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Brenda Gael Smith

Contemporary Textile Art

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Workshops and Presentations with Brenda Gael Smith

Upcoming In-Person Workshops

  • TEXTplosion! at the Modern Quilt Show Australia, Saturday 14 March 2026
  • Riffing with Repetition: Australian Quilt Convention, Melbourne 9-12 April 2026
  • Quilt Symposium 2026: Christchurch, New Zealand 1-6 October 2026

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

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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

  • 9 November 2025 – 31 January 2026 Performance Arts Culture Cessnock
    AHEAD OF THE CURVE
  • Integrifolia #3
    26 February – 1 March 2026 Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival – Hampton, Virginia
    Minimalism
So happy to be at @themqg QuiltCon 2026 in Raleig So happy to be at @themqg  QuiltCon 2026 in Raleigh North Carolina with my quilt “pent up”. 😍 

Edit: BTW, I will be sharing my technique for creating polygonal shapes in Logs & Ladders: Building with Improvisation at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival on Thursday 26 February. 

#quiltcon2026 #brendagaelsmithart
Come along to the @quiltfest Mid Atlantic Quilt Fe Come along to the @quiltfest Mid Atlantic Quilt Festival in Hampton Virginia from 26 February to 1 March! 

I will be there teaching a 1-day workshop Logs and Ladders Building with Improvisation and two half-day workshops: Geometricks and Bodacious Beads.
 
My artwork will also be on display in the @saqaart global exhibition - Minimalism.

#brendagaelsmithworkshop #saqaart #quiltfest #midatlanticquiltfestival
Threads of our Time - Christchurch Symposium 2026 Threads of our Time - Christchurch Symposium 2026 - has released the teaching schedule. I will be teaching four workshops:

⭐ Abstraction in Action (2 days): stretch your creative muscles! an introduction to abstraction in concept and practice;
⭐ Logs & Ladders: building with improvisation - convert your scraps into dynamic compositions;
⭐ Zig Zag Pizzazz: create energetic designs with flair and style with freeform piecing; and
⭐ The Art of Finishing: enhance the presentation of your quilts. A fresh look at edge treatments, labels, hanging sleeves and more.

Bookings open next week. I went to my very first symposium back in 2003 and was energised by the enthusiasm and stimulation. I hope you will join me in 2026!

#quiltsymposium2026 #nzquiltsymposium2026
#learnwithbrenda
#brendagaelsmithworkshop
Thanks to the San Diego team (you know who you are Thanks to the San Diego team (you know who you are!) for a fabulous Valentines weekend. My heart is full.♥️

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