Saturday, November 8, marked the 36th annual Girl Scouts Festival of the Arts in Louisville. The festival is a day-long event in which scouts from Louisville and the surrounding areas visit sites and learn about all sorts of art through hands-on experience. This was the second year that we have hosted the Girls Scouts at the EMRC and it was a rewarding experience for all. 

Pat Judice, long-time member of the Louisville Chapter and EGA’s National Historian, led three workshops throughout the day.  More than 30 Scouts signed up for our program.  Pat designed a Christmas tree ornament using plastic canvas and wool thread decorated with buttons and beads.  Many of the girls had never stitched before so Pat laid out the basics of stripping thread, reading a chart, threading a needle and using waste knots.  After the tree was stitched, girls chose their own embellishments to add more personal touches to the project.  Even the most inexperienced stitchers took to the project with ease and were excited to have a finished ornament to take home at the end of the hour-long session. 

The Festival of the Arts is a great way to inspire tomorrow’s embroiderers.  Creating something beautiful and seeing the displays in the galleries provide motivation for further practice.  

Marjorie H. of the Needle Artisans of Northwest Indiana sent in some mystery photos and would love any information anyone could give about the pieces.  Here is her message:                                                                                                                                                                      A friend recently visited Portugal and snapped these photos of a type of embroidery done using chestnut skins. From what I can tell the skins are cut into shapes and stitched down. My friend was on a tour and the guide didn’t know anything about the technique or its name and she didn’t have time to linger and find answers (also, she’s not a stitcher and didn’t quite know what to ask.) I’m hoping someone can post these on the blog top ask members if they know more. Thanks! Marjorie                                                                                          If you have any ideas, please leave them in the comments section.

Check out this article from The Daily Republic about the Prairie Stitchers chapter’s needlework show in North Dakota!

Check out the September issue of Inside EGA for chapter news, new correspondence courses, and other education updates!

Closing banquet attendees really took the theme, “A Touch of Gold,” to heart.  Held in the gloriously decorated Hyatt Ballroom, touches of gold could be seen everywhere.  Once again, Churchill Downs bugler Steve Buttleman was on hand, this time speaking about his career and also playing a moving rendition of “My Old Kentucky Home.”  Carol Dam, Anita Streeter, Armida Taylor, and 2009 Seminar Chair Betty Berkebile all addressed the crowd of hundreds. 

This year’s seminar auction was a huge success that raised thousands of dollars.  Generous donations from members and teachers insured there was something for everyone.

The opening reception for Through the Needle’s Eye, EGA’s 19th traveling exhibit, was held on the afternoon of Saturday, August 30 at the Embroidery Museum and Resource Center.  The event was well-attended with many IEC and seminar participants as well as several of the artists whose work was on display present.  Below are pictures from the reception, watch for a separate post on the actual exhibit.  You’ll also notice the National Tapestry in some shots.  It is currently hanging in the gallery along with TNE.

This year’s Legacy Reception was held on Sunday, August 31.  Held in The Spire, a rotating restaurant perched atop the Hyatt Regency Louisville, the reception took place immediately before the Opening Banquet.  Life members, major donors, and the EGA Board of Directors took the opportunity to catch up with each other or meet for the first time. 

Many Golden Gala attendees chose to take advantage of the opportunity to have dinner aboard the Belle of Louisville on September 3.  One of the many options available to visitors, the cruise offered spectacular views of the Louisville cityscape at night and a unique experience for seminar-goers.

Wednesday, September 3rd, was an early morning for several Seminar participants.  Louisville’s Fox affiliate, WDRB 41, heard about the National Stitch In Public Day EGA had planned for that afternoon and invited us to talk about it, Golden Gala, and EGA on their morning show.  It is a live show so stitchers had to be ready to go at five o’clock in the morning and participate in one to two minute segments every half hour until nine. Of course, dedicated members were up and ready to go - even if it was still dark!

Metropolitan Region Director Gloria Lennon helps Fox reporter Keith Kaiser put a few stitches into a canvas piece.

Mike Swan, who serves on the Development Committee, chatted with Keith while working on a small piece.

EGA Executive Director Anita Streeter learns the basics of hardanger.

The TV lights provided just enough light for the stitchers to work in the early morning darkness.

Carol Dam in front of the camera, spreading the word about EGA and its mission.

Despite a little rain, several people turned out to stitch during lunchtime. As hoped, passersby were curious as to what these ladies were doing in the park, generating interest in our organization. Participants were treated to sun visors and homemade chocolate chip cookies.

This was a great opportunity for members who had come to Louisville from around the country to meet each other and work on their class projects.

Luckily, trees were available to shelter stitchers from the light rain at the beginning of the event and the sun that followed.

Of course, many chapters also held events in their areas and we’ll be posting information from those as they come in.