Over 100 women have been part of EFTAG and today we have more than 40 members, most of whom reside in the Eurobodalla Shire NSW but also come from places along the south coast (from Merimbula to Sydney) and inland (Candelo to Canberra). We are an evolving, co-creating community of artists (at all stages of the arts practice journey) who are passionate about fibre and textile arts practice.
Since our formation in 2005, we have developed an ambitious calendar of events that include member-led skills sharing and social monthly gatherings, residential workshops delivered by local, interstate and international specialists in their field, and a members’ weekend retreat.
In addition, we are proud to publicly showcase the considerable talent of our members through our annual wearable art/fashion parade and end of year exhibition.
Our Mission:
We seek to promote fibre and textile arts and expand the knowledge and creative abilities of all our members.
Our Vision:
Our aim is to be recognised as a dynamic, innovative and inspiring group of fibre and textile artists. We also want to stimulate, inspire and resource members to strive for excellence in established and emerging textile arts practice.
To facilitate the realisation of this vision, we aim to create an environment that supports, encourages, challenges and promotes collaboration, creative risk-taking and experimentation in fibre and textile arts practice.
Our History:
In December 2015, we celebrated our 10th anniversary and shared stories of how far we have come since four women from the south coast met at The Mittagong (Fibres) Forum in 2004, shared their love of the textile arts and began dreaming big. Like many groups, EFTAG began with a discovery of shared interests and a passion (and considerable energy) to meet and make something happen!
After that gathering in Mittagong, Rommie Gerber-Reddington, Mary Gilmour, Jennifer Hawkins and Karen McPherson met in each other’s homes and ran mini skills-sharing workshops. Mischi West was introduced to the group and Rommie’s driving vision of setting up the first fibre and textiles group on the south coast of NSW was later realised.
The inaugural meeting of EFTAG was held on the 15th March 2005 and was attended by Michelle Anuhahong, Margaret Ensby, Jo Fletcher, Rommie Gerber-Reddington, Mary Gilmour, Jennifer Hawkins, Karen McPherson and Mischi West.
In May 2005, we held our first, highly successful exhibition ‘First Fibres’ at the newly refurbished Mechanics Institute in Moruya.
EFTAG was incorporated as a not-for-profit association in October 2006; the foundations for our group were laid!
We are fortunate that Julie Brennan, Mary Gilmour, Sue Jameson, Keedah Throssell and Mischi West – long-standing and continuous members of EFTAG – are still part of our group today. They are a treasure trove of skills, knowledge and have much textile arts practice wisdom to share.
EFTAG:Eurobodalla Fibre & Textile Artists Group 