Hi Karen I’m a little behind in postings so someone else may have
already anwsered this. You were at the Harbourfront Craft Studios at
235 Queen’s Quay West, Toronto. They do have a web site. Melanie
Egan (a former jeweller too) is head of the craft studios.
Harbourfront was a project of the Canadian Federal Government back
in the 80’s when there was more $ I guess. The studios are therefore
not a cooperative (in the legal sense). Craftspeople apply for a
residency - for 2 years I think - and pay a nominal fee to use the
space. As I understand it the other part of the deal is that they
work in front of the public, talk and explain things to the public
and get some teaching experience too. Each studio has a couple of
established artists who act as advisors and meet with the
craftspeople throughout the year, and help select new members. It’s
seen as a sort of incubator for young artists. There are various
places to show and sell their work within the centre so it gives the
young craftspeople a good taste of the range of experiences needed to
make it on their own. Many of Canada’s top craft artists have come
through Harbourfront.
Sandra