No report.

Over the past year, the members of Studio Inspirations have continued our weekly meetings. Most of these have been held in members' homes and consist of a brief business meeting, followed by a show and discussion of current works-in-progress.

Drawing or design exercises have long been included in the days' proceedings, but this past year we've been encouraging one another to take these designs and drawings from paper to stitch and many interesting pieces have resulted.

As well, on a fairly regular basis, Penni Caffery presents the group with a challenge. These may be small pieces - postcard size is the norm, but there are no size restrictions. Members take part as their time and interest allow. Past challenges have included texture, line and use of a single stitch. For our latest challenge, we have each been given a photo of a segment of something unidentifiable to all of us (except Penni) and have been asked to use this as inspiration and a jumping-off point.

We also include outings in our programme, and in the past some of these have included visits to the Museum of Civilization, the National Gallery, the National War Museum and the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum.

At the latter, we've recently seen the show by "Connections" and the reproduction of the Bayeux Tapestry. Lunch and a lively discussion normally follow these visits, especially if textiles have been the show's theme. In addition, several individuals are taking classes in painting, photography and calligraphy from which the group also benefits.

As mentioned in previous reports, Studio Inspirations has held one group show this year at the Brockville Museum.

We are in the preparation stages for a second opening May 2, 2010 at Art Mad in Stittsville, and we are actively seeking venues for future shows.