Traditional tin-kettle on display in South Korea

Linda Yates and David Hayashida of King's Point Pottery have participated in craft events before, but none that can compare to the sixth annual Cheongju International Craft Biennale in South Korea.

The exhibition, which is the largest craft show in the world, began on September 23, and is ongoing until November 1. It was the first time the two attended a craft exhibit overseas, and it is the first time Canadian works have been displayed at the event as well, with 50 nations being represented.

The Canadian Crafts Federation chose eight exhibitioners from the province to be part of the show. Besides pottery a variety of jewelry, quilted art and wool fiber crafts are on display.

Ms. Yates and Mr. Hayashida returned on Oct. 11, and are the only Canadian crafters to have two pieces displayed at the exhibition. One of the pieces is a 12 foot-high image of a traditional Newfoundland and Labrador tin-kettle. They were surprised to learn of its location in the Canadian section of the exhibition, which included works from about 200 artists.

"You really got to pinch yourself a bit," said Mr. Hayashida. "Because it's one thing to be included in the show and then it's another thing, as we found out just before we left, to be told by the people putting it all together that your work is the introductory piece. It's the gateway piece, the first piece people see when they turn into the space and see the rest of the show."

The tin-kettle, a symbol of rural life in Newfoundland and Labrador, consists of a plywood background, glass shelving and 230 pottery soda cups.

"It was pretty exciting, especially when we saw the catalogue for the show," said Mr. Hayashida. "It's a big, beefy thing, kind of like an Eaton's catalogue. It's unreal. Our names are on the front cover and the first image inside is that piece, our piece, the big 12-foot high tin-kettle. It was a real thrill."

"We were proud to be there with the Canadian delegation, but to represent our province with a traditional icon of Newfoundland and Labrador, that was amazing," he said.

Mr. Hayashida says they were awestruck by the lengths taken by its organizers to promote the event.

"When we got to South Korea and into Cheongju, you get into the town and it's unbelievable. On the tops of buildings there are giant billboards advertising the show, and then on every street post - and I mean every street post, there are banners, and this is not a small town, it's over 600,000 people. On buses, bridges, and everywhere you go they are advertising the show. If you're into promoting craft, you've just never seen anything like it," said Mr. Hayashida.

The complex holding the craft exhibit has eight on-site buildings and 18 off-site venues, and it's expected that over 500,000 people will attend the show.

The grand opening of the event was even more extraordinary, he said. The exhibitors and visitors were treated to a show that included pyrotechnics, dancers, music and different forms of artistry that could be compared to shows held during the world-famous Cannes Film Festival. There were also international speakers and the Canadian delegation was treated to a reception with the mayor of Cheongju as.

Ms. Yates and Mr. Hayashida also received a personal taste of Korean culture while they were there. They were part of a home-stay program and were accommodated by a Korean couple residing in Cheongju.

"Everyone was so friendly and welcoming," said Mr. Hayashida.

The King's Point residents say they have many people to thank for their once in a lifetime opportunity, which is already inspiring some new Asian-influenced creations.

Their list of supporters include the Craft Council of NL, the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and the Craft Industry Development Program to name a few.

Mr. Hayashida noted that many involved with Canada's representation at the exhibition are still unhappy with Prime Minister Stephen Harper's cuts to craft, art and other Canadian cultural programs.

"If we didn't get some funding, Newfoundland and Labrador would have lost a once in a lifetime chance to be one of the first to step onto the world stage of international craft in South Korea," he said.

As they recover from jet lag, the artists are preparing for another craft event, the annual Craft Council Christmas Fair taking place mid-November in St. John's.