Norris Arm woman wins craft award in Halifax

A Norris Arm woman has won the Excellence in Product Design Award at the Atlantic Canada Craft Awards of Excellence in Halifax. Jane Sasonow-White, who operates jas SILKS, was chosen by a team of judges drawn from the four Atlantic Provinces.

The award was presented to her during a ceremony at the Atlantic Craft Trade Show in Halifax on Saturday night.

Jane Sasonow-White produces silk banners depicting landscapes and wildlife including pine trees, chickadees, puffins and whales. Her designs also find their way onto silk scarfs, tote bags, T-shirts and note cards.

"Ms. Sasonow-White is a talented designer and artist who has successfully taken on the demanding task of turning her craft into a business," says Beaton Tulk, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development. "Her product line extends from one-of-a-kind hand-painted silk banners for corporate clients, to mass-produced posters and T-shirts. I am impressed both by her artistry and her energy in operating a successful business in rural Newfoundland and Labrador, and I congratulate her on this award."

The Excellence in Product Design award is for products that consistently demonstrate the significant use of design solutions in all stages of the conception, development and production of craft products.

The annual Atlantic Craft Trade Show is a wholesale show sponsored by the four Atlantic Provinces and features giftware and apparel made in Atlantic Canada. Ms. Sasonow-White was one of 28 Newfoundland and Labrador producers at the show which had over 200 exhibitors and attracted an estimated 3,000 buyers from North America and Europe.

"The craft industry provides employment to more than 2,000 people across all areas of the province and is an important part of our manufacturing industry and the province�s cultural history," said Minister Tulk. "It is an industry that has grown tremendously over the years and has the potential for continued significant new growth resulting in additional jobs being created throughout the province."

For more information call:

Josephine Cheeseman, ITRD (709) 729-4570
Jane Sasonow-White, (709) 653-2418

2002 02 04                        10:50 a.m.