martha by a local quilt guild to put together a display of quilts for sale. Instead of just showing her work in one room for a few days, she asked for two more recreation rooms at the facility and invited 12 more artists to help her fill the walls with original works of fibre art for a week-long exhibition.

The Residence, interested in community involvement, only asked the artists for a small donation to their chosen charity and that the artists sit the show in return for providing the facility, a reception and advertising the show for them. It was an incredible opportunity.

For the first two years, two shows a year helped established a presence and expectation of excellence and originality. Variety became a key feature as new materials and techniques are constantly explored by the artists, many who are exhibiting their work for the first time.

Martha implemented a Silent Auction for the charity with art donations from the participating artists and a small show catalogue to showcase the artists and their works.

Door prizes were offered and attendance began to rise as more heard about the show and made the trip out to Oshawa to see the display. The Residence added two members of the local symphony orchestra as part of the "Meet the Artists" reception entertainment and a talented caterer provided another level of enjoyment to the festivities.

3-D fibre art became a key element as mobiles, soft sculpture, garments and art dolls filled podiums, floor spaces and were hung from the ceiling. The show dates expanded to include two weekends. Artists increased their contact list for networking and teaching opportunities.

2008 brought the addition of an Artist's Boutique where lower ticket items of original design were added, and the show dates moved into November.

2009 saw a fourth room added to the show to provide a Fibre Art Supply Shoppe with raw materials for sale to cater to the textile artist.

2010 showcased a very special guest artist, Jane Dixon of Oshawa, Ontario. Chartwell chose the Diabetes Association to be the new corporate Charity.

The 2011 show will be at the end of October and have a special theme room, "Alice" featuring artworks inspired by the books "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass", by Lewis Carroll.

Not all works are for sale. This is an opportunity for the sale of fibre art as well as a display of exceptional works from the artists' private collections, included to further enhance the viewing experience for show visitors.

To find out how to participate in the next annual show

click here

Submission Deadline is Sept. 20th, 2011

The show dates and times for 2011 are:

Sat. Oct. 22th - Sun. Oct. 30th

Hours: 10 am - 5 pm daily

FREE ADMISSION; voluntary donations to the Toronto Diabetes Association are appreciated.

The "Mad Hatter Reception" (Costumes encouraged) and Final Bidding in the Silent Auction, are

Saturday night, Oct. 29th, from 7 - 10 pm

The Reception is open to the public.