Makers Meet for CRAFTED at WAG-Qaumajuq

Press Release

Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 23, 2025: The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq is thrilled to announce that the 11th annual CRAFTED Show + Sale is coming up November 7-9, 2025 with the CRAFTED on the Catwalk fashion show on November 4.

The annual celebration of one-of-a-kind craft takes over all four levels of the Gallery, spotlighting talent from Manitoba, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Nunatsiavut, and Nunavik.

CRAFTED on the Catwalk is extra special this year with actors from season one of the hit APTN, CBC and Netflix series, North of North! See Zorga Qaunaq, Jennifer Kilabuk, and Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory model incredible looks by designers from Manitoba and the North.

Fashion Show Quick Facts:

• CRAFTED on the Catwalk will take place on November 4, starting at 6:30pm, with the Living Lookbook, where attendees can get a closer look at the amazing jewellery, handbags, hats, scarves, and other accessories that will be featured on the runway. Live models will show the pieces alongside the artists who made them at the champagne reception with hors d’oeuvres in Qaumajuq’s breathtaking Abraham Anghik Ruben exhibit.
• The runway show begins at 8pm in the Main Hall surrounded by Wanda Koop’s View from Here, bringing together nearly 300 pieces by designers including: Bo Peep Reimagined Textiles, Halfmoon Woman, Heather Angnatok, Hello Darling, Inspire d’Elykia, Iris Lauzon, Ittuvik Paquet, Karyn Astleford – SIGGI, Kristie MAH baskets & clothing, Lennard Taylor, Mercedes Jaimes-Maison Corazon, Qulaut’s Fashion, Red Hummingbird Designs by Tammy G. Wolfe, Sandra Rideout, Shanti Dias, Sharon Illnik, Simone’s Rose, Sophie Pamak, stephanie smith clothing, studio OCTAV/Lounge Lakers, Victoria’s Arctic Fashion, Winnipeg North of Fargo, and ᐃNᐅK – Julie Grenier Inuk Artist.
• Following the runway show, there will be a reception and meet and greet with North of North’s Zorga Qaunaq, Jennifer Kilabuk, and Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory.
• Garments and accessories featured at the fashion show will be available for purchase at CRAFTED: Show + Sale.
• Tickets to CRAFTED on the Catwalk start at $80 and are available at wag.ca/crafted  

Show + Sale Quick Facts:

• The 11th annual CRAFTED: Show + Sale takes over the Gallery November 7 (11am-9pm) and November 8-9 (11am-5pm) with over 100 artists across more than 30 communities selling handmade works in textiles, glass, wood, metal, clay, and beyond, just in time for the holidays.
• Admission includes access to current WAG-Qaumajuq exhibitions, such as Abraham Anghik Ruben, Staycation, Crying Over Spilt Tea, a matter of time, and Wanda Koop: View from Here.
• On Friday, November 7 at 2pm there will be a special screening of North of North sponsored by CBC, followed by a Q & A and a meet and greet with actress Zorga Qaunaq. Several Northern designers in CRAFTED 2025 have been featured on the hit television series.
• Each year, CRAFTED gives back to the community with a philanthropic collaboration. This year Kami Goertz has created a DIY Strawberry Plushy Kit, with net proceeds donated to Harvest Manitoba.
• Tickets to the Show + Sale are $10, admission is free for youth under 12 and Indigenous peoples. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at wag.ca/crafted.

Quotes:

“CRAFTED is truly one of a kind in Manitoba—a vibrant convergence of art, fashion, craft, and community. From the runway to the galleries, it’s a celebration of creativity and collaboration that transforms the events into inspiring experiences. We’re grateful to all of this year’s collaborators and look forward to sharing the wonder of CRAFTED with the community.”

— Bill Elliott, Deputy Director & CFO, WAG-Qaumajuq

“It’s an incredible feeling to gather once again and celebrate the talent, innovation, and spirit of the artists and designers who define this event. We’re deeply grateful to our long-standing partners whose continued support makes this possible, and excited to welcome new partners who are adding fresh energy—and even a touch of celebrity—to this year’s runway. The anticipation is building, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”

— Sherri Van Went, Manager of Retail Operations & Partnerships, WAG-Qaumajuq

“The Crafted Sale, featuring over 70 of our professional members, is more important this year than ever. Recent changes in tariff regulations, affecting the shipping of items valued under $800 into the US, have meant a loss of 40-60% of annual revenues for many of our members – a huge economic impact. Having the support of the local community at this time will be crucial to keeping our craft community alive and thriving.”

— Tammy Sutherland, Executive Director, Manitoba Craft Council

“Ensuring that artists and actors from Nunavut could be part of this year’s celebration was a priority from the start. Their presence enriches the experience for everyone and strengthens the global appreciation of Inuit art and culture. CRAFTED reflects our shared commitment to helping Nunavummiut artists thrive in their careers and continue to shine on the world stage.”

— Goretti Kakuktinniq, Business Advisor, Cultural Industries, Nunavut Development Corporation

“We are very excited to partner once again with Manitoba Craft Council and WAG-Qaumajuq to bring a cohort of 8 Northwest Territories (NWT) fine craft artists to CRAFTED 2025. Each year, we are overwhelmed at the enthusiasm Winnipeggers have to the NWT artists, taking the time to learn more about their work, the materials they use, and the deep connection maybe of these pieces and practices have to their culture. CRAFTED not only has the potential to advance and inspire the careers of these northern artists but also raises awareness to the quality of fine craft made in the NWT. This is our favourite market to attend!”

— Johanna Tiemessen, Manager, NWT Arts Program, Government of the Northwest Territories

“Once again, Avataq Cultural Institute is proud of the Nunavik delegation, showcasing our very talented artists who have mastered their craft and sharing Nunavimmiut culture with CRAFTED visitors.”

— Andrée Anne Vien, Coordinator of Aumaaggiivik Nunavik Arts Secretariat

Support

CRAFTED is presented in partnership with Manitoba Craft Council, Northwest Territories Arts, Nunavut Development Corporation, Nunatsiavut Government, and Avataq Cultural Institute. We thank Presenting Sponsor Sussex Realty, Media Sponsor CBC Manitoba, and sponsors Nunavut Development Corporation and Manitobah.

Associated Links

CRAFTED: Show + Sale
CRAFTED: A Fashion Show

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For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Katryna Barske
Public Relations Officer
Winnipeg Art Gallery
204.789.1295
kbarske@wag.ca

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