Current Threads and Tying the Threads 2023

What: Current Threads 2023 art show (June 7-July 5)

Workshops: Tying the Threads (June 13-17)

Where: Cowichan Valley Arts Council Gallery, Annex and Studio

Opening: Grand Hello on June 13 in the CVAC Gallery from 1 – 5 pm

A popular exhibit of fibre art works along with creative fibre workshops returns to the Cowichan Valley Arts Council Gallery this summer after a successful event in 2022. Coordinated by the Vancouver Island Surface Design Association (VISDA), Current Threads 2023 features an array of fibre art works made by artists throughout the BC and Yukon region by members of the North American group, Surface Design Association.

The workshop series, called Tying the Threads, runs June 13-17. To register online (workshops fill up fast) and get further information, go to https://gatheringthethreads.ecwid.com

The series kicks off with the Grand Hello on June 13 in the CVAC Gallery from 1 – 5 pm, featuring orientation, refreshments and a book signing by VISDA member, Karen Selk, author of In Search of Wild Silk: Exploring Village Industry in the Jungles of India. Viewers are welcome to meet participating artists, who will talk about the thoughts and processes that led to their creations.

Workshops:

• Hand Embroidery on Linen. Jean Cockburn will teach participants stitching skills

• Character Development through Textile Techniques. Eleanor Hannan will guide students with paint and stitchery.

• Introduction to Eco Printing. Ede Russett on making prints using a variety of botanicals.

• Drawing with the Sewing Machine. Lesley Turner will present skills in free-motion embroidery.

• Decorating Cotton with Japanese Dyeing Techniques. Yuko Yamamoto will introduce traditional Japanese decorating techniques using dyes.

• Thread Gourmet – Techniques of Three-dimensional Thread Play. Coreen Zerr will give two workshops using a sewing machine and thread.

• Splash of Colour. Coreen Zerr will use paint to create a variety of techniques on cloth.