Closed Good Friday

Eleesa Howard: Floor talk & studio workshop

Next date: Saturday, 02 May 2026 | 09:30 AM to 02:00 PM

This program begins at MPRG with an artist talk offering insight into Eleesa’s practice—an exploration of memory, language and the gentle power of hand-stitching.

From the gallery, we will travel to Eleesa's studios in Hastings (via bus or your own transport) for morning tea and a slow-stitching session led by Eleesa. With small group numbers, the experience encourages unhurried conversation, shared time and the simple pleasure of working with your hands.

Participants are invited to stitch a word that resonates personally or to follow their intuition through pattern, texture and mark-making. There are no rules or expectations— this experience is about the meditative rhythm of stitching and the pleasure of slowing down together.

Each guest will create a stitched fabric square to take home, ready to frame, gift or incorporate into a future artwork. All materials are provided & experience sewing is not necessary.

After the workshop we will lunch at Harbourside Café in Hastings, offering further time to connect, reflect and enjoy the company of fellow makers. Lunch is at your own expense.

This is a rare opportunity to spend time with an artist in her creative environment and to experience the grounding, mindful nature of slow craft.

Estimated timings:

9.30am - Floor talk in MPRG Foyer
10am - Depart for Eleesa's studio in Hasitngs (Unit 1/260 Marine Parade, Hastings)
10.30am - Morning tea & meet the studio collective artists
11am - 12pm - Stitching workshop
12.15pm - Lunch at Harbourside Cafe (Westernport Marina,17 Skinner St, Hastings)
1.30pm - Depart Hasting to return to MPRG by 2pm

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Image above: Held Memories (detail) 2025, pic credit Cassie Louise Creative.
Examples of slow stitched fabric pieces