Exhibitions in 2025 and 2026
"Stories"
is our theme for our next exhibition in
The Shop Gallery, Glebe - May 30th- June 4th 2025
Founded in 1906, the Society of Art and Crafts of NSW is the oldest continuously running craft organization in Australia. We trade as Craft NSW.
In the exhibition titled STORIES, twenty of our artisans will be exhibiting their unique creations.
Come along to view and acquire unique garments and wearables, textiles, fine jewellery and works in ceramics, glass and wood.
There is a story behind every piece, and you can share in the narrative.
Join us and make the most of this opportunity to meet the various makers who will be in the gallery each day
Open daily Friday 30th May to Tuesday 3rd June from 11 am to 6pm
Last day- Wednesday 4th June from 11am to 4pm
Official Opening Friday 30th May from 4 – 6pm
Trains and buses: From Central Station there are 2 buses to Glebe at the Central Bus area on Broadway. 433 and 431 both go along Broadway and then turn right into Glebe Point Rd. Get off at the 3rd bus stop. There is a bus stop across the road back to Central Station.
Guest Artist Enrico Pastrello
Manta Ray (size: H 88 x W 90 x D 3.5 cm)
This Manta Ray Sculpture is made from a mix of recycled ironbark, Victorian ash, Oregon, and pine - each piece hand-cut and shaped by me to capture the smooth, gliding motion of this incredible ocean creature.
Manta rays have always inspired me, not just for their beauty, but for the sense of peace they bring when you see them move through the water. I first saw one while diving years ago, and that moment has stayed with me ever since. It was calm, quiet, and powerful all at once. This sculpture is my way of honouring that memory and sharing it with others.
Manta rays are now threatened by overfishing and ocean pollution, and I wanted this piece to raise awareness while also showing how recycled materials can be turned into something meaningful. It’s a reminder to protect what we love, because every small action helps, and beauty can come from what we choose to reuse.
Lionfish (size: H 47 x W 50 x D 6 cm)
This Lionfish Sculpture is crafted from over 130 individually hand-cut pieces of recycled Australian pine and Tasmanian oak, each carefully shaped and assembled to capture the fluid motion and striking form of this incredible marine species.
The lionfish is both mesmerizing and deeply symbolic, representing the delicate balance of our oceans. As an artist, I am passionate about ocean conservation and sustainability and the idea that discarded materials can be reborn as something beautiful. Every piece of wood in this sculpture was once considered waste, but through patience, craftsmanship, and vision, I have transformed it into a work of art that tells a story of renewal and conservation.
This piece is more than a sculpture - it’s a statement. A reminder that even small actions, like repurposing forgotten materials, can make waves of change.
Sea Turtle (size: H 41 x W 63 x D 4.5 cm)
This Sea Turtle Sculpture is made from 50 hand-cut pieces of recycled Japonica cedar, pine, and Tasmanian oak, carefully shaped to capture the gentle strength of this incredible creature.
Sea turtles have been around for millions of years, but today, they are endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. I created this piece to raise awareness and show how small actions- like using recycled materials- can make a difference. Just as this wood has been given new life, we need to protect and restore the oceans so sea turtles can thrive.
This sculpture is a reminder that every choice we make matters. Whether it’s reducing waste, keeping our beaches clean, or learning more about endangered species, we all have a part to play. Art can inspire change, and even small efforts can help protect our oceans for future generations.
Other photos from our 2023 exhibition at the Shop Gallery Glebe.
An Exhibition during Sydney Craft Week in Oct 2025
will be held at Balmain Watch House,
179 Darling Rd, Balmain. 11th-19th October 2025 11 am- 6pm
This exhibition is held in conjunction with the Australian Design Centre, who will release the theme for 2025 later in the year.
2026
in 2026 we celebrate our 120th year and will be holding our
120th Anniversary Exhibition
at Mosman Art Gallery
Previous Exhibitions
Interactive
October 11th- 20 October 2024
Opening Friday 11th, 4pm -6pm
then 11am-6pm daily Sat 12th-Sat 19th, closing on Sunday 20th at 4pm
Balmain Watch House, 179 Darling Rd, Balmain.
This exhibition is part of Sydney Craft Week, one of many exhibitions and open studios organised by Australian Design Centre. CraftNSW has interpreted RESPONSE as 'Interactive', where our members and invited guests will be displaying their works in textiles, fine silver, wood, glass, clay and more. Members interact with the environment, explore and adapt techniques, respond and play with colour and design. Hearts, hands and imagination determine the works.
