Anat Basanta — Committee Chair Gallery
Anat has been working as a jewellery designer, craftsperson, and entrepreneur for over 10 years. She has participated in craft shows throughout Canada, and is proud to be part of the Circle Craft community.

"I started my relationship with Circle Craft several years ago as a part-time employee in the gallery, eventually becoming a co-op member, and developing a great, long-lasting relationship with Circle Craft! I happy to be a part of such an established organization that gives craftspeople the opportunity to promote our work"

Venessa Bentley — Committee Chair Scholarship
Venessa is an instructor, designer, and consultant in needlearts, fibrearts and textiles. She is a practicing artist, who sells her work through the Circle Craft Cooperative, and is a part-time primary teacher. Venessa is a graduate of the Textile Arts Diploma Program at Capilano College, holds a Bachelor's Degree, a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Fine Arts Education, and a Professional Teaching Certificate from Simon Fraser University.

Her classes are offered in several Lower mainland venues and she sells and exhibits her designs locally. She works from her studio on Granville Island, Working Hands Fibre Arts Studio.

"I grew up knitting and stitching, and have composed my life accordingly. At Circle Craft I found peers! Thank you Circle Craft for offering me this opportunity to share my experiences and my fibre work with you. I will work hard to be part of the important work that you do."

Claudia Hayward — Committee Chair Membership
Claudia has been a member of Circle Craft since the late 1970's and has been a regular participant at craft shows throughout western Canada.  She is a self taught production woodworker specializing in functional wooden items many of which utilize ceramic tiles.  In the last few years she has discovered new challenges and a new direction in woodturning.
 
"I have been a member of Circle Craft for so many years that I felt it was time to give something back to the organization.  I have seen Circle Craft  grow from  impoverished beginnings to today's success.  I feel that my experience in the business of craft can be of some help in dealing with the ongoing challenges of this success."
 

George Knoll
George has been a member of the board for the past six years and has found the experience to be rewarding. Given the great difficulties in finding a suitable location for a second store, he would like to continue exploring the opportunities of the internet.

"I am basically a production woodworker. Although I have made some things many thousands of times I still get a kick out of the fact that people like my things well enough to actually pay for them. Also, it pays some bills. At the same time, there is little that is more exciting than making something new. I am familiar with the on-going demands for our shop space at Circle Craft between the production and the one-of-a-kind craftsman."

Jeremy Long
"I was a board member for 4 years, exiting in 2001 and I would like to serve again. Helen and I have operated a craft business, called Padraig, for 30 years. For the past 22 years it has been our sole income. We wholesale our slippers, hats, and clothing across Canada, into the States and throughout Great Britain. We also sell retail through out web site www.padraigcottage.com. We have been members of Circle Craft since 1978 and sell through the store and have exhibited at the Christmas Market. While Helen designs and manages production, my main activity is the marketing for our business.  I market by attending 6-8 trade shows a year, making store visits, telemarketing, mailing and now emailing. In the past, I have also marketed for another Circle Craft member, Kootenay Forge along with a number of other Canadian artisans and artists.  My marketing experience and focus on the business of craft is what I can best offer as a board member."

Alan Monk - President
Alan Monk is a native of Vancouver and has had a long-standing interest in the local arts community. Alan is a business lawyer with Davis LLP in Vancouver and holds a B.B.A. degree from Simon Fraser University, an MBA from the University of British Columbia and a law degree from the University of Alberta. Alan has been a valued member of the board of directors of Circle Craft since 2004, primarily providing his business and legal insights to the functioning of the business of the cooperative.

Caetllonn Seadjwyc — Committee Chair Selections
Caetllonn has been creating innovative silver jewellery since 1994. Inspired by her surroundings, she incorporates patterns and rhythms found in nature and architecture into her collections. In addition to graduating from VCC's Jewellery Art & Design program, Caetllonn has attended advanced workshops at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco.

"I've enjoyed a successful relationship with Circle Craft over the past 8 years and welcome the opportunity to further contribute to such a vital and vibrant community of fellow artisans."


 

Kathryn Youngs— Vice-President

After a 28 year career as a ceramic artist I have retired and now have the time to give back to my community. Circle Craft has been a large part of my business and I am concerned with the challenges it faces in the market place.

"I would like to be part of the shaping of new approaches and marketing techniques and the tweaking of established practices. I can offer my years of experience as an artist and artisan and my ongoing curiosity with how technology can be used in promotion and marketing. As well, I am currently enrolled at Capilano University in the business program with the goal of being able to marry my experience as a sole proprietor with current business practices."

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