Manitoba C2 Centre For Craft

The C2 Centre for Craft in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada presents the best of Manitoba contemporary and traditional craft

C2 Centre for Craft in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada is dedicated to presenting the best of contemporary and traditional craft in Manitoba. Located in an historic building a block or so south of the western edge of the Exchange District, the centre contains a shop, an exhibition gallery, a library, a museum collection, and workshop space.

In the shop, you’ll find a curated selection of handmade work that includes ceramics, glass, jewelry, textiles, wood, and more. The shop isn’t large, but it is well-presented with a good variety of quality products.

Museum gallery with various displays of Indigenous beadwork

The Shirley Richardson Craft Gallery, located beside the shop area, provides museum space for various exhibitions. The exhibition running at the time of the above photo was Gathering: Indigenous Beadwork, Embroidery, and Quillwork Exhibit, running from March 3, 2023 to April 29, 2023. It was presented by the Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library, one of the organizations responsible for the C2 Centre for Craft, and Ross House Museum. This exhibit won the 2023 Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Museums.

Indigenous embroidered vest and bandolier bags on display in a museum exhibit — *Some of the beadwork on display in the Gathering exhibit*

White wall with small white shelves displaying a collection of Indigenous beaded footwear — *A collection of beaded footwear in The Gathering exhibit, some dating to around 1880*

Collection of needlecraft on display behind a floor-to-ceiling glass wall — *Heritage Gallery*

The Heritage Gallery, a hallway-like space behind the Shirley Richardson Gallery, provides room for other exhibits. The exhibit shown in the above photo was Just a Needle and Thread, running from January 26, 2023 through December 31, 2023 and featuring embroidery from the Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library gallery.

Library shelf of books with looms sitting atop shelf — *Library bookshelf in back room*

C2 Centre for Craft is a project of the Manitoba Craft Council and the Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library. The Manitoba Craft Council was founded in 1978 as Manitoba’s only not-for profit arts organization dedicated exclusively to contemporary craft. The Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library has its origins in the Crafts Guild of Manitoba, which was formed in 1928. In 1933, it established a permanent collection and library, which grew over the years. When the Crafts Guild closed its doors in 1997, its collections were kept together and are now managed by the Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library.

In addition to its shop and museum, the C2 Centre offers a variety of workshops throughout the year. You may also want to check out the Make it at Home section of their website for some cool craft ideas to try at home.

The C2 Centre for Craft is located at 1-329 Cumberland Ave. and is open afternoons Wednesday through Saturday. There is a buzzer at the front door to ring for entry.

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