Beechworth will host an estimated 120 felt artists for the 9th Southern Hemisphere Feltmakers’ Convergence to be held at La Trobe University on 19-25 May.
The six day event will feature workshops, demonstrations, talks, informal felting, an exhibition and fashion parade highlighting the work of delegates and a public bazaar with felted artwork on sale.
A special feature of the Convergence will be an open morning on Wednesday, 23 May with the chance for the wider community to attend the event.
“Local visitors will have the opportunity to view demonstrations of felting and exhibitions of felting art,” Victorian Feltmakers’ Association president Robyn Steel Stickland said.
“Visitors can also try their hand at felting with the guidance of experienced feltmakers.”
Another highlight will be the presentation of a felt work to Beechworth Neighbourhood House.
This artwork will be produced through a workshop run by feltmaker and past president of the Storytelling Guild of Victoria Cora Zon.
“Through her storytelling Cora will encourage feltmakers to explore and interpret the concept of ‘regeneration’ in their felted art,” Ms Steel Stickland said.
“The results of this creative process will be donated to the Beechworth Neighbourhood Centre for permanent display.”
The Southern Hemisphere Feltmakers’ Convergence is a biannual gathering of feltmakers held in either Australia or New Zealand and open to feltmakers throughout the world.
“It originated in New Zealand when a group of feltmakers got together to share their experience, knowledge and ideas,” Ms Steel Stickland said. “This remains the underlying aim of the Convergence today.”
For further information about the event contact Ruth Benjamin of the Victorian Feltmakers’ Association on (03) 9596 2557.
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For further information: Contact Ruth Benjamin of the Victorian Feltmakers’ Association on (03) 9596 2557.
