AT last Ipswich textile artists will have a chance to showcase their talents at the Ipswich Community Gallery later in March 2023.
Under the guidance of the newly appointed Community Programs Coordinator, Ally McKay at the Ipswich Art Gallery, textile artists were invited to submit up to three artworks.
These will selected for an exhibition ‘Entwine’ which will feature textile mediums and may include soft sculpture, contemporary soft installation, tapestry, wall hangings, quilts, crochet, felt and lacework.
The exhibition aims to bring together both contemporary and traditional approaches to highlight the versatile nature of working in the textile medium.
It has been quite some time since the Ipswich Art Gallery has connected with local artists to curate a community exhibition.
The last time was over 7 years ago with the exhibition ‘People and Place’. Needless to say, this is quite a turnaround for the gallery and hopefully a sign of good things to come. One local community group of artists who are excited about this are the Spinners, Weavers, Fibre Artisans of Ipswich.
The group has been going since the 1980’s and is based at ‘Brighton House’ at the council owned Cooeana Heritage Centre in New Chum.
This group’s members have an incredible range of skills such as felting, weaving, eco dying, knitting, crocheting and sewing and are happy to share them with other members and community groups. There are award winning artists who are members of this group and who have won many prizes at art shows and competitions.
Spinning, weaving and fibre arts were included for the first time at the 2022 Ipswich Show and members are welcoming the chance to be part of this year’s 150th Ipswich Show competition.
Maybe one day we will see textile art have its own category in the Ipswich Art Awards. Surely these talented artists and art form deserve the recognition of being part of the Ipswich Art Awards and therefore will serve to grow their professional standing as artists.
New members are always welcome and no previous experience is necessary. For further information, check out the Spinners, Weavers, Fibre Artisans of Ipswich website.
