A unique exhibition will showcase a collation of distinctive textile art in Geelong this weekend.
Romancing the Stitch will feature the works of Angela Dower and her embroidery students.
Dower, a self-taught embroidery artist with a catalogue stretching back to her childhood, has taught the art in Geelong for 17 years.
The exhibition would be the “one and only” time she showcased the embroidery work, Dower said.
On display will be embellished pictures, blankets and cushions embroidered with beads, wools, silk threads and ribbons.
“The exhibition is going to have things that no-one has ever seen.
“I’m really proud of what my students and I create. A lot of people don’t understand what embroidery is and what embroidery can do.”
Dower has had images of numerous works published in Inspirations Magazine and taught interstate at an international embroidery expo.
“Some of the participants couldn’t even speak English but a stitch is a stitch and once you show someone how a stitch is done you just go from there,” she said.
Her long-term love of the art has apparently rubbed off on some students.
“Some of my students have been with me for longer than 15 years.
“My oldest student is 87 years old and she absolutely loves it and says it’s what keeps her going.”
Describing the craft as “more than a cross-stitch”, Dower was convinced embroidery could have a positive impact on her students’ lives.
“One of my students used to be quite nervous and her hands shook, so someone suggested the classes to her. She’s a different lady now.
“Embroidery picks you up, you forget about your problems and just worry about how the next stitch will turn out.”
Dower has also passed the love of embroidery on to her 10-year-old granddaughter.
“She just loves it,” Dower enthused.
The only challenge to producing her art in Geelong was finding appropriate materials, she said.
“There’s nowhere in Geelong that sells the materials we need. I’m always on the computer looking at new threads and travelling to the other side of the bay.”
Geelong Art Society will host the exhibition with support from Geelong Evening VIEW Club. Proceeds from the gold-coin entry charge will go to The Smith Family.
“The gallery was absolutely blown away with the work when they saw it, they couldn’t believe it was needle and thread,” Dower said.
Afternoon tea will be available at the exhibition on Saturday and Sunday for $5.
The exhibition will continue at Shearers Arms Gallery, Geelong West, until 22 July. The gallery is open 11am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and 1pm to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
