ALL those interested in exploring the art of bobbin lacemaking will have the opportunity to learn from an acclaimed artist, when Mary Elizabeth Barron takes up residency and leads free workshops at the Wangaratta Art Gallery later this month.

It's part of a series of events and programs being held to accompany the 2023 Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award (WCTA), which opens at the gallery on June 10.

Known for her passion for craft, her innovative use of materials and large scale laceworks, Ms Barron has been practicing various craft techniques since childhood.

Her residency will provide a unique opportunity for participants to learn about the bobbin lacemaking art form – a weaving technique dating back to the late 1400s – creating contemporary pieces using recycled materials.

Ms Barron's artistic practice primarily revolves around sewing, papermaking, basketry and bobbin lacemaking, with a particular focus on utilising waste materials and addressing themes of family, women's work, memory, and environmental concerns.

Taking a contemporary approach, participants will explore the use of thread created from waste plastic to craft unique pieces which will contribute to an installation work inspired by the architecture of the gallery building.

This innovative approach highlights Ms Barron's commitment to sustainability and her ability to transform discarded materials into captivating works of art.

Throughout her career, she has achieved notable recognition both nationally and internationally; her works exhibited across the eastern states of Australia and overseas and featured in prominent lace and textile arts magazines.

Ms Barron's talent and contributions to the field were acknowledged in the international textile art textbook Textiles: The Art of Mankind by Mary Schoeser, a renowned author specialising in textiles.

She has curated a group exhibition of Australian contemporary lacemakers and enjoyed residencies at several Queensland regional galleries, as well as a two–month residency in Thailand.

Notable achievements include being commissioned by HOTA, Gold Coast to create a new work for the opening exhibition of the new gallery, which now forms part of the gallery's collection, and her works can also be found in the collections of three other regional art galleries.

In 2021, Ms Barron's lace designs were selected for use as public art in the main street of Beenleigh, further showcasing her artistic impact on the local community.

The residency and workshops will take place in Gallery 2 from June 24 to July 1 this year, with an artist "meet and greet" being held on Saturday, June 24 from at 2pm to 3.30pm (all welcome, RSVP essential).

Workshops are free and will run on Sunday, June 25 June from 10.30 to 12.30 and 1.30pm to 3.30pm, with bookings essential.

Interested participants are encouraged to book early as limited spaces are available.

For more information and registration details please call 03 5722 0865 or visit, www.wangarattaartgallery.com.au.