Orland Larson
Canadian goldsmith and craft educator (born 1931)

Orland M. F. Larson, 2020

Orland M. F. Larson (born 1931) is a Canadian goldsmith, metalsmith, and art educator. He played a central role in the development of professional jewellery education in Canada, serving as head of jewellery departments at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and the Alberta College of Art. In addition to his teaching career, Larson held leadership positions in national and international craft organizations, including the Canadian Crafts Council and the World Crafts Council.[1]

Early Career in Northern Canada

Prior to his work in post-secondary arts education, Larson worked within the federal school system in the Canadian Arctic. During the mid-1960s, he served as a school principal in Qikiqtarjuaq (then known as Broughton Island). In this capacity, he administered the local day school, which operated within the federal framework of the era that boarded children from surrounding camps in local hostels. [2]

Art Education and Academic Career

Larson played a central role in the development of professional jewellery training in Canada during the 1960s and 1970s. He founded the jewellery program at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD University) in Halifax, serving as the head of the studio until 1977.[3]

Following his tenure in Nova Scotia, Larson moved to Calgary in the early 1980s. He became the head of the Jewellery and Metalsmithing department at the Alberta College of Art (now the Alberta University of the Arts), where he was responsible for reorganizing the department while continuing to teach. [3]

Craft Advocacy and Leadership

In addition to his academic work, Larson held significant administrative positions in the craft sector. During the late 1970s, he served as the president of the Canadian Crafts Council. [4] His presidency coincided with the launch of Artisan ’78, the first national travelling exhibition of contemporary Canadian craft. Larson authored the introduction to the exhibition's catalogue, which defined the project's national scope.[5]

In conjunction with Artisan ’78, the National Gallery of Canada sponsored Larson to conduct a cross-country speaking tour regarding the standards of contemporary craft. This tour was part of the "Norah McCullough Lecture Series on Craft," established to honour McCullough's contributions to the gallery.[6]

Larson also engaged in international advocacy during the early 1980s, serving as the vice-president (North America) for the World Crafts Council.[7]

Recognition

Larson is cited in historical surveys of the field, such as Ornament and Object: Canadian Jewellery and Metal Art, 1946–1996[8] and Head, Heart & Hands: Craftspeople in Nova Scotia,[9] as a key figure in the professionalization of Canadian studio craft and the development of its educational infrastructure. His professional status was further noted in reference texts including the 16th edition of Who’s Who in American Art [10] and as a member in good standing of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.[11]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Artist/Maker name "Larson, Orland"". Government of Canada – Canadian Heritage. Retrieved 15 December 2025.
  2. ^ Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015). Canada's Residential Schools: The Inuit and Northern Experience (PDF). Vol. 2. McGill-Queen’s University Press. p. 159. ISBN 978-0-7735-4654-7.
  3. ^ a b "History of Contemporary Canadian Jewellery". Ganoksin. 3 February 2017. Retrieved 15 December 2025.
  4. ^ "Inuktitut, Spring 1977" (PDF). Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. 1977. Retrieved 15 December 2025.
  5. ^ Canadian Crafts Council (1978). Artisan '78. Canadian Crafts Council. pp. ix–xi. ISBN 978-0-88980-003-8.
  6. ^ Alfoldy, Sandra (2005). Crafting Identity: The Development of Professional Fine Craft in Canada. UBC Press. pp. 125, 202–203. ISBN 9780773528604.
  7. ^ "Craft bulletin" (PDF). Digital Craft Archive. February 1984. Retrieved 15 December 2025.
  8. ^ Barros, Anne (1997). Ornament and Object: Canadian Jewellery and Metal Art, 1946–1996. Erin, Ontario: Boston Mills Press. ISBN 1-55046-218-0.
  9. ^ Lotz, Jim (1986). Head, Heart & Hands: Craftspeople in Nova Scotia. Halifax: Braemar Publishing. pp. 125–127. ISBN 978-0-921565-00-0.
  10. ^ Jacques Cattell Press, ed. (1984). Who's Who in American Art (16th ed.). R. R. Bowker Co. p. 537. ISBN 0-8352-1878-3.
  11. ^ "Members in Good Standing — March 21, 2024" (PDF). Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. 21 March 2024. Retrieved 13 January 2026.
  • [1] – Government of Canada Artist/Maker database
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