Bidding is underway for the second section of the SAQA Benefit Auction 2022 which includes my contribution Integrifolia #13: Dispersal. Can you spot it in the line up below?
Integrifolia #13: Dispersal
Integrifolia #13: Dispersal is one of my triangle studies inspired by the shape of banksia seeds:
The triangular seeds of the “integrifolia banksia” tree are scattered far and wide. Where will they end up? Will they prevail against the elements? What are the odds?
Integrifolia #13: Dispersal (30x30cm) Brenda Gael Smith
Integrifolia #14-Virtuous Circle 
Integrifolia #15-Out and About
The annual benefit auction is the signature fundraising event for Studio Art Quilt Associates*. Purchases help increase the recognition for art quilts and the artists who make them while supporting SAQA’s exhibitions, publications, and education outreach. Here are some SAQA initiatives that have enriched my creative practice.
Distance & Diversity SAQA Oceania Regional Exhibition
Distance and Diversity is the second touring exhibition presented by the SAQA Oceania region. The exhibition continues at Kyabram Town Hall Gallery, Kyabram Victoria until 30 September 2022 and includes my artwork Banksia Genus.
Naturalist Sir Joseph Banks travelled vast distances with Captain Cook on the Endeavour to record and collect botanical specimens in the Antipodes. The Banksia genus named in his honour. There are more than 170 species in the Banksia genus and the spiky flowers come in a diverse array of colours and shapes. As the flowers age, they often change colour again.
Banksia Genus (40x60cm) ©2021 Brenda Gael Smith
Fur, Fangs, Feathers & Fins
My artwork Galah Gala is currently touring with the SAQA global exhibition Fur, Fangs, Feathers & Fins. I first made this work in 2015 and am grateful that SAQA’s no age limit policy provides an opportunity for this work to be out and about again rather than resting in storage.
Galahs are a gaudy mob and gather in a swooping haze of grays and pinks.
Galah Gala (75x75cm) 2015 Brenda Gael Smith
SAQA Online Collections
SAQA maintains extensive online galleries featuring over 4000 artworks. Browse the Collection. Once a year,all members are invited to submit a quilt to the Collection Review Panel (Alice Beasley, Linda Colsh, Marvin Fletcher, and Carolyn Mazloomi) for possible inclusion in the collection.
*Studio Art Quilt Associates offers many exhibition, network and mentoring opportunities for its members. If you’ve been thinking about joining SAQA, add the discount code “ART” to the application form (and add my name Brenda Gael Smith in the referral field) and you will receive a $10 discount on the membership fee.
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