Speaker Series

Arounna Khounnoraj is a Canadian textile artist based in Toronto and co-founder of bookhou, a multidisciplinary studio and online shop. Her work spans many textile techniques, but the one that has been with her the longest is embroidery. During this presentation, Arounna will share her work and business practice, and she will also demonstrate a few of her favourite stitches. September 27, 2025 :: Zoom Webinar 4:30 pm Newfoundland Time :: 4 pm Atlantic Time :: 3 pm Eastern Time :: 2 pm Central Time :: 1 pm Mountain Time :: noon Pacific Time Members, please log in to My EAC/Mon ACB to access the registration code for Zoom.   If you're not a member yet, you can purchase a virtual seat.   Arounna has written several books, and later this year, she will be launching another book, The Handmade Home: 21 Simple Sewing Projects for Your Home. In 2026, Arounna will be launching her second embroidery-focused book. Arounna's upcoming (October 2025) book, The Handmade Home: 21 Simple Sewing Projects for Your Home   Cover of Contemporary Patchwork: Techniques in Colour, Surface Design & Sewing Interior page from Embroidery: A Modern Guide to Botanical Embroidery (June 2022) Interior pages from Visible Mending: A Modern Guide to Darning, Stitching and Patching the Clothes You Love (November 2020) Arounna's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookhou/ Arounna's Website: https://www.bookhou.com/

Attend The Art and Science of Appraising Needlework with Laurie S. Kelly to gain insights into how needlework is valued by professional appraisers. The presentation reviews the process for appraising personal property, the valuation methods commonly applied to needlework and the "keys" to concluding value. Sunday, April 19 via Zoom 4:30 pm Newfoundland Time :: 4 pm Atlantic Time :: 3 pm Eastern Time :: 2 pm Central Time :: 1 pm Mountain Time :: noon Pacific Time Members, log in to My EAC/Mon ACB to register for Laurie's presentation without charge. The Speaker Series events are free for members! Not a member yet? You can purchase a seat for this Zoom webinar with Laurie S. Kelly. Please note that in order to provide registrants with the webinar information, sales for this webinar end on Friday, April 18, at noon Eastern time. The main discussion focuses on the "keys" to appraising needlework, including identifying characteristics of value and the use of value ranking to pinpoint value. The discussion is highly participatory, and we'll walk through short case studies that illustrate how the appraiser applies both connoisseurship (“art”) and technical methods (“science”) to conclude value. You'll be surprised to learn that you already have insight into the factors that affect the value of needlework. Finally, the discussion includes specific factors that affect value, including condition and provenance. The huge variety in needlework forms, eras, and regional variations makes every appraisal assignment a unique challenge. Laurie S. Kelly is a Certified Needle Arts Appraiser with training through the American Needlepoint Guild and the State University of New York (Purchase) in conjunction with the America Society of Appraisers. Laurie has fulfilled and maintains the requirements for the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice for Personal Property, Gems & Jewelry and Technical Specialties with The Appraisal Foundation. In addition, she is a member of the Embroiderers' Association of Canada/Association canadienne de broderie, the American Needlepoint Guild, the Embroiderers' Guild of America, National Academy of Needlearts and the National Embroidery Teachers Association.

Join Dianna Thorne and Barbara Gilbert as they recap an unforgettable journey to Japan, featuring mini workshops and experiences enjoyed by six EAC/ACB members this past fall. Saturday, March 22 via Zoom 4:30 pm Newfoundland Time :: 4 pm Atlantic Time :: 3 pm Eastern Time :: 2 pm Central Time :: 1 pm Mountain Time :: noon Pacific Time Members, log in to My EAC/Mon ACB to register for this presentation without charge. The Speaker Series events are free for members! Not a member yet? You can purchase a seat for this Zoom webinar to learn more about the world of cosplay's use of embroidery to elevate their personas. Please note that in order to provide registrants with the webinar information, sales for this webinar end on Friday, March 21, at noon Eastern time. Highlights included exploring traditional textiles such as sashiko, kogin, chiku-chiku, temari, weaving, and trying multiple dyeing techniques. Participants also crafted washi paper and quilts and visited a variety of historical and cultural sites.

Cosplay is a creative hobby that has rapidly grown in popularity. Recently, more and more cosplayers are adding advanced embroidery techniques to their skill sets. Maral (aka Sarcasm-himé Cosplay) will give an overview of how embroidery is used in the cosplay world. Sunday, March 2 via Zoom 4:30 pm Newfoundland Time :: 4 pm Atlantic Time :: 3 pm Eastern Time :: 2 pm Central Time :: 1 pm Mountain Time :: noon Pacific Time Members, log in to My EAC/Mon ACB to register for Maral's presentation without charge. The Speaker Series events are free for members