Meet Julie Riches of The Canadian Society of Decorative Arts

IN CONVERSATION WITH Julie Riches, PRESIDENT OF THE Canadian society of decorative arts

Thank you for agreeing to answer a few questions about the CSDA and share your thoughts about the auction, your job as president, and decorative arts in Canada. By the way – we’re proud to be your auction partner once again!

What does the role of President of the Board of CSDA entail? What are the parts you enjoy the most?

The role of the President focuses on overseeing daily operations and ensuring the organization’s goals are met.

Aside from working alongside fellow board members, each an enthusiast in their own right, my favorite part of this role is providing a platform for up-and-coming artists.

What are CSDA’s three (or more!) key strategies to increase a broader interest in decorative arts and design?

Education, advocation, and outreach!

We’re pleased to promote Canadian artists and makers and explore our history through material culture. We host a fascinating series of virtual lectures, such as CSDA Sundays, which explores everything from Chinese Tea Culture to Constitutional Symbols of Turtle Island/Canada, to the art of baking by the William Morris Society of Canada.

Ornamentum magazine and our Newsletter are also a big part of what we do. Ornamentum is the only magazine dedicated to design and decorative arts in Canada. The Newsletter is jam packed with suggestions on how you can stay connected to all things material culture in Canada. Best of all, the Newsletter is free to anyone.

What are your favourite events in the upcoming CSDA programming that you think people will enjoy?

We just announced that this year’s symposium takes place in Toronto! Our annual event will host a series of private tours, lectures and access to behind-the-scenes events. It’s a lot of fun and open to anyone.

This is the fourth year this auction is taking place. What makes this year’s auction unique, and what are you personally most excited about?

This year we decided to focus on objects with a Canadian connection. As a matter of fact, talented Canadian makers who took part in CSDA/CCAD’s events, lectures, or symposia created a good portion of the works offered in this year’s auction.

We also received donations from various Canadian institutions – very cool! I’m over the moon to know that so many folks are rallying to support Canadian makers and non-profits. (View the auction gallery here.)

How will the proceeds from the auction support CSDA’s programming and initiatives?

Proceeds will assist the CSDA/CCAD in our efforts to engage with Canadian artists and produce Ornamentum magazine. As a volunteer-driven organization with a working board and a limited number of part-time help, we rely on fundraisers to provide us with the funds we need to get the job done. We truly appreciate the support from everyone in our community and will continue to strive to create a space for writers and makers to discuss their perspectives and showcase their talents.

How does Ornamentum complement the CSDA’s mission?

Ornamentum critically addresses the aesthetics, meanings, traditions, and innovations of Canadian material culture in the areas of decorative arts and design. We publish Ornamentum twice a year, with articles in English and French from across Canada, and the magazine has a website on ornamentum.ca. The website not only includes some of the print features but also web-only content, such as maker profiles and exhibition reviews. Dr. Janna Eggebeen, Editor of Ornamentum is excellent. We are grateful for her leadership.

How would you describe the field of decorative arts and design in Canada?

That’s a good question … I absolutely love being an appraiser in Canada! Because there is such an array of cultures represented throughout our communities, the variety of objects within collections are as diverse as the people. Every object tells a story. It’s our job to listen and learn from every piece.

Reaching younger audiences is a common challenge for many arts-related organizations. How does the CSDA engage younger audiences or emerging collectors?

CSDA/CCAD is committed to creating an inclusive space for everyone. Our board of directors understand that the longevity of the organization is largely connected to the interests of the next generation—young artists, collectors, and scholars.

We offer special rates for full-time students ($25), and our Young Professionals & Creatives division for those under 40 ($40). The rates include a subscription to the magazine. It doesn’t get much better!

What is your advice to novice collectors?

Buy something because you love it. If it costs five bucks and it brings you joy or inspires you—then you’re doing it right! Support local makers. Take the time to visit craft shows and go to exhibitions in your community. Connect with people through objects. This way, it’s about more than the just the piece you purchased, it’s about the story.

About CSDA/CCAD

The Canadian Society of Decorative Arts/ Cercle canadien des arts décoratifs (CSDA/CCAD) is a national, non-profit organization founded in 1981 for the study, appreciation, and promotion of design and decorative arts in Canada through programming and publications.

ABOUT JULIE RICHES

Julie Riches is President of CSDA/CCAD and Principal of Riches Appraisals & Consult. Her expertise includes appraisal work, object identification, charitable auctioneering, valuation workshops, event planning and volunteering to advance the profession of qualified appraisers. She is an accredited personal property appraiser whose practice focuses on elements of decorative arts and design.

About the Auction

Objects of Art – A Landscape of Canada is offered online on Waddington’s Benefit Auction platform.

The auction starts Saturday, May 10 at 9 am ET and closes Thursday, May 15 at 7 pm ET.

Please view the online gallery.

Special Terms & Conditions

Special Terms & Conditions apply to this auction, including no buyer’s premium and no tax.

Please read the full Terms & Conditions.

REGISTRATION

You must be registered to bid in this auction. Please register on our benefit auction platform: https://benefit.waddingtons.ca/my-account/account-sign-up/

For more information please contact [email protected]