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History of Kingcrafts
Kingcrafts is a non-profit organization founded by Lady Muriel L. Flavelle in 1950. Located in the quaint village of King City, Ontario, the building is owned and supported by guild members through their efforts and the sale of their arts and crafts.
The original four groups worked out the basement of the local Anglican Church but the group had outgrown these facilities by 1953, purchased a lot and designed a building specifically to suit their needs. Kingcrafts was incorporated in 1955 and in 1956, they moved into their current home.
The group held its first studio sale in 1952 to raise funds for equipment. Raffle tickets on items donated by Kingcrafts members and sales raised $1200 which allowed them funds to pay for professional instructors to improve skills. This tradition has become an annual event held each November.
The original groups established in 1950 included rug hooking, weaving, smocking and leatherwork. In 1953 a sketching group was added and in 1954 ceramics and flower arranging joined the thriving organization. These have evolved over the years to include: enamelling, pottery, art, stained glass, decorative arts, quilting, needlework, garden arts, bead and wire and wire sculpture. Groups will continue to change and fluctuate according to demand.
Typically, members work independently at developing their skills. At times, they work together on specific projects but, most important to the Kingcrafts' family of members, is the shared learning that members experience as they learn from the wisdom and expertise of one another.
Kingcrafts members work together in the common interest of our crafts, striving to improve both skills and artistry, helping each other and the organization whenever possible.
Mission Statement
The mission statement created in 1951 still accurately articulates our core values:
- to promote the various crafts in King and the surrounding districts.
- to promote the skill and artistry of those practicing the crafts.
- to foster a community spirit through the medium of handicrafts.
