Serendipity Patchwork & Quilting: Brenda Gael Smith

Creating at Copacabana

Workshops & Programs

Learn with Me!

Brenda Gael Smith

My teaching focus is on free-form piecing, effective design and the use of colour – to promote fun and encourage creative momentum. My presentations and workshops draw upon my experience and insights as an artist, curator, judge, quilt judging educator, writer and mentor.

I am excited at how technology enables us to effectively share our creative spaces and work side-by-side no matter where we are in the world and what time zone we are in.

I offer the following workshops and programs to groups and Guilds:

Please email me for my availability and rates. I am open to tailoring a workshop or presentation that suits your needs.

Download my Serendipity Patchwork & Quilting Workshops Brochure. View the Serendipity Student Gallery.

Upcoming workshops

I am teaching at the following in-person events in 2025. Book online with the organiser:

3 Hour Live Zoom Workshops:

The following three-hour live interactive workshops have been developed and optimised for learning on the Zoom platform and are available for up to 20 students. Each workshop focuses on a different freeform piecing technique. The workshops are standalone (except Beyond FUNdamentally Circles which is for gradutates of the circles class only) or you can pick and choose a series.

FUNdamentally Circles
Line Dancing
Geometricks
The X Factor
Strip-Ease
Improv Rocks!

Abstract Design Workshops

These two multi-segment Zoom workshops explore different aspects of abstract design. They can be taken separately or together.

  • Riffing with Repetition: Explore the power of repetition to create unity and rhythm in abstract design using YOUR preferred techniques.
  • Abstraction in Action: Learn how to create an abstract composition drawn from reality using YOUR preferred medium and techniques*. Working from a personal source of inspiration found in nature or place, students will learn the basics of abstraction through observation, reflection and repetition.
Abstraction in Action

Presentations/Programs

All presentations are available as live virtual programs via Zoom:

  • 45 minute digital slide show + Q&A
  • Up to 100 participants
The Art of Curating
Technology & Your Creative Practice
Quilts & Composition
Driven to Abstraction

Longer Format Workshops

In addition to the 3-hour workshops, I offer the following longer format, in-depth workshops for both in-person and virtual events. I can tailor content and timing for your needs.

I enjoy the energy and enthusiasm of retreat and symposium-style gatherings. Past assignments include the Australasian Quilt Convention (2009, 2010, 2013 and 2022), New Zealand Quilt Symposiums (2015, 2017 and 2019), AQS Quilt Week Paducah (2013), European Patchwork Meeting (2014), Pacific International Quilt Festival (2018) and Quilt Encounter (2010 and 2012).