Threadworks: The Garden Party

A special project of the Ontario Network of Needleworkers
in collaboration with the Wellington County Museum & Archives

June 6 to July 9, 2006

Threadworks: The Garden Party featured fine examples of creative needle art by members of the Ontario Network of Needleworkers, an association of 22 guilds, and other textile artists from across Canada and abroad.  The participating artists pushed the boundaries of their discipline demonstrating refined skill and a keen sense of design.  The theme of The Garden Party was been interpreted in unique and innovative ways, from intimate beading, small boxes and wearable art to wall hangings, created through a variety of traditional and experimental techniques.  Of hundreds of entries, 50 works were chosen by jury and premiered at the Wellington County Museum & Archives, before embarking on a tour of 16 galleries and museums across Ontario including the Macdonald Stewart Art Centre.  The works were chosen and awarded by award-winning needle artist and teacher Penny Berens (Newmarket), internationally-recognized needle artist and teacher Margi Hennen (Winnipeg), and nature sculptor, painter, calligrapher and teacher Stephen Lewis (Guelph).

On Tuesday, June 13 at 1:00 p.m., the Art Centre hosted a Dessert Reception for Threadworks: The Garden Party with members of the Ontario Network of Needleworkers in attendance.

Image:    Jane B. Bolton
              Arabella, 2004
              (Winner of the Creative Wearable Art Award)