Craft-Design Centre Holds Birthday Open House

The Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design is launching its 10th anniversary with an open house Friday and Saturday, April 6 and 7.

Friends old and new are invited to drop by the centre at 1683 Barrington Street, Halifax, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for anniversary cake, coffee, activities and displays.

Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald congratulated the centre on this important milestone. "People interested in seeing the quality and variety of our crafts and design will enjoy visiting the Centre for Craft and Design at any time, but especially this week, when so many interesting activities have been specially planned," he said.

In the Mary E. Black Gallery:

ANCIENT FUTURES -- The Art of the Blacksmith at the Third Millennium.

A new exhibit featuring works by artist blacksmiths from Japan, Germany, the United States and Nova Scotia, continuing through May 5. Curator Christopher Huck will give a noon-hour talk in the gallery on Friday.

In the Production Craft Showroom:

CRAFTS ONLINE -- a display of Nova Scotian crafts sold via the Internet. The public will be invited to surf the Web for crafts and pick up a copy of the new 2001 Buyer''s Guide to Art and Crafts in Nova Scotia.

In the Teaching Studios:

There will be craft demonstrations, artisans on hand to discuss their work, and a hands-on children''s activity area. A Saturday jewellery class will be open to view. Information on spring courses will be available and registrations will be taken.

In the "Guild Hall" corridor display:

WHAT IS COSTUME? -- a display by the Costume Society of Nova Scotia. Members of the society will be on hand with information about events planned for this theme year for crafts: 2001 -- The Year of Costume.

The Centre for Craft and Design promotes and develops craft and design industries throughout Nova Scotia. During the 10th- anniversary year, the centre hopes to spotlight the accomplishments of the many artisans and designers working in Nova Scotia.