Real stories, real people – Everybody Now!
What's On
Slow Down, Stitch Up!
A Free Community Celebration of Creativity, Connection & Craft
Treat yourself to a morning of creativity, connection, and a taste of slow living meets artful inspiration at this free community event.
‘Slow Down, Stitch Up’ is a relaxed, feel-good event featuring an inspiring lineup of artist talks, hands-on textile workshops, and delicious morning tea celebrating the joy of crafting to unite and connect communities.
You’ll meet award-winning Gold Coast contemporary textile artists Tal Fitzpatrick and Melissa Spratt, along with proud Kombumerri/ Nughi woman Kiara Levinge and local community leader Beverly Gordon.
Tal and Melissa will guide you through free creative workshops including finger knitting and collaborative textile-making. No experience is needed – just a willingness to slow down and enjoy the pleasure of making something with your own hands.
This special event also marks the finale of Threads of Belonging, a 12-week community residency where local women have been creating a collaborative artwork centred around place, connection and belonging.
We hope you can Join us!
General Event Info
- Accessibility: Accessible parking space available, wheelchair-accessible reception, pathways, rooms, and amenities, with accessible bathroom facilities.
- Accessibility and Cultural Inclusion: If there is anything you need to make your participation more enjoyable, please let us know by contacting Chrissy on the details below.
- Kids are welcome. Please let us know so we can provide support and activities.
- Parking: free off-street parking, including accessible parking spaces
- Attendance: please register for a ticket to let us know you're attending
- Have a question? Email Chrissy Keepence, Project Manager chrissy@everybodynow.com.au
Slow Down, Stitch Up!
Everybody NOW!
Ormeau Community Centre, 3 Cuthbert Dr, Ormeau
Time
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Saturday 17 May
Pricing
Free
Artists
Tal Fitzpatrick (she/her)
Tal works in the field of craftivism, employing craft as a medium for activism and collaboration. Her works tackle complex social, political, and environmental issues, drawing inspiration from her own experiences and collective conversations with her community. She employs textiles to create intricate wall hangings, quilts, and banners that address challenging topics and emotional landscapes. Tal holds a PhD in Visual Art from the Victorian College of the Arts (2018) and a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours from Griffith University (2010).
Melissa Spratt (she/her)
Melissa works primarily in fibre-based art, with her practice extending to various mediums, including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and installation. She is best known for her finger-knitting techniques, with work focused on immediacy and attunement to sensations. Melissa reflects on our sensitivity to an ever-changing environment and her own inner feelings and contemplations.
Partners
This project is supported by Queensland Government Investing in Queensland Women Grant Program, Office for Women, as well as the Arts Queensland, Queensland Arts Showcase Program
art.
community.
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Luke Harriman
Nadia Sunde
community.
Kuljut Singh
Judy Dungate
Kayah Guenther
connection.
Nicole Byer
Ann-Maree
