ANZEG CONFERENCE EXHIBITION 2026

Welcome to Threads of Connection

Introduction

Stitch is the common thread that connects embroiderers – whether they are traditional, contemporary or explorational, their stories are told using stitch.

This exhibition brings works together from all around the country, experienced exhibitors along with first timers explore how they define identity and what ties them to situations and people.

Some of the resulting pieces are highly personal tales of the maker, some explore how they relate to others, the world around them or what's important to them – but whatever the view, the works take the viewer on a journey connected by thread.

Judge's comments

Most importantly, I want to congratulate those embroiderers who made the brave decision to produce an exhibition piece and enter it. It is an incredibly daunting undertaking so thank you for putting yourself, your work and your thoughts out there.

It was fantastic to see that stitchers had taken the time to produce pieces that explored the exhibition themes and the breadth of interpretations was very interesting.

The Te Wero Tuia challenge continues to be popular and it's fantastic to have a section that focuses on great technique alone.

Some great ideas were let down by a lack of editing – either too many ideas were competing or the initial concept hadn't been adequately explored. I know design is a scary word but time spent ironing out the concept is never wasted.

Finishing also let some well executed pieces down. How the piece is to be finished and ultimately presented is a very important part. Make sure framing enhances the overall concept and has been considered from the start. There is nothing wrong with using a mass produced frame just make sure it is the correct size and spend time mounting the piece focusing on the corners and those small details that take the work to the next level.

So thank you to those embroiderers who took the opportunity to showcase their skill, challenge peoples' perceptions and help spread the word that stitching is awesome.

Maree Brunnand