Join exhibiting artist Sonia Ward in The Studio to create a unique contemporary doll. In this workshop Sonia will guide experimentation with drawing, staining textiles, contemporary embroidery, and hand sewing techniques. A basic doll template will be provided to use as a starting point for individual designs. Sonia will demonstrate how to use alternative media such as coffee, tea, wine and oil to create tone and a base for drawing on fabric. Attendees will learn how to add free stitching to create texture and to enhance features on the dolls. Participants are encouraged to bring small images, printed text, photos or photocopies to stitch onto the cloth as personalised detail.

Sonia Ward’s exhibition Behind the Apron is on display 2 February – 10 March.

Member Discount 
Enter the discount code MEMBER at checkout after you select the "continue to payment" button. If you are not already an Umbrella Member and want the workshop discount, sign up here.

Umbrella Members $90 | Full Price $110

All materials and equipment are provided, including white cotton fabric, markers and embroidery thread in a range of colours. Tea and coffee will be available.

Limited to 10 spaces (ages 15+) | Bookings close on Friday 4pm before the workshop date. | If you are not already an Umbrella Member and want the workshop discount, sign up here. This workshop will take place at Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts, 408 Flinders St (next to Mary Who? Bookshop and opposite Woolworths). Visitors must comply with Umbrella’s entry conditions and directives. All bookings are subject to Umbrella's workshop and public programs booking policy.

Sonia Ward is a multi-disciplinary artist, born in Adelaide and currently living and practicing in Townsville. Ward works with a range of recycled media from computer components to discarded bras. These discarded and found objects are transformed into humorous and occasionally unnerving characters with a puppet like appearance. The artist’s focus on process over product is evident in her two- and three-dimensional pieces with an aesthetic that leans towards the ugly rather than the aesthetically pleasing. She explores related and opposing themes such as consumerism, marketing to children, globalization, tribal behaviours, social media, theatrical behaviour, attraction and repulsion. Sonia graduated with a Bachelors Degree of Visual Arts in 2019, received a Deans Excellence Award in her first year and Academic Achievement Award upon completion. Sonia continues to experiment with new media and techniques. Completing a course in New Media Arts in 2021, Sonia enjoys weaving narratives and social commentary on current issues. Her work is held at CQ University, TAFE NQ, Townsville Women’s Centre and the Solar Park on Magnetic Island.

Image: Sonia Ward; photograph courtesy of the artist and Alison McDonald.