MARGO GRIFFITH — CO-FOUNDER, TEXTURES CRAFTWORKS
Margo Griffith Oct 16, 1942 - May 5, 2020
— By Janne Hackl, Textures Craftworks Co-founder
Many of you may not be aware that Textures Craftworks would not exist if it were not for one of our founders, Margo Griffith. Many have never had the opportunity to meet her since she has not been an active member for several years. Back in around 1983 Margo (toy-maker, fabric artist), Sharon Beasley (bookbinding, computer clocks etc.) and I were out for a day-trip in Hess Village. We noticed that there was a 'for rent' sign at Hess and George Streets beside the Gown and Gavel and Margo had the brilliant idea… let's check it out! Let's look at opening a shop for local artisans!
She and I already had done craft shows (and won awards mostly due to her work), and together, had home sales at my house in Jordan Station as 'Calico Cat'. We also were members of the Artisan Guild in Hamilton and the St. Catharines Craft Guild shop. So, moving forward, we rented the space. We each put into the kitty $1000… myself, Sharon, Margo, Karen Bottcher, and Hillie Bakker (weavers). I had no money but borrowed it from Karen and paid it back with my baby bonus.
The five of us were 'the core' and responsible for the running of the shop. Soon, Hillie moved and June Barber (potter) joined the core group, as did Ruth Haig (leather) a bit later. We called on Artisan Guild members to join our shop, like Sumi Nogami, who is still a member! Over the past 37 years, we've had hundreds of members join us.
The purpose of Textures Craftworks was, by working together, to have a permanent place for local artisans to sell their work. Margo had the vision and it is due to her guidance and insight, with help from other members, that we have been successful for so long. Through the years we had many ups and downs and often had to fund-raise, doing everything from selling geraniums, running fashion shows, running craft shows, and selling entertainment books… until sales alone were all we needed.
By 2000, Hess Street had changed, so it was time to move again (we moved from the first location to across the street when the Gown and Gavel expanded). Fortunately, we found 236 Locke Street and moved into half of where we are today. When the second half was available, we expanded.
At our 30-year mark, Margo, Sharon, and June retired from the core group (Ruth was no longer with us). Fortunately, other members stepped up to take over the big responsibilities: Myself, Diane Irons, Beth Paulin, Lauch Harrison, and Margo Foreman (who has since moved away).
It's been quite a learning experience but we, and all our members, love our shop and it's as wonderful as ever. Our concept for a collective enabled us to meet new friends, to encourage the growth of artisan members (many at 16 years-old and many now in their 80s), to let artisans experiment, and at times, we have been a 'haven' for some. All this at the direction of Margo, with Sharon, in particular, by her side (doing the bookkeeping for 30 years!), myself, June, and fellow members giving input has led us to where we’re at today.
I have always wanted to honour Margo, who was my friend and mentor for 52 years, by ensuring that Textures Craftworks continues ...which also honours all the members and supportive customers over the years who have contributed to us being such a unique success ...and together we are doing just that.
CLICK TO READ THE TRIBUTE BY CO-FOUNDER SHARON BEASLEY...
Many of you may not be aware that Textures Craftworks would not exist if it were not for one of our founders, Margo Griffith. Many have never had the opportunity to meet her since she has not been an active member for several years. Back in around 1983 Margo (toy-maker, fabric artist), Sharon Beasley (bookbinding, computer clocks etc.) and I were out for a day-trip in Hess Village. We noticed that there was a 'for rent' sign at Hess and George Streets beside the Gown and Gavel and Margo had the brilliant idea… let's check it out! Let's look at opening a shop for local artisans!
She and I already had done craft shows (and won awards mostly due to her work), and together, had home sales at my house in Jordan Station as 'Calico Cat'. We also were members of the Artisan Guild in Hamilton and the St. Catharines Craft Guild shop. So, moving forward, we rented the space. We each put into the kitty $1000… myself, Sharon, Margo, Karen Bottcher, and Hillie Bakker (weavers). I had no money but borrowed it from Karen and paid it back with my baby bonus.
The five of us were 'the core' and responsible for the running of the shop. Soon, Hillie moved and June Barber (potter) joined the core group, as did Ruth Haig (leather) a bit later. We called on Artisan Guild members to join our shop, like Sumi Nogami, who is still a member! Over the past 37 years, we've had hundreds of members join us.
The purpose of Textures Craftworks was, by working together, to have a permanent place for local artisans to sell their work. Margo had the vision and it is due to her guidance and insight, with help from other members, that we have been successful for so long. Through the years we had many ups and downs and often had to fund-raise, doing everything from selling geraniums, running fashion shows, running craft shows, and selling entertainment books… until sales alone were all we needed.
By 2000, Hess Street had changed, so it was time to move again (we moved from the first location to across the street when the Gown and Gavel expanded). Fortunately, we found 236 Locke Street and moved into half of where we are today. When the second half was available, we expanded.
At our 30-year mark, Margo, Sharon, and June retired from the core group (Ruth was no longer with us). Fortunately, other members stepped up to take over the big responsibilities: Myself, Diane Irons, Beth Paulin, Lauch Harrison, and Margo Foreman (who has since moved away).
It's been quite a learning experience but we, and all our members, love our shop and it's as wonderful as ever. Our concept for a collective enabled us to meet new friends, to encourage the growth of artisan members (many at 16 years-old and many now in their 80s), to let artisans experiment, and at times, we have been a 'haven' for some. All this at the direction of Margo, with Sharon, in particular, by her side (doing the bookkeeping for 30 years!), myself, June, and fellow members giving input has led us to where we’re at today.
I have always wanted to honour Margo, who was my friend and mentor for 52 years, by ensuring that Textures Craftworks continues ...which also honours all the members and supportive customers over the years who have contributed to us being such a unique success ...and together we are doing just that.
CLICK TO READ THE TRIBUTE BY CO-FOUNDER SHARON BEASLEY...
Janne Hackl (left) with Margo Griffith (right)
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Textures Craftworks in Hess Village
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Textures Craftworks on Locke Street
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