Past Exhibitions
Click here Events to view other exhibitions of interest.
'Moving Forward'- Design Divas Exhibition
Exhibition: 6-31 October 2022
Design Divas is a group of artists which began the Contemporary Stitch and Design Course with Mary Brown in 2017 and 2019. This exhibition grew out of the idea of 'Moving Forward'. Come along to the exhibition to see how each of us has interpreted this theme - some of us used COVID as the catalyst, others have used the 2019 Bushfires, and yet others have used the concept of the evolution of humanity.
The Roma Field Traditional Embroidery Competition
Exhibition: 6-31 October 2022
The Roma Field Competition is designed to foster the achievement of excellence in traditional embroidery design and technique.
Roma Field was one of the founders of the Embroiderers' Guild NSW and was particularly interested in encouraging traditional embroidery. She was an outstanding embroiderer who was dedicated to encouraging embroiderers to achieve excellent results through learning and developing skills in traditional embroidery.
Roma was President and Chairman of the Guild, and, later a Trustee. She taught traditional embroidery classes and regularly judged competitions, not only for the Guild but also for the Country Women's Association and the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales.
Much of her embroidery appears in 'A Lifetime of Embroidery' by Roma Field which was prepared and published by the St Ives Group of the Embroiderers' Guild in 1980.
We would like to congratulate:
Yvette Stanton (@vettycreations) for winning the Tutor Category for her elegant mask, and;
Robyn Haug for winning the General Member Category for her impeccable hardanger mat.
Thank you to all of the other entrants who invested their time and creativity to produce truly spectacular pieces. Our exhibition showcases the entries in this inaugural year of the Roma Field Competition - on display until October 31.
Future Exhibitions
Threads that Connect Us
Exhibition: 2-28 November 2022
Engaging in textile crafts with other people has long been essential to the life of many communities. In November, the Embroiderers’ Guild NSW, University of New South Wales Art & Design and the Social Outfit have partnered to deliver 'Threads That Connect Us' to showcase the individual and community benefits of stitching together.
This unique program will see a diverse group of refugee and new migrant women gather to stitch, share stories,
connect and create as an embroidery community. Gallery76 will be transformed into an inspiring
working 'studio'; with the walls adorned with mood boards, thought-provoking artworks and stunning textiles from
various cultures.
We invite you to visit throughout November 2022 to both enjoy the exhibition and witness the progression of the embroideries being created. Additionally, celebrate with us at the Public Showcase event to celebrate the completion of the program on Saturday November 26 from 4 to 5:30pm. Attendance is free but reserving and booking your place is essential (Book here).
Under Cover by Samantha Tannous
4 May- 1 June 2022
Featuring bright, textural works which layer colourful metaphors of conspicuous camouflage from the animal and insect worlds onto the complex female psyche. Works include wall hangings and soft sculptures felted from hand-dyed silk and merino wool.
Rock Pool Wanderings - Exploration of Identity by Julya Hegarty
5 May - 2 June 2022
Julya Hegarty has used the landscapes surrounding her Sunshine Coast home to consider beach life and its link to Australian character. Her Rock Pool Wanderings - Exploration of Identity features stunning wall pieces and sculptural Raffia textiles.
Heirloom - A Celebration of Herstories by Grace Pundyk
April 2 - May 1 2022
Heirloom: A Celebration of Herstoriesis a celebration of inheritance, of grandmothers, of the ephemeral wild and those invisible threads that move and shape us no matter how seemingly distant and unknown. Taking inspiration from the traditional Polish ‘wianek’ (flower crown), each wearable piece utilises vintage Polish linen Australiana textiles, Japanese linen/ silk threads, and materials from the wild to sustain a matrilineal thread across generations and geographies.
This exhibition will be opened on Saturday 2 April by the Polish Consular General, Ms Monika Konczyk from 4-5:30pm. You're invited ! Please book and there is a cover charge of $10pp to cover catering.
Discover Embroidery
Student Open Day Saturday April 9 and Teacher Open Day April 10 2022
For students come and see the exhibition of HSC Major Works, contemplate them and draw on them for inspiration. Our student centric Open Day gives you an opportunity to experiment with some embroidery stitches, some helpful talks, tours and resources. The cost is $8 per student and includes a creative goodie bag. A separate stream for teachers allows everyone to experience what the Guild has to offer and includes morning tea and materials for $12. Teachers in training are especially welcome ! Please register your interest in these programs to avoid disappointment, due to COVID restrictions on numbers pre-registration is essential.
Wild Wool - Australian Felt Art
Friday March 4 to Tuesday March 29 2022
This is a composite exhibition featuring 32 pieces of felt art created by 14 talented artists located across Australia.
TEXStyle - Showcasing Major Textiles Projects from 2021 HSC
March 8 - 25 2022
The future of textile art is in great hands. We are delighted to showcase for the first time the outstanding artistic endeavours of 40 young, emerging creators and textile artists that had submitted their Major Textiles Projects for the NSW Higher School Certificate. Bookings essential - please set aside 90 minutes to see the exhibition.(Link to portal to book a class excursion) During this exhibition period, the Guild will host a series of Open Days for teachers and students alike. Expect loads of helpful embroidery tips and resources to take home ! Exhibition details
ReCover by Barbara Dawson
January/February 2022
Barbara Dawson's work is 'muted and moody'. Her exhibition explores the recovery after the Australian bush fires. Through the alchemy of ecological contact printing with plants and slow, meditative stitching on recycled cloth the experience of her crossings over this landscape is traced and recalled.
Rachel Gooden's Pinned with Thread
January/February 2022
A museum's etymological collection is painstakingly brought to life in thread and accoutrements by regional artist Rachel Gooden @stitch_and_bone. The pieces are beyond incredible. Come and see these exquisitely embellished works. They absolutely need to be enjoyed up close and in person to appreciate the perfection and detail this self-trained artist has achieved.
Wildflower - works by Jo Steele
January/February 2022
Jo Steele's beautiful contemporary pieces explore the form, colour and beauty of wildflowers. A feast for the eyes and a delight to all lovers of embroidery. Jo's pieces are filled with myriads of layered textural stitches - her detail and the beauty of her work astounds.
Still Life in the Old Girl Yet
New Dates Friday November 5 (5pm virtual opening) to Sunday December 5 2021
A solo exhibition at Gallery 76 by artist Joy Smith. Joy's work is bright and features still life depictions of everyday objects. Come and examine how Joy has transformed these objects, celebrating them and rendering them in texture and with threads.
Although the gallery is open to the public 7 days a week, we have decided to take the exhibition opening online due to ongoing capacity restrictions. Join us at 5pm AEST on Friday November 5 for the official opening which includes a virtual tour and a brief address by Joy. The opening will be hosted over Zoom. Tickets are free and bookings are essential and can be made here.
October 2021
This prestigious prize was initiated in the 1970s to foster the achievement of excellence in original embroidery design and technique.
Margaret Oppen was one of the founders of the Embroiderers’ Guild NSW and was a driving force in promoting modern approaches to embroidery in NSW.
Margaret Oppen Competition 2021 - Tutors and Past Winners.pdf
Margaret Oppen Competition 2021 - General Members.pdf
February 2021
This past conference is available online to stream or download.
There are 10 Conference lectures + plus bonus tour of Lace Exhibition at Gallery76 to view at your leisure.
Click here for more information and link to purchase.
September 2021
We are very pleased to announce that we will be hosting the first biennial Australian Fibre Art Awards at Gallery76 this September. The Award includes a $2000 prize and one-off publication for a practising Australian Fibre artist.
Click here for more information https://www.artwearpublications.com.au/afaa/