From Foundational Weaver to Educator: Sara Lindsay takes communities on a journey of exploration on …

Melbourne-based artist Sara Lindsay took a group of new settlers and tapestry enthusiasts through an intensive weaving workshop spanning over two weekends, as part of the Ararat New Settlement program.

Artist and art educator Sara Lindsay first started introducing the idea of art to a group of Karen migrants in Melbourne and now Ararat.

“There’s a growing Karen community within Ararat and they have a very strong weaving tradition embedded in their culture,” Ms Lindsay said.

Commenting on her commitment to supporting learners with their weaving techniques, she said, “I get a lot back from teaching it – I love it.”

“I’ve been practising art for over 45 years and this has led me to a path of an educator and mentor for young artists and communities.

“For this series of workshops, I took nine participants through the foundations of weaving and some experimental techniques to expand their skills - it can be a slow process at first, but if you keep going at it, I find it suddenly clicks.

“Art can do amazing repair work. It takes people back on a journey of self-discovery – it’s a form of paying homage to your family history in the footsteps of your ancestors.”

Sara’s work can be found in the National Gallery of Victoria, National Gallery of Australia, Tasmania Museum and Art Gallery, and Ararat Gallery TAMA to name a few.

Commenting on the collaboration, Visual Arts Coordinator Katy Mitchell said Sara’s contribution to Victorian tapestry is unmatched.

“Sara was a foundational weaver at the Victorian Tapestry Workshop (now the Australian Tapestry Workshop), she was part of the first team of weavers and her ground-breaking tapestries and approach to collaboration have helped shape the industry.

“We’re thrilled to host Sara at Ararat Gallery TAMA – she has received significant recognition through public and commercial gallery exhibitions across the country.

“Ararat Gallery TAMA has a longstanding commitment to textile and fibre art – the weaving workshops brought together community members and new settlers to explore colour and pattern on their looms.”

This event was sponsored by Ararat’s Workforce Pilot and New Settlement Program, Ararat Rural City Council, Wyndham Community and Education Centre and Regional Development Victoria.