Eiko was the driving force behind the creation of the GDC Ottawa Chapter in 1978.
From GDC Journal 5, the history of the Ottawa Chapter:
Our Evolution
In September 1978, a group of Ottawa designers (Mike Bowness, Morris Danylewich, Eiko Emori, Judith Gregory, Ian Gregory, Ahmad Humayun, George Rolfe, Shelagh Rolfe, Neville Smith, Norman Takeuchi, Carola Tietz, Ulrich Wodicka) met to discuss the formation of a local chapter of GDC. Eiko Emori’s attempt to organize Ottawa designers had started several years earlier, and the first meeting at her home proved to be a breakthrough. A small core of Ottawa designers, including Eiko, were GDC members but belonged to the Ontario (Toronto) Chapter. It was felt that a local chapter could provide greater benefits to the Ottawa design community. The group elected an interim council: George Rolfe, Chairperson; Eiko Emori, Treasurer; and Ulrich Wodicka, Secretary. To indicate good will, everyone paid a membership fee of one dollar.
At a meeting a month later, it was decided to make a formal application to GDC, and to constitute GDC/Ottawa Chapter by January 1979. Plans for the year’s program started immediately, with Carola Tietz chairing the Program Committee, Ian Gregory in charge of publicity, and Neville Smith chairing the membership committee.
At GDC’s Biennial Meeting in Ottawa in October 1978, the group’s application to form a chapter was accepted unanimously.
With George Rolfe and Eiko Emori, the members worked actively, developing Chapter By-laws, establishing membership fees ($50 for professional members) and planning an ambitious program with monthly meetings. At the Chapter’s first annual meeting in February1980, the membership numbered 24. Elections were held and Eiko succeeded George as Chairman, Judith Gregory became Vice-Chairperson, Morris Danylewich became Treasurer, and Ulrich Wodicka continued as Secretary.
Our Events
The Chapter’s active program attracted other designers and by early 1982 the membership had grown to 44. This local strength led to greater influence at the national level,
and representatives of GDC/Ottawa have contributed much to develop the Society.
Full bio on Eiko to come.