The EGW&CG took part in the recent Access Art & Crafts Open Days at the East Gippsland Art Gallery in Nicholson Street, Bairnsdale.  We had a display of the wide range of woven, knitted, crocheted and felted items made by our talented members, many of  handspun yarn, which attracted a lot of interest.

This initiative of the Gallery was planned to promote awareness of the various social groups in the area and the crafts or hobbies of their members. 
Each group had a large table and space to display, and 2-3 demonstrators to talk to the public about their group. It was a pity the event was not more widely publicized, as there were few visitors. 
However, it was a valuable exercise both in gathering items and props and setting up a display, and the 3 days were very enjoyable time spent with other members of our group. It was also good promotion for our Open Day in September.

Events like these foster connections between groups – often valuable not only to attract new members but as a source of visiting demonstrators or workshop leaders and also simply knowledge of what groups there are in the area.

Thank you to all who gave up their time to help with this and to those who supplied items for the display, your commitment is valued and appreciated.

Submitted from the president.