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Brenda Gael Smith

Contemporary Textile Art

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Workshops and Presentations with Brenda Gael Smith

Due to family circumstances, Brenda will not be directly hosting any workshops until further notice. She is available for lectures and workshops with groups and guilds.

Contact Brenda

Information for Groups & Guilds

My teaching focus is on freeform 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:

  • Presentations available as live virtual programs via Zoom for up to 100 participants.
  • 3 Hour Live Interactive Workshops: optimised for learning on the Zoom platform for up to 20 students.
  • Longer Format Workshops: designed for in-person classes or multi-segment live events.

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

3 Hour Live Interactive 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.

In addition, there are two multi-segment workshops that 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.

Presentations/Lectures

All presentations are available as live virtual programs via Zoom:

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

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).

Click on images for workshop descriptions on my main design and teaching website or download my Serendipity Patchwork & Quilting Workshops Brochure.

View the Serendipity Student Gallery.

Abstraction from Reality
Bound to Please
Bound to Please
Circular Explorations
Circular Explorations
Creating with Felt
Creating with Felt
Improvisation Plus - a serendipity workshop with Brenda Gael Smith
Improvisation Plus
Lines of Beauty
Lines of Beauty
Logs and Ladders
Logs & Ladders
Modern X
Modern X
Stacks of Improvisation
Stacks of Improvisation
Strata Various
Strata Various

I acknowledge that I live and create on the land of the Darkinjung and Guringai people and recognise their continuing connection to this place. I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all First Nations people.

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Contact

Brenda Gael Smith
Contemporary Textile Art

brenda@brendagaelsmith.com

PO Box 131, Avoca Beach
NSW 2251 Australia

Tel: +61 412530190

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Serendipity Studio News

Sign up for periodic updates from my studio - new artwork, exhibitions, workshops, tutorials and other news

On exhibition

  • Integrifolia #3
    19 – 21 April 2024 Prague Patchwork Meeting: Brno, Czech Republic
    Minimalism
  • Argyle Diamons by Brenda Gael Smith
    21 November 2023 to 11 May 2024 International Quilt Museum, Lincoln, Nebraska
    12 x 12
  • 3 February–21 April 2023 Museum at Inveresk, Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery, Launceston, Tasmania
    Australia Wide Eight
  • 1 April – 30 September 2024 Detroit Zoo, Detroit, Michigan:
    FUR FANGS FEATHERS & FINS
Great New Zealand Quilt Show 2025 I am honoured t Great New Zealand Quilt Show 2025

I am honoured to jury and judge the @aotearoaquilters exhibition with @melissaburdonart We reviewed and discussed each entry together. Here are a couple of the awards:
 
⭐️BEST OF SHOW: Tic Tac Toe @cheriesquiltstudio 
⭐️JUDGE’S CHOICE: On a Wing & a Prayer @racheljratten 

The exhibition continues until Sunday 18 May. Come along and see all of the wonderful work on display.

#greatnewzealandquiltshow2025
#greatnewzealandquiltshow
Last Tuesday I was enjoying the aquarium in the ex Last Tuesday I was enjoying the aquarium in the excellent natural history museum at @ascckw in Kuwait. Today was an open-water, fully immersive encounter with a large pod of dusky dolphins in Kaikoura, New Zealander with my sister D. What a fabulous day! 
🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬
@dolphinencounterkaikoura #duskydolphins #remembering #grieving #celebratinglife
KTAA Judges Choice 2025: Marquise Diamond by @hope KTAA Judges Choice 2025: Marquise Diamond by @hope_joy2019 quilted by @patchworkstudio_ 

The "Judges Choice" award is an opportunity to recognise a quilt that draws you in and lingers in your heart even if it does not necessarily fit the particular judging criteria of the exhibition. It does not require any justification or explanation. Nevertheless, I am very happy to acknowledge this quilt by Raja Habbeeb Hussain. It has a fresh palette in some of my favourite colours of green and turquoise rendered in a beautifully proportioned, original design. I especially admire the inner zig zag border that leads your eye outwards. The angular, geometric piecing is complemented by the curvy, circular motif quilted by Nora Al Ali.

I later learned that Raja designed this quilt in remembrance of her precious parents. She chose the name Marquise Diamond as the last car her father bought her mother was a green Ford Marquis. 💚🔹

Raja very kindly took me to the colourful fabric souk on my last night in Kuwait and I succumbed to some vibrant green linen and a Liberty @libertyfabrics 
tulip print. We rounded out the evening at a seafood restaurant at Souk Al-Mubarakiya where I got to sample local fish zubaidi 🐟 Thank you Raja!

💚🔹💚🔹💚🔹💚🔹💚🔹💚🔹💚🔹💚🔹💚🔹

@kuwaittextileart #judgeschoice #zubaidi
KTAA BEST IN SHOW 2025 I spent a full day reviewin KTAA BEST IN SHOW 2025
I spent a full day reviewing the 60+ quilt entries in the Kuwait Textiles Arts Association exhibition and writing feedback for the entrants. There were many accomplished works. Again and again, my attention returned to this charming storytelling work by Najah Al Ali @najahal.ali 

This quilt (34x34in) depicts a family group celebrating the Kuwaiti tradition of Gergean. This special day is usually observed on the 13th, 14th and 15th day of Ramadan, marking the middle of the holy month. After sunset/iftar, children go from house to house, asking for treats such as candy and nuts. The tradition is a way of motivating children to continue fasting. Children are also encouraged to share treats and learn the importance of giving and gratitude.

Check out the detail shots for a closer view of the figures. The background to this composition is a shemagh/keffiyeh, a traditional Arabian square, cotton head cloth worn by men.

@kuwaittextileart #gergean #storyquilts #bestinshow #ktaa

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