GARDEN INSPIRATION

A frosty Highlands Sunday morning did not hamper the turnout to Sturt’s new exhibition, Drawn from the Garden, which features the stunning life-sized embroidery work of ACT textile artist, Sharon Peoples, the botanical-dyed textiles and pollen-infused artwork of Julie Ryder, and the Australian flora-inspired ceramics of Fiona Hiscock. Much of this beautiful work was produced during a year of lockdown where gardens became a haven of solace for these artists. Fittingly, award-winning broadcaster, Genevieve Jacobs AM delivered an insightful and moving opening address about the importance of connecting with nature. Sturt’s founder Winifred West loved gardening and believed strongly in the importance of creating in tune with nature. Miss West was vegetable-dying wool for Sturt weavers and textile artists in the 1940s. It is very special to see this exhibition honouring the ideals she held so dear amidst the gardens she spent so much time nurturing. Drawn from the Garden runs until 25 July.

BUZZING SHORT COURSE WEEKEND

Sturt had one of its busiest weekends in over a year with its Autumn Short Course Weekend and last days of Biogenesis. Visitors came from far and wide to develop their skills in woodworking with Sturt’s resident tutor Martin Jones, hand forging spoons with Jane Tadrist and ceramic surfaces with Tracey Mitchell. July’s Throwing Techniques with ceramicist Megan Patey is already fully booked but there are still places in hand carving animals with Carol Russell and exploring beautiful still life photography with Ashley Mackevicius. 

STURT SCHOOL for WOOD PRESENTATIONS

The full time Sturt School for Wood students had a high-pressure week presenting their work in front of an audience in Sturt Cottage with appraisals by master fine furniture makers Roy Schack and Leon Sadubin. The students did an inspiring job presenting an outstanding standard of work and it was a privilege to see how much they have flourished under Roy and David Upfill-Brown’s expert guidance. They said goodbye to world renowned master maker David Upfill-Brown last week and they welcomed master maker Darren Oates, who will teach them the art of steam bending.

Next year’s Sturt School for Wood course is in great demand with places filling fast. David Haig from New Zealand has joined the team of master tutors, which includes Roy Schack and David Upfill-Brown and we are already taking applications for 2023. For anyone who is passionate about a career in wood, Sturt School for Wood’s Cert IV in Fine Furniture Making is deserving of its reputation as one of the finest courses of its type, in the world.

Full details of all Sturt courses, exhibitions, residency programmes and events can be found on our website www.sturt.nsw.edu.au, or to make a booking or enrol, call Sturt Shop on +61 2 4860 2083 or email shop@sturt.nsw.edu.au

Kristie Phelan
Head of Sturt