Threadworks Poster - 2010
and
Call for Entry

Hello textile and fibre artists!

I recently received a phone call from a textile artist in the Haliburton area wondering if 'wearables' was a category in our next Threadworks, and I was happy to say "YES!"

There are many items which one might consider creating in this category. Hats, jackets, capes, bags to wear or take into the woods... jewelry inspired by leaves, wood grain, insects or other creatures that make the forest their home.... your imagination will lead you to other possibilities.

I am hoping that those of you who receive this ONN Line will make sure that others are aware of what is involved in the process of entering the ONN's juried show which takes place every three years.

If you are a member of the executive of your guild, please be sure that Threadworks is on your agenda as you plan your year. Seed money and prize money will be needed in January, so that we can prepare posters, calculate the amounts available for prizes, and, of course, design a catalogue.

We also ask that you make announcements to encourage your members to create pieces for the jury, and that you consider having some sort of a support group to make sure the works are the best they can be, and nicely finished. Make sure everyone reads the whole Call For Entry before they begin, to avoid disappointment. A reminder: no glass this time, please!

Assist those who do not have computers by printing off a few copies for guild members, or for artists known to you who do not belong to a guild. The committee hopes that your guild will have at least one 'brain storming' session where ideas about 'Trees' can be tossed about, and questions about the call for entry answered. We hope, too, that you will offer members advice should they need it with subjects such as design elements, finishing techniques, etc.

Ontario's trees have had a good summer! Enough rain and cooler temperatures have allowed them to flourish. We hope that you have been sketching, photographing, and collecting ideas for your Threadworks submission. Of course, your pieces might be about something other than a growing, leafy tree, as our poster photos suggest. We want you to know that our committee will be spending the next few months preparing for the arrival of your art.

Your guild, as you know, is part of the Ontario Network of Needleworkers (ONN), and Threadworks is a juried exhibition of stitched textiles which begins its three-year trip around the province in Elora at the Wellington County Museum every third year. If you are new to your guild, please ask fellow members for more details... like where to get a Call For Entry.

The Call For Entry can be found on the ONN website, the Wellington County Museum website, or the Guelph Arts Council website. One copy of page two will be necessary for each entry.

April is only a few cold months away. We hope Threadworks 2010 is on everyone’s stitching agenda between now and then! Let's work together to make this the best one yet!

We look forward to a spectacular show next April!

Thank you for your support.

Elizabeth Duggan Litch (blackberrybog (at) xplornet.com)
on behalf of the Threadworks 2010 Committee.

The Call For Entry is available at : www.guelpharts.ca/threadworks

Threadworks is held every three years and celebrated its 20th anniversary when the 2007 Show opened at the Wellington County Museum and Archives in May, 2007.

While entries come from across Canada, Threadworks is a special project of the Ontario Network of Needleworkers' 1,000 members (from 20 Guilds), and is supported by Wellington County Museum & Archives. Of the 124 pieces of work received, 60 were chosen for the 2007 Show.

The "Threadworks" web site is :   www.guelpharts.ca/threadworks

Travelling Show
Those who did not make it to the Opening or want to see the show again will be able to view it at an additional 15 museums and galleries across Ontario.

Threadworks 2010 theme is "Trees" If you have any questions, or need more information Contact :   Elizabeth Litch blackberrybog@xplorenet.com or RR#2,   Elora,   ON    N0B 1S0 A special project of Ontario Network of Needleworkers