Visitors will be encouraged to RESPOND by attending free hands-on workshops in various textile techniques with a tutor. The craft experience will include wrapping large and small god's eyes with colour, weaving hoops with coloured fabric as wallhangings, learning Japanese braiding and arm knitting.
Material and equipment are all provided for a stimulating class. The workshops will be held throughout the exhibition.
Workshop Descriptions
As part of Sydney Craft Week we are encouraging visitors to our exhibition to take part in learning a new craft. There will be three crafts. wrapping yarn to make a God’s eye, Kumihimo or Japanese braiding and Knitting for beginners and experienced knitters. Two classes will be given every day. Interested participants can enter their name at the venue for any class or classes that appeal to them as each class will present further techniques in the craft. There is a limit of 8 participants for any class. Children are welcome accompanied with an adult. Equipment and materials are all free. These crafts are quick to learn and allow for many variations using fibres and colours.
The God’s eye can be wrapped with yarns on bamboo sticks, paddle pop sticks, gum tree twigs even umbrellas or hubcaps. God’s eyes are already assembled and colourful yarns supplied
Kumihimo or Japanese braiding is quite easy to learn as the 3 or so of braiding steps just need repeating. Equipment and colourful threads of all thicknesses supplied. Two different version will be taught in separate classes - a multicoloured thread and a spiral braid.
Knitting for beginners and a demonstration of arm knitting. Steps include how to cast on, do knit stitch and how to cast off which is ideal for a scarf or a bag for a mobile phone to wear. Knitting needles and yarn provided unless you wish to bring your own.
Knitting for experienced knitters. Learn to do Fair Isle colour stranding, Intarsia or picture knit and lace in separate classes and how to read graphs of designs.
Timetable for workshops
Saturday 12 Oct
God’s eye wrapping 11 - 12 noon
Japanese braiding 12 - 1pm
Sunday 13 Oct
Knitting for beginners, arm knitting demonstration 11 - 12noon
God’s eye Wrapping 12 - 1pm
Monday 14 Oct
Japanese braiding 11 - 12 noon
Knitting Fair Isle, intarsia, lace, for experienced knitters 12 - 1 pm
Tuesday 15 Oct
God’s eye wrapping 11 - 12 noon
Japanese Braiding 12 - 1pm
Wednesday 16 Oct
Knitting for beginners 11 - 12 n noon
God’s eye wrapping 12 - 1pm
Thursday 17 Oct
Japanese braiding 11 - 12 noon
Knitting Fair Isle, intarsia, lace 12 - 1pm
Friday 18 Oct
God’s eye wrapping 11 - 12 noon
Japanese braiding 12 - 1pm
Saturday 19 Oct
Knitting for beginners 11 - 12 noon
God’s eye wrapping 12 - 1pm
Ring 0425 257 125 to book your place in a workshop
Member's Work for the INTERACTIVE exhibition
Denise Lithgow
Work by Denise Lithgow
Above you can see "Water Pods" made in 3 sizes by Denise Lithgow-
As a contemporary fibre artist, I work in an abstract form with representational imagery responding to the landscape. These works are created with reference to the ocean views, such as ocean ripples, rain and water streams. It’s more an intuitive feeling and response about the environment and waterways. Here I’ve shown glimpses of the coastal oceans as a selected view, to slow time down and reflect on our environmentally impact on our oceans and waterways.
"Coastal" Vessel and photograph by Denise Lithgow
New work on the loom by Vicki Lowery
- This is Vicki's response- to explore and express her love of colour.
Neelam Singhal
INTERACTIVE NATURE
The first thing’ interactive’ in my view is NATURE. Full of inspiration, colours and textures with infinite amounts of interactive processes 24x7x365 since the time we can recall. This is just my attempt to show an iota of this humungous system. I have used pastel lime green textured cotton fabric to make this piece. Then I drew my thoughts on the fabric with a tailor’s chalk, stitched over each line, pulled the threads to make the resist for Shibori dyeing in black cotton dyes. Then I rinsed it, washed it, undid each thread to reveal the trees, water and some plants and a butterfly. Now I am doing simple embroidery to complete the picture and make the piece into a jacket or cape, not sure yet.
Photo and work by Neelam Singhal
Brett Smout
Work and photos by Brett Smout - above buttons in the structural process- loading into the kiln
The title for our Balmain exhibition is Interactive, to respond to the Australian Design Centre theme of Response.
