Exhibition Description:

This exhibition features recent works by the Brant Needle Arts Guild (BNAG). Its history can be traced back to 1976, when a small gathering of local embroiderers formally named themselves the Brant Broiderers. This name was inspired by The Worshipful Company of Broiderers, a United Kingdom-based collective originally formed to protect embroidery practices in the City of London during the 13th century. Since those early days, members have volunteered their time and participated in juried and group exhibitions at Glenhyrst.

The Guild’s members have sought to learn embroidery techniques and skills practiced both in Canada and internationally. Members have travelled to various European countries, including England, France, Italy, Ireland, and Scotland, as well as the United States, to meet with and learn from needle arts collectives. The Guild has also arranged for these teachers to visit Canada to deliver classes and workshops on both traditional and contemporary embroidery methods.

In 2019, the BNAG adopted its current name as a way to modernize the collective and better reflect the range of works produced by its growing membership. Its members continue to advocate for, share, and promote the art of embroidery within the City of Brantford, Brant County, and Six Nations of the Grand River territory. The BNAG is a proud member of the Ontario Network of Needleworkers and the Embroidery Association of Canada.