Tonic: Textile Art as an Antidote for Now by Deborah Burdett + Margaret McKenna

Margaret McKenna and Deborah Burdett are exhibiting work that includes historical pieces and textile projects from their 2019/20 residencies at Arterie Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Cancer Centre and Covid Lockdown.

Highlights are the premiere viewing of McKenna’s just completed Starry Starry Night – 5,100 shell buttons stitched onto shimmering velvet; and Burdett’s Proclamation textile flag exhibited at Sydney Festival 2020.

These pieces were designed as communal projects, with patients and their families stitching multiple layers and incorporating fibres, fabrics, threads and buttons. The arts in health concept has been a 21st century game changer, shifting attitudes of craft for craft’s sake to understanding the multiple benefits of a craft practice to healing and therapeutic outcomes. Most recent works include conceptual ideas and intricate stitching – from McKenna’s highly skilled embroidery 60 Candles – the Birthday Virus to Burdett’s slow stitched Three days in June.

Details: Exhibition: Wednesday 14 October, 10am – 8pm; Craft Up Late Wednesday 14 October, 5 – 8pm

instagram.com/deborahburdettart/

Exhibition, Craft Up Late

Community, Fibre arts, Textiles, Family/child-friendly, Free event