To begin a creative interaction Brett Smout has been making buttons for Liz Gemmel to use. I can’t wait to see her response!
The buttons are formed with liquid clay dripped onto fibro.
A homemade buttonhole maker is pressed into the firming buttons.
After the buttons are smoothed they are sprayed with glaze and loaded into the kiln.
Colourful buttons emerge from the firing.
CRAFT FAIR at THE TRAMSHEDS
Nov 30- Dec 1 2024 10 am- 4pm
1 Dalgal Way, Forest Lodge 2037
The historic Rozelle Tram Depot was Built in 1904 and once housed over 200 trams. It has been beautifully restored and is now known as the Tramsheds. It's one of Sydney's most exciting food and lifestyle destinations, featuring eleven restaurants ( Bodega 1904 and Flour Eggs Water are two) and community-based vendors. The precinct offers something to suit all tastes, occasions, and budgets, and at the Tramsheds there are always new experiences to savour.
Tramsheds is easy to get to... Jubilee Park Light Rail Station is very close, and two hours free car parking is available..
Members of the Society of Arts and Crafts will be exhibiting on the upper floor with other artisans and guilds You will be able to see a variety of textiles, ceramics, decoupage, jewellery, woodwork and glass.
Exhibitions in 2023
Reflections of Time
The next group exhibition, “Reflections of Time”, is a showcase of creative artists joining together to exhibit their exploration of a common theme. Time is precious. Spare time is rare. Time to create is joyous. The visual idea is personal, the learning and developmental journey is at times, challenging, but ultimately exciting.
With fellowship and mutual respect Craft NSW present their interpretation of time. The process of sharing dissolves the many hours to achieve the artists end result.
You are welcome to attend and view our unique diversity of time honoured skills.
Watch House Gallery
179 Darling Street, Balmain, NSW
The exhibition dates 6th -15th October. 11 am – 6pm daily. Free Entry.
All artworks are for sale.
Previous exhibitions....
Explore the surface
We encourage the viewer to appreciate
the whimsical, the functional, the decorative and
the introspective interpretations of surface.
Creative artists join to exhibit their exploration on a common theme. We look over, below and the emergence from, apparent exteriority.
Unified by an expression of ‘surface’, a unique diversity of artistic skills present their thoughtful interpretations. Ceramics, wearable textiles, fibre art, woodwork sculptures and jewellery works ask you to think of the surface and beyond.
All works are for sale
Where: The Shop Gallery, 112 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, NSW
When: Friday18th – Tuesday 29th August 2023
Times: 11 am - 5.30 pm, daily
Opening Event and Meet the Artisans: 3 pm – 5.30 pm Saturday 19th August.
Handcrafted - The Perfect Gift
April 27-29th 2023......
Brush Farm House, 27 to 30 April, 10am to 5pm, Sunday 10am-1pm.
Claudia Chan Shaw ‘Art Nouveau’ talk
11 to 11.45am - Saturday 29 April
RSVP essential email, to gallery@artsandcraftsnsw.com.au
‘Handmade - the perfect gift’ is an exhibition of Craft NSW’s members for inspirational gifts for Mother’s Day. The range of crafts is wide, unique and varied including handwoven textiles, fine silver and beautifully coloured cloisonné jewellery, platters, bowls and necklaces made from glass, brilliantly hand painted silk hangings, wearable art garments, hand knitted floor rugs and ceramics and then some. All hand crafted perfectly and with devotion.
Claudia Chan Shaw, a very dynamic and knowledgeable speaker will be giving a talk with images on Art Nouveau. Claudia is a brilliant presenter, and her talk will open up the Art Nouveau world to the audience. Saturday 29 April, Free admission.
Brush Farm House is the historic home of Gregory Blaxland, with construction of the first section in 1820. It is a lovely place, with a peaceful ambience, long open verandahs to enjoy the view and relax. Admire the iron lacework of the balconies, the woodwork in the staircase and the fireplaces of this home. A great venue for our exhibition "Handcrafted- a Perfect Gift"
Handcrafted- Rethink, Reuse, Recycle
This exhibition is in association with the Australian Design Centre
celebrating Sydney Craft Week 2022 at
Balmain Watch House
179 Darling St Balmain
October 7-18th 2022
Open daily 10am- 6pm
Meet the Makers 1-5pm Thursday 13th October
Craft up Late 5-8pm Thursday 13th October
Guest exhibitors:
Lynn Pavey - textiles
Nicola Coady - Ceramics
Kerry Budding - Ceramics
Paul Hurst - Ceramics
Robyn Morris - Textiles
Nichola Bryan- Recycled Materials- Birds
Marylin Peters- Textiles
Lynne Ambler -Textiles, Craft Jewellery
Jeltje Jansen Buijtendorp- Ceramics
Handcrafted- The Perfect Gift
April 27 - May 8 2022 at Tate and Co 168 King St Newtown.
