JULY 2010 REPORT

As the AGM preceeds the July General Meeting that is a designated Kerri-Anne Riles Workshop there will not be a Committee meeting at 9am. Instead could the committee be available from 9.30 to set up the venue/foyer.

In order that the meetings run on time we must commence the AGM at 10am sharp so that the workshop can commence at 10.45am. There are still some vacancies on the committee that need filling. How about you?

Whilst in Adelaide recently I was determined to reacquaint myself with The Jam Factory. How much it has changed! Once a thriving venue for various struggling artists in dark dingy digs in the 70's to a slick, polished sophisticated gallery in 2010. There was an exhibition of Liz Williamson's weavings on display that was inspirational.

I loved the gallery T'Arts that was the venue for Textile Artists not dissimilar to us. Ironically Sandra Shaw from Newcastle had a display of Devore work. Anyone visiting Adelaide should put these on their itinerary.

Carolyn Clausen. President

JUNE 2010 REPORT

What a wonderful weekend we had at Kurri. Participants were very enthusiastic about each of the three workshops and the tutors, Clare Brach, Wilma Simmons, and Anne Van Der Kley. Gail and Judi did a splendid job getting the retreat organised and underway. It was really nice to meet new participants who were most complementary about the retreat. Only a few members attended this year which is a pity in that the retreat is an excellent way to gain access to highly competent tutors and be introduced to new techniques that broaden our knowledge base.

I undertook a personal challenge to work in multi-media. Doing Clare's Silk, Metal, Stitch! I was able to extend my knowledge and skills using a variety of silk formats and then learn new techniques using metals. Maybe I'll need to ask Santa for a blow torch.

While shopping in Melbourne last week in one of my favourite fabric shops Rathdowne Discounts, I noticed a large group of ladies (not a group of large ladies) positively drooling over the fabrics (figuratively speaking). Later, having a late lunch in a nearby café, we met again. I was in the company of the Glen Waverly Australian Sewing Guild members who were on a field trip. They were very impressed when I was able to say that NCEATA is a member and they were very interested in our activities. Two delightful ladies, Anne and Alison, offered to drive me to one of their favourite shops, Clear It, on the corner of Moor and Brunswick Streets in Fitzroy.

Upstairs at the back of the shop were rolls of fabric from Alanah Hill. They also raved about Jimmy's Buttons at 375 George Street in Fitzroy and a new shop The Fabric Store at 184 Brunswick Street. I can recommend that these be added to our resource addresses. Anyone for a field trip to Melbourne?

With the AGM this month I would encourage all members to consider holding a position on the committee. Remember the two old sayings: “Many hands make light work” and “If you want something done, give it to a busy person”.

Carolyn Clausen, President BACK TO TOP OF WEBPAGE

MAY 2010 REPORT

A great roll up at the Wetlands: fabulous weather, good coffee, super venue, plenty of sunblock and massive amounts of mozzie repellent were consumed. Lots of inspiration, ideas, direction and encouragement from Jan Clark should see us produce fantastic works for our exhibition and suitcase.

Members continue to achieve success with Mary Hedges winning 2 firsts at the Royal Sydney Show with her jewellery, Judi Nikoleski' s quilt being accepted for The New Quilt 2010, a juried exhibition of contemporary quilt textiles, also Varelle Hardy and Pat Davidson are showing works in Making of a Nation at the Paynter Gallery. You'll be able to see Judi's quilt in the The New Quilt 2010 exhibition at the Manly Art Gallery and Museum from 18 June until 25 July 2010.

The AGM will be held at the June meeting. There are opportunities for members to join our enterprising committee. The position of Newsletter Editor will be available as well as positions on the Kurri committee. Don't be afraid of putting yourself forward as there is inhouse support for new committee members. You may even consider standing for president.

Looking forward to Kurri. See you there.

Carolyn Clausen, President

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APRIL 2010 REPORT

One of our former members, now a well travelled tutor living in India, Fiona Wright will be back visiting the Hunter from mid Sept to mid Oct. I am delighted that Fiona has remembered us and am looking forward to her visit. You can hopefully catch up with Fiona at our Sept meeting. She would like to meet up with fellow members especially those who were escorted by her to India and the Tocal connection.

With so many activities planned this year we can now start focussing on pieces for the Exhibition and Travelling Suitcase. Consider starting your work early so that it will be ready for critiquing in September.

See you at The Wetlands in April.

Carolyn BACK TO TOP OF WEBPAGE

MARCH 2010 REPORT

As with any group we have our highs and our lows.

Recent highs were the number of people that we saw over the 3 days at the CraftExpo. It was a great opportunity to showcase who we are and what we do. Each evening additional flyers had to be run off to cater for the next day.

The first of the design workshops led by Kerrie-Anne Riles was so well attended that we should consider using the foyer area next meeting.

