2009 Tilba Now Exhibition

The 2009 Tilba Now Exhibition commences in the Big Hall, Bates Street, Central Tilba on Thursday 8th January. This annual exhibition showcases works by local artists.

In winter 2008 Lis Mertens made a road trip to Central Australia, taking in th Alice Springs Beanie Festival.

She took part in an introductory basket making workshop with aboriginal women organised by the Tjanpi weavers group.

For the Tilba Now Exhibition, Lis has created a hand needled raffia basket with lid, decorated with ininti seeds ( from the bat wing coral tree ). This basket was begun by the campfire in the desert and completed while holidaying on the NSW south coast, with finishing touches added while staying at Central Tilba.

Student workshop

As part of end-of-year activities at her local school, Lis Mertens ran a workshop for a group of Year 6 students. After a demonstration of the basics of feltmaking, the students made a sample of felt. They then chose to use their sample to cut and sew a mobile phone holder, to make a bracelet or to make another piece of felt in another design. The students were busy all day and very motivated and engaged in their chosen project. See for yourself their designs and wonderful colour combinations.

New arrival

With desert scarves and wraps selling fast in time for Christmas, Lis has added "Inari" to the Summer Exhibition at Studio Altenburg, Wallace Street, Braidwood, NSW. 

"Inari" was inspired by a visit to the famous Fox Temple in Kyoto, Japan, and depicts the tunnel formed by the vermillion tori ( or gates) leading into the temple. It is a wrap of handfelted merino wool on a double layer of silk and fine wool.

Felt Objects Exhibition at Picture House Gallery, Gunning

An exhibition of Felt Objects created by members of Canberra Region Feltmakers opens at the Picture House Gallery, Gunning, NSW, on the 27th December, 2008. Lis Mertens has entered an evening clutch of merino wool hand felted with hand painted silk fabric by Alison Alder.

There will be a closing at a time and date to be announced.

More desert pieces

"After the storm" is a hand dyed silk chiffon and merino wool hand felted scarf. 

Due to popular demand it has been added to the desert pieces available at Studio Altenburg in Braidwood, along with "Paddy Melons", a hand dyed silk chiffon and merino wool hand felted evening wrap. Both pieces are suitable to wear on cool summer evenings.

Outstanding Country Artist Award

On Sunday, Lis Mertens received the Country Artist Award at the Gundaroo Bush Festival Telstra Art Show. 

The award went to the most outstanding country artist who lives in the Southern Tablelands shires, including the ACT.

"Making Waves" is one of three pieces currently showing in the Group Exhibition which will run from November 6th 2008 - January 31st 2009 at Studio Altenburg, Wallace Street, Braidwood, NSW.

The two exhibition gallery rooms at Studio Altenburg will be open to the public showing artworks from many artists all over Australia.