Exhibitions in 2021
This was our first online exhibition which was opened by our ambassador for Craft NSW, Claudia Chan Shaw, October 8 2021 to October 31 2021.
We had three wonderful guest exhibitors, Lynn Pavey-textile artist and 2 artists working in ceramics- Nicky Coady and Cintia Yamane Lemann.
The work of our guest artists and the work of Craft NSW members was featured in the online exhibition. Textiles were more dynamic than ever - woven, shibori dyed, knitted, crocheted, painted and embroidered; woodwork to please the hand and eye, jewellery to amuse and admire and all made by hand with a dedication to craft.
The Value of Hands Online Exhibition was part of Sydney Craft Week 2021 and coordinated by the Australian Design Centre. This festival aimed to showcase our creativity and the power of making Craft.
Stories Told
Sunday 15-Sunday 30 May 2021
STORIES TOLD … by inspired makers
Narratives of the handmade object, by inspired makers.
Every handmade object has a narrative, the history or ‘story’ of its making. Whether it is the source of the raw materials – the particular clay site, pigment, dye, metal, timber or threads, the nature and origin of the necessary tools, or the inspiration behind individual patterns and motifs, the story of each handmade object is unique.
Handmade with Passion…and celebration of the Lunar New Year
An exhibition of handmade crafts in traditional and contemporary interpretations by The Society of Arts and Crafts of New South Wales
Please join us!!
Previous Exhibitions in 2020
"Skills Plus" - Not only but Also. 20/3/20 - 10/4/20
Cancelled as we had to close our Gallery space. We are so sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment.
An exhibition showcasing the many combined talents of our members, and also students and tutors from our workshop program.
"Rat a Tat Tat "- Lunar New Year Exhibition
Jan 25 - Feb 9 2020.
"Mediative Lanscapes" by Hyun Mi Lee
7- 12 January 2020
Shibori - All Tied Up
A display of Shibori work by 4 of our members. Sylvia Riley, Liz Gemmell, Neelam Singhal and Carolyn Cabena.
This Is Us - Ceramics exhibition
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Sarah, Briget and Caroline are three ceramicists who bonded through clay at TAFENSW Brookvale Campus. We are delighted to host their new exhibition with us at Craft NSW. Their Exhibition, “This Is Us”, showcases their latest works which feature dry glazes, raku firing, high fire glazes and fibres dipped in slip. Sarah is influenced by her travels to the outback, she loves the boab trees and their shapes and texture. She has used raku firing and dry glazes to bring the trees to life. Still working with natural forms, Sarah has created the Genesis series of saggar fired and glazed eggs. Bridget’s female forms come in all shapes and sizes, as in real life. Bridget has also been working on functional ware and developing her glaze combinations. Caroline’s creations stem from her love of yarn, in this series of work Caroline has combined fibres with liquid clay or slip and created vessel like shapes. The forms are knitted or crocheted using natural fibres. They look like a soft yarnie knitted form yet hold their ceramic shape.
Continuing Excellence - one year on
24th Oct - 17th Nov
It takes 2 to Tango 19 September - 9 October 2019
Paired works by the potters of the Society of Arts and Crafts of New South Wales
Please join us and our group of 8 potters at the opening of this exhibition on Thursday 19th September from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Craft NSW Gallery, 12 Argyle Place, Miller’s Point Sydney. The exhibition, which includes both functional and sculptural works in a diverse range of styles and techniques, will be opened by the wonderful Mulan Gock of Mu Gallery.
PIGS in MUD
Pigs In Mud 1st -24th Feb 2019. Celebrating the Chinese new Year with Pigs and friends
Photo Pigs by Pauline Ryan.
Craft NSW Celebrates the Year of the Pig, with a Ceramic Exhibition, Pigs In Mud.
Our Window display changes all the time with a new and interesting focus on our members' creativity.
August : Our Art speaks louder than words
