The expression of creativity through needle arts has a strong following in the NSW Northern Rivers as evident in the embroidery exhibition to be opened at 2pm on Saturday April 13 at Yamba Museum.

The feature is an embroidered textile called Threaded Connections, almost 5 metres long, designed by textile artist Lucille Martin and worked by Lismore Embroiderers. It took 40 stitchers over two years to complete, and all their collaborative work is documented on film and able to be viewed at the exhibition.

This large artwork looks at history as something that is continual, feeding into and part of the present, not just distant. To achieve this, the stitchers have used traditional methods and new technologies, with the hand spun silk form of the Richmond River running across the centre, and oval forms showing local flora coloured with natural dyes.

To complement this major piece, visitors will view 85 separate embroidered items – heritage and contemporary – stitched by local embroiderers.

Susan Porter of Grafton is a world renowned embroidery designer who will speak at the opening and launch the display.

The opening is free; Yamba Museum/Kirk exhibition hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 10am – 4.30pm and Saturday / Sunday from 2pm – 4.30pm for $5 admission. The exhibition closes on Thursday May 16.

Lesley Pickering