TARTS are back with new exhibition

THE new year is shaping into a year of vibrancy and opportunity for the ladies from the Textile Arts Group of Gloucester [TARTS].

The ladies from Hydeaway Bay have already launched their first exhibition for the year at the Back Room Gallery in the Whitsunday Shopping Centre.

The nuno felting exhibition will be open to the public until early February and features as the names suggest – nuno felting.

It’s a fabric felting technique the combines merino wool and any silk patterns.

Much like textile art, the pieces convey vivacity and life.

The inspiration behind the exhibition was a two-day workshop the ladies participated in late last year with Victorian textile artist Elizabeth Armstrong.

Ms Armstrong introduced the art of nuno felting, encouraged ideas and taught several techniques.

Tarts member Barbara Hill said the workshops were enjoyed by all.

With more than 30 artworks on display, she encourages members from the public to pop down and check out the exhibition.

“It’s hard not to be happy when you are surrounded by this much colour. It’s good for your mental health, it’s good [to] check out different types or art and it’s a nice little escape for whatever you may have going on,” she said.

The artworks are also for sale.

In other news, TARTS will be preparing for the Gloucester Recreation Centre around Easter time.

They will also host a second workshop for nuno felting with Ms Armstrong in September.

There are currently more than 30 TARTS with members from Bowen, Bloomsbury and even Emerald.

For more information contact Barbara Hill on 4945 7103.