Threadworks is a special project of the Ontario Network of Needleworkers'(ONN) 1,000+ members. It showcases exceptional and creative needlework by artists from across Canada. Wellington County Museum and Archives (WCMA) in Fergus, Ontario is proud to host, sponsor and support the inaugural exhibition, and acts as the organizing venue.

Threadworks is a juried exhibition that is mounted every three years and travels across Ontario to many museums and galleries.

This year, the interpretive theme was "Trees". Practitioners of the needle arts were invited to submit up to 3 pieces (the actual work, not photographs).

All pieces had to be substantially worked with a threaded hand- or machine-needle and be of original design.

The maximum size was set at 36" x 45" (although diptychs and triptychs are acceptable).

Of the 230+ pieces of work received this year (2010), 61 were chosen for circulation around Ontario for the next three years.

The Jurors for the 2010 "Trees" Show were :

Dianne Gibson is a mixed media artist, currently exploring heavily textured surfaces. She teaches and exhibits regularly and her work has been featured in several publications. Currently living in Fonthill, Ontario, she is an active member of Connections Fibre Artists and the Ontario Network of Needleworkers.

Judith Dingle has exhibited throughout the world for many institutions and has won many awards for her quilts and textile constructions. She is a full-time textile artist, a respected teacher and lecturer and maintains a studio in Toronto.

Susan Burke was hired to restore the historic Joseph Schneider Haus in Kitchener, Ontario, in 1979. She stayed on to develop the facility as a community museum and is the current Manager/Curator. With her special interest and expertise in historic textiles, she has assembled an impressive collection of Germanic woven, embroidered and quilted textiles there.
Ms. Burke has been curator of the Grand National Quilt Show since its inception.

Around Ontario

Most of the inaugural show will travel the Province of Ontario for up to three years and be exhibited in :   Southampton, Kirkland Lake, Haileybury, Woodstock, Fort Frances, Kenora, Gananoque, Whitby, Thunder Bay, Dryden, Bright's Grove, Cobourg, Almonte and Amherstburg.

Further "Threadworks" information can be found at the following web sites :  

Wellington County Museum

Threadworks 2010 : TREES   Inaugural Exhibition - April 24 to June 13, 2010

www.guelpharts.ca/threadworks