Welcome to The Design Series

The National Wool Museum has just announced a series of exclusive masterclasses exploring creativity with fibre, showcasing creative people and paying tribute to Geelong’s recent designation as a UNESCO City of Design.

The Design Series masterclasses will offer Geelong residents and visitors the opportunity to explore a wide-ranging set of practical skills, including art quilt making, needle felting, textile basket weaving, embroidery and a millinery demonstration.

Highlights include masterclasses with award winning fibre artist, Heather Frizzell, who will share her expertise in needle felting, Gunditjmara artist and weaver, Aunty Bronwyn Razem, who will teach how to weave your own traditional dilly bag, Hooray Hoop returning for another of her popular illustration embroidery masterclasses, and JLO Designer Rebecca Share leading a demonstration of advanced millinery techniques.

The Design Series kicks off on Sunday 25 August with an art quilt making masterclass led by contemporary Australian textile artist, Rebecca Wolske, who will share her skills, knowledge and passion for art quilts. In this hands-on workshop, participants will leave with the knowledge to continue their project at home.

Rebecca is a finalist in the forthcoming Art Quilt Australia 2019 exhibition opening at the National Wool Museum on 5 September. The exhibition will be a showcase of art quilts from Australia, New Zealand and beyond, and incorporates Expressions: The Wool Quilt Prize.

An art quilt is an original exploration of a concept or idea rather than the handing down of a pattern. Art quilts experiment with textile manipulation, color, texture and/or a diversity of mixed media, often pushing quilt world boundaries.

Visit www.nwm.vic.gov.au for more information about The Design Series masterclasses.

Book online for The Design Series masterclasses at www.nationalwoolmuseumgeelong.eventbrite.com

Quotes attributed to Mayor Bruce Harwood, City of Greater Geelong:
“The National Wool Museum’s ‘Design Series’ is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to embrace new skills or enhance their own existing knowledge about wool, fibre and textiles. This formidable collection of masterclasses will yet again demonstrate Geelong’s clever and creative community as well as continue to develop the city’s reputation as a UNESCO City of Design.”

Quotes attributed to Councillor Jim Mason, Chair – Arts, Culture and Heritage portfolio:
“These are wonderful traditional skills that remain extremely popular. The National Wool Museum has secured a very strong line-up of experts, so I’m sure we’ll see a high number of people keen to take advantage of the chance to learn from the very best.”

Quotes from Padraic Fisher, Director, National Wool Museum:
“We’re thrilled to have such a wonderful collection of artists teaching at the National Wool Museum. These artists are leaders in their craft and they will be sharing their knowledge and skills to all those who attend. All are welcome.”