People who visit Wyreena in July will be in for a treat with an inspiring textile exhibition on show for the entire month.

Stitches will bring the Wyreena gallery alive with beautifully crafted textiles, wall hangings, fabric sculptures and quirky toys.

Councillor Alex Makin said the diverse exhibition, by Susan Swenser and Rhonda Nadasdy, had something for everyone.

“Both artists are extremely passionate about their craft and this shines through in the pieces they produce,” Cr Makin said.

“The gallery at Wyreena regularly hosts quality exhibitions and I encourage anyone interested in art to head down and take a look some time – they won’t be disappointed,” Cr Makin said.

Rhonda has always been passionate about art, particularly teaching art. She has taught hundreds of primary children over the past 10 years. Most of her creative energies have been directed in research, planning and implementation of innovative visual arts programs resulting in major student exhibitions, locally, nationally and internationally.

During the past six months, Rhonda decided to take some creative time out for herself to explore her own creative possibilities. After many years teaching art to primary school children, Rhonda decided it was time to reclaim her creative energies for herself.

This time enabled her to think clearly about why she loves teaching art, but more importantly, why art has played such a significant role in her life.

“For me, art is more about making connections. Being creative connects me to the very core of my being,” Rhonda said.

“Being creative is joyful, soothing and healing. I have to make some thing each week or I feel incomplete.”

Following a career as a graphic designer and illustrator, Susan Swenser found motherhood an inspiration to draw upon to create her uniquely wonderful and quirky textile pieces.

“I create pieces through my daughter’s eyes and that brings me a deep sense of appreciation and joy of the world,” Susan said.

Susan combines her love of hand and machine sewing with a rich use of new and recycled fabrics and threads to create pieces that are playful, delightful and have a sense of celebration to them.

One of Susan’s preferred types of material for her pieces is reclaimed woolen garments and blankets. Her work moves between the serene and the eccentric; her technique displays an elaborate and beautiful layering of colours, fabrics and stitchwork.

Wyreena’s gallery and gift shop hours are weekdays 10am to 4pm and Saturdays 10am to 3pm.

Wyreena is currently seeking expressions of interests from artists to exhibit in the gallery or gift shop in 2010 – phone 9294 5590 or visit www.artsinmaroondah.com.au/Wyreena.htm for further details.