a MOVIE THAT PLAYS IN YOUR HEAD....

Images provided by the students of Brooke Munro and Goprdon Bain's workshop

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​You start to plan an event years out from the event happening.. you always have a film playing in your head as to how it is all going to run
 
The workshops… setting a diverse range on contemporary workshops that would thrill and delight the students
 
The tutors.. Making sure that there is a range of extraordinary tutors from every inch of the Globe teaching many different techniques
 
The students …. Giving only the best in workshops, accommodation, food and entertainment.
 

Images 1 and 2 Julie Ryder's workshop and 3 from Alysn Midgelow Marsden workshop

Then it gets sorta kinda a little bit different to the film in your head
 
That is how it was at the 2022 Winter School that was held recently at Ballarat Grammar, Fibre Arts 18th year at this great venue.
Never suspecting that there would be calamities that could interrupt a perfectly planned event
How wrong can it get when there are problems on the street with our youth and a pandemic that does not consider anyone, including an event of this kind!
 
Car break-ins.. forensic police… ambulance and paramedics, what else could be thrown at us….
Well of course we could not escape that pesky virus and to our sadness there have been about 23 that have tested positive.
5 were in a position that they could not get home, so they were isolated for 5 days into a separate accommodation wing with the school looking after their every need. I did hear that as they all started to get better, the talk around the kitchen table was lively and very arty!  A lovely thing to be able to do, but not under the circumstances.

Images from Irene Manion's workshop

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​Besides all the dramas, I was blown away by the fabulous reaction that everyone had toward each another… the empathy, the compassion, the kindness, the thoughtfulness of all, was truly inspiring
 
The Gold Team paddled really hard to make sure that nobody noticed the anxieties that were underlying their wonderful work…. I am so proud of how they supported me during the week….
 
As for the work that was produced during the week in 11 workshops… it was outstanding and Tessa, my Webmaster, has made an online exhibition for you all to marvel at what was achieved. Watch it here...
 
The Team and I are working with the school to shore up the discrepancies and a stronger COVID plan so that we can work toward a healthier environment at the events.
Lots of great things happened… but it was just those few that seem to take our focus  away for a little time, I know at our next event in September, we will have the same laughter, friendship and madness that is a Fibre Arts event.
 
Your positivity.... that is what drives me to bring you the best artisans in the world to share their knowledge with us.
Glenys and The Gold Team.

Images from Helen Coleman's workshop

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