Workshops & Programs

Thank you for considering me for a workshop or presentation. All presentations are available as live virtual programs via Zoom for up to 100 participants. Virtual workshops are under development.

Workshops

You are welcome to email me with any queries or requests. I am open to tailoring a program that suits your needs.

I have developed a portfolio of project-based and technique-driven patchwork and quilting classes for teaching at shops or private venues in the greater Sydney metropolitan area and beyond. My focus is on striking designs and the effective use of colour so as to promote fun and encourage the creative confidence of my students.

I particularly enjoy the energy and enthusiasm of retreat and symposium-style gatherings.  Assignments include the Australasian Quilt Convention (2009, 2010, 2013 and 2020), Quilt Encounter (2010, 2012 and 2020),  AQS Quilt Week Paducah (2013), European Patchwork Meeting (2014), Pacific International Quilt Festival (2018) and New Zealand Quilt Symposiums (2015, 2017 and 2019).

Here is an overview of some of the classes available.

The workshops are suitable for all levels and are generally structured as one-day (six hour) classes. Some can be extended to two-day classes. Have a look at my schedule of forthcoming workshops and presentations.

Click on images for workshop descriptions or download my Serendipity Patchwork & Quilting Workshops Brochure.

View the Serendipity Student Gallery.

Presentations/Programs

All presentations are available as live virtual programs via Zoom:

• 45 minute digital slide show + Q&A
• Up to 100 participants

You are welcome to email me with any queries or requests. I am open to tailoring a program that suits your needs.

Driven to Abstraction

Brenda creates textile works made from a rich palette of her hand-dyed fabrics complemented by intensive stitching. Much of her work is inspired by the colour and patterns of the natural world with a focus on her surroundings at the “other” Copacabana in Australia and her New Zealand homeland. Using a process of abstraction, Brenda strives to capture the essence of her subjects in simplified form. Working improvisationally, she refines line, shape, colour and texture to evoke a sense of place, express an idea, highlight an issue or elicit an emotional response. Learn more about Brenda’s inspiration and process in this colourful lecture.

The Art of Curating

The art of curating brings three distinct imperatives: to select; to organise; and to look after items in an exhibition. Drawing upon more than 15 years’ experience in exhibition administration, including several popular international touring exhibits, independent curator Brenda Gael Smith reflects on the highlights and challenges of these imperatives providing insights and takeaway tips for both artists and exhibition organisers.

Quilts & Composition

Any quilt you make is an act of design. Whether it is traditional, contemporary, modern or an art quilt, you are creating a set of marks, shapes and colours that have a connection to each other. Drawing upon an inspiring collection of works from across the quilting spectrum, Brenda Gael Smith examines the elements and principles of design in action and highlights recurring types of quilt composition. Understanding composition provides a vocabulary for describing and evaluating quilt design and provides a foundation for developing your creative practice, whatever style of quilts you make.

Jurying & Judging Art Quilts: Original Design

When it comes to jurying and judging art quilts, the focus should be on evaluating the works as art. Drawing upon 15+ years in exhibition administration, Brenda’s presentation provides a framework for approaching jurying and judging assignments with thought-provoking case studies on the issue of original design. This presentation is primarily designed for exhibition organisers and judging education programs but can be tailored for art quilting groups.

Technology & Your Creative Practice

Sometimes artists and technology seem like oil and water – they just don’t mix – but it doesn’t need to be that way!  In this presentation, Brenda reviews useful tools, skills and resources to complement your creative practice. From digital photography to setting up an online presence; time management to exhibition planning; and more!

Copyright & Textile Creatives in the 21st Century

This introductory lecture covers copyright fundamentals for the 21st century creative in Australia.  What is copyright? what does it apply to?  how long does it last? what are the exceptions? enforcement and so on.  The lecture also addresses some frequently asked questions and common issues such as:

• Quilt Show Photography & Online Sharing Guidelines
• incorporating copyrighted materials such as images and quotes into your work
• exhibiting quilts made from patterns or “inspired by” other people’s designs
• proper use of patterns
• patterns and templates found on the internet
• proper use of workshop handouts
• teaching from other people’s patterns or work