The response to Sheila's pleas for work for the Travelling Suitcase resulted in an excess of items.

It is with regret that we have taken the decision not to attend Tocal this year but without a coordinator volunteering it would have been an impossible task given the need to staff this venue over three days.

Considering the low response for Kurri this year we have decided to continue with the Art Retreat by underwriting financial losses, but serious consideration will have to be made to continue to provide it in its current format.

It would seem that the needs of NCEATA members are evolving. It is only with your support that we can continue to provide these opportunities.

Carolyn Clausen, President BACK TO TOP OF WEBPAGE

FEBRUARY 2010 REPORT

Once upon a time 2010 seemed such a far way off. Now that it is upon us it will really fly with all that is planned for NCEATA this year. I would encourage each of our members to become involved in one or more of our many activities this year. How about enhancing your knowledge and skills via the series of design workshops; assisting with the CraftExpo; taking the opportunity to display and sell your textile art at The Olive Grove Markets on one of their days; enjoying the company of members and tutors at the Kurri Kurri weekend; creating work for the Travelling Suitcase and /or our annual exhibition; or being on the exhibitors at The Art Bazaar. We really do have a lot to offer members!

Thanks to Sheila for putting together the Travelling Suitcase and to those members who responded to the request for work to be included. The recipients of the case appreciate the effort and opportunity to access it's contents. A bit like a Pandora's box for them.

Thank you to Judi for taking on the newsletter, now we will require someone to assist with Kurri 2011. Any offers? Diane has taken over the organisation of CraftExpo from me to allow me more time with mum, thanks Diane.

We have a small group at The Olive Tree this month so anyone who would like to try a once off is most welcome. Just let me know. Anyone anticipating a spot at Olive Tree Market, can you give me an indication of which months so that we can start a roster.

Carolyn Clausen, President
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DECEMBER 2009 + JANUARY 2010 REPORT

What a fabulous way to end the year: Materialising Metaphors at Wallsend Library incorporating some works for the Travelling Suitcase and the member's embroidered tiles, the Christmas party with the tutors as guest speakers Claire, Susan and Wilma as appetisers, the Art Bazaar changing venue to Civic Park and the Olive Tree Markets.

We certainly have much to be proud of. Thanks to Jenny and John Loss and Trish Thompson for their work with the exhibition. The opening was short (and sweet). It's great to catch up with various members at our social events and to hear compliments on the standard of our work.

Thanks to Jenny Crain for the Christmas activities. Having been inspired by the tutors it will be difficult to which course to look forward to at Kurri.

I'm looking forward to the structured workshops with Kerrie-Anne Riles in 2010. It will be interesting to see how our work progresses after participating in these. We are hoping that some of the challenges from these workshops might be displayed.

I came across the ArtyBra project and thought I would really enjoy creating a masterpiece from an old bra. I'd love to have some members join me in this venture.

A huge thank you to the committee for their work this year. Merry Christmas to all and wishing you a safe, healthy and happy New Year filled with creativity and enthusiasm.

Carolyn Clausen, President BACK TO TOP OF WEBPAGE

NOVEMBER 2009 REPORT

In decluttering my studio (actually desperately trying to make a place for my quilting frame) I came across an article in . . . that made me smile. "Are you a stasher or a discarder?" On reading this together with my recent decluttering experience, I declare: "I'm Carolyn Clausen. I'm a fabraholic and I need help!"

I'm sure that many other members can associate with this declaration. I feel so much lighter now that car loads of fabrics have been offloaded and will be equally loved by someone else. It's not New Year's Eve yet but I'm making a promise to try to use what I have in stock . . . now to just find that right piece of fabric . . .

The deadline for both the exhibition and suitcase is fast approaching. I'm looking forward to seeing how the group challenge will eventuate. All will be revealed at the exhibition, so I hope to see many of our members and their friends attending the opening.

The examples of Kurri tutors' work on our website is a great enticer to think about attending Kurri in 2010.

The next meeting on Saturday 21 November will be held at Garden Grove Parade, Adamstown and will be our Christmas party.

I am looking for 2 volunteers to assist the organisers with the traffic control of Laman Street prior to the start of the Art Bazaar. Please contact me via the email link on the CONTACTS Webpage if you are able to help.

Carolyn, President
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OCTOBER 2009 REPORT

What a busy time we have had in moving from Madison Drive to The Grove at 130 Garden Grove Parade, Adamstown. Thanks to our enthusiastic librarian, Robyn, who packed and culled the library then had all ready for the first meeting. A job well done! The new premises are impressive and I 'm sure that they will be well used. For anyone intending using public transport Route 334 passes by.

Thanks to Gay for the Saturday workshop on registration of blocks and cutting printing blocks. Now comes the busiest time of the year. Don't forget that travelling suitcase, exhibition items and group tiles are due at October's meetings. It would be great if all members could participate in at lest one of these activities as they are only successful with your contributions.

Carolyn, President BACK TO TOP OF WEBPAGE

SEPTEMBER 2009 PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL REPORT

Our regular monthly meetings have been ably coordinated by Sandra Cook (Saturdays) and Treena McCathy (Mondays). Thanks to Sandra and Treena.

The website has been upgraded by the very capable webmaster, Judi Nikoleski.

This year we have focused on responding to members needs through the Future Directions workshop led by Jenny Crain. Currently the committee is working towards developing a series of workshops based on the principles of design as applicable to textile artists. It is anticipated that this process will be an avenue whereby members can increase their skills and knowledge and feel more confident in creating and exhibiting.

The exhibition at Wallsend Library in November was well received. The venue offered the opportunity to share with the local community however we missed the inner city patrons that were attracted to exhibitions at the Lovett Gallery. Thanks to Jenny and Trish for coordinating the exhibition and to John Loss for his expertise in hanging our work.

A new opportunity to promote our group arose with the introduction of the Olive Tree markets at The Junction School. A core group of members attended regularly. Members also attended the Art Bazaar in Laman St and Tocal Field Days. In attempting to reach the wider community it has become increasingly difficult to man all these events. Thanks to Diane for her management of Tocal rosters and organisation over the 3 days. A new coordinator is needed for Tocal next year should we decide to become involved.

The annual Kurri conference was attended by yet another wider group. Many of our members who cannot attend regular meetings use Kurri to renew acquaintances and develop new skills. It is becoming increasing difficult to provide the number of workshops with few applicants so this year only 4 workshops were held with the inclusion of an Artist in Residence program. A very positive note is 4 younger students attended. NCEATA sponsored one, a member Ruth Spence generously sponsored a second and 2 were self funded at a reduced rate. Thanks to the Kurri Committee Gail, Susan and Judi for their work to make this a success. Susan is stepping down from the Kurri committee. Thanks for your efforts Susan, so a member is required to assist here.

I would like to thank the committee for their support this year. I invite members to continue to be involved in NCEATA activities and to share their expertise.

Carolyn Clausen, President
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AUGUSTS 2009 REPORT

An extremely busy meeting was held in July. My apologies to Roberta and members for the delay in starting the workshop due to the OTM meeting. The series of workshops on design proposed for next year is an exciting venture. I look forward to submissions from members and other interested parties.

The spotlight was on Ruth Spence for her success at The Alice Springs Beanie Festival. Ruth took out a first with in the Rich Layering section. Congratulations Ruth. Don't forget to let us know of any success that you or a fellow (is there a feminine version of this I ask myself?) member may have had.

Exhibition work will be critiqued at the September meeting so bring along your work. It doesn't have to be completed, but the feedback is invaluable. Work for the Travelling Suitcase will be due Oct/Nov. I urge members to consider entering works in one or both, even if you haven't done so before. Now is a good time to start.

The August meeting will be the last one at the present premises. More on this in the August report. Thanks go to the Belair Baptist Church and the Korean Church for the use of their premises. The move to 130 Garden Grove Parade Adamstown will take place in late Aug. I invite any members who have a preference to stay at our current venue, or to move to Adamstown to contact me as we will have to make the decision regarding premises at our next meeting.

A reminder to all: if you have to leave early, it would be appreciated if you could pack up your chair and not leave all the packing up to the last to leave.

Cheers Carolyn Clausen, President
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JULY 2009 REPORT

Well this month we were wrapped in cords and had cabbages coming out of our ears. Thanks to members Ruth and Doris for their input.

Our thoughts are with Judy Hooworth and her family with the sudden loss of her husband Richard. Judy has been a contributor to NCEATA as a guest speaker, a Kurri tutor and a member.

I'm looking forward to sharing my resource contacts with members through the initiative of Web grandmaster, Judi. How often do you come across information that you'd just love to share?

Shining lights. Mary Hedges had success at the Royal Easter Show with her jewellery while Doris Baxter-Gordon had work sold at the Stanthorpe Gallery. You can see Judi Nikoleski's work in the latest copy of AQP magazine.

Cheers Carolyn, President
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JUNE 2009 REPORT

Thank you to our newsletter editor, Diane Dirou and her team for their presentation at Tocal. We extend our sympathy to Diane and her family on the loss of her mother.

Thanks also to the Kurri Committee, Gail, Susan and Judi for their organisation. I believe that all those who attended enjoyed themselves and appreciated the opportunity to share creative talents. I look forward to seeing the fruits of their labours at future meetings.

Our webmaster, Judi has been very successful, winning two prizes at the Australian Cotton Expo in Narrabri. Her 2 x 1 metre quilt "Walkabout Country" won the "Contemporary Quilting & Patchwork" section and also won the main acquisitive prize for the whole show. Congratulations Judi!

I invite other members to share their successes with us. It's great to let your light shine sometimes.

Susan Neal from The Australian Sewing Guild has contacted me regarding our application to be an affiliated member. We will receive their newsletter and be able to have one member attend any of their courses. The ASG is Australian wide so this will be an avenue to inform its members of our activities. Susan was very pleased to support our inclusion: we will be the first ever group to be affiliate with ASG. You may like to check out their website www.aussew.org.au. Their Krazy Kaftan challenge (see website for details) - has me thinking . . . .

Cheers Carolyn Clausen, President
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MAY 2009 REPORT

Helen Gould's husband Danny passed away recently, he was only 58. He passed very quickly with cancer. Our sympathy is extended to Helen and her family.

With the onset of the cold weather now's the time to start thinking creatively about your contribution to either the next exhibition and/or travelling suitcase. By having the same topic, Textiles as a Metaphor, you might like to submit a sample piece for the suitcase in preparation for the exhibition. I encourage all members to participate in these events even if you haven't done so before. You may like to ask a more experienced member to be your mentor if you are unsure how to start. The critiqueing held later in the year is invaluable but you can present your ideas and works at any meeting if you'd like advice.

Taking part in challenges was one of the requests from our survey. Jenny Crain is coordinating postcard challenges for anyone who wants to participate. Contact Jenny sarra@bigpond.com or 49 55 5819. Kurri is in the pocket so I'm hanging by a thread looking forward to meeting some members who are unable to come to meetings so that we can weave our lives together by spinning good yarns and creating a patchwork of memories of the ties that bind. I'll be wearing my hat that fits, will you?

All stitched up, Carolyn Clausen (with acknowledgement to Gay for the metaphors)

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APRIL 2009 REPORT

Our sympathy is extended to Gail Stahmer and her family on the loss of her mother. She must have been an extraordinary lady to foster such a talented daughter as Gail. Thank you to Jenny Crain for leading the workshop on responding to members needs at our last meeting. Much was achieved in a short space of time: thanks to NCEATA members for your input. Wendy Scott's Introduction to Devore was just the activity we needed after a thought provoking morning. Thanks Wendy. I was particularly pleased to overhear very positive comments at the end of the day.

Thanks also go to Ruth Spence for her sponsorship of a second secondary student to Kurri. Organisation for Kurri is progressing well. Thanks to the committee Sue Cooper, Gail Stahmer and Judi Nikoleski for their organisation and commitment.

There is an opportunity to apply for community funding through the NIB Foundation. Anyone with expertise and/or interest who is willing to develop a submission is asked to contact me ASAP as submissions close 17th April.

We plan to select a theme for next years Travelling Suitcase and exhibition at the April meeting so put on your creative thinking caps and challenge Eduard De Bono. There are only 3 spaces left for this years suitcase. Anyone with contacts to groups or schools who wish to borrow it should contact the Travelling Suitcase Coordinator Sheila Francis, via our website, ASAP.

A reminder that there is no meeting on Saturday in May due to the Kurri Conference.

Carolyn Clausen, President
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MARCH 2009 REPORT

Congratulations to our webmaster, Judi Nikoleski on being short listed by the Australian Quilt Convention for her Fantasy art quilt "Connections".

Bronwyn Grieve wil be working with members of the Adamstown Uniting Church on a commissioned work. You can see the work in progress at the church, corner of Brunker and Glebe Road at the following times during March: Thur 5th 10-12 noon, Sat 7th 10-12 noon, Fri 13th 9.30am-3pm, Sat 14th 11am-3pm.

Don't forget to enrol for Kurri Kurri. There are still plenty of vancies and members are asked to help spread the word as it is available also to non members. Perhaps you know someone who would like to broaden their horizons. Application forms for the secondary student scholarship for Kurri are available through Judi.

The survey results are available in the latest newsletter (from the newsletter download webpage) and will be referred to in the discussion led by Jenny Crain at the next meeting.

The AGM for Hunter Arts Network (HAN) is on 11th March at 6pm. Members are invited to attend. HAN is looking to recruit new committee members including a Co-ordinator for the Art Bazaar.

If you are feeling in need of inspiration try www.quiltart.com/elements. Or did you know that Quilt U has online courses that might be just what you are looking for to extend your skills.

Carolyn Clausen, President
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FEBRUARY 2009 REPORT

Welcome back to another busy year. Our group continues to attract new members and I look forward to their participation in our events.

It is with sadness that I report the passing of a long term member, Anita Francis who finally succumbed after a long history of brain tumours. I will remember her as a talented textile artist; for her superb embroideries, a fabulous ability with colour and wicked sense of humour even though at times she could be too outspoken for her own good.

Carolyn Clausen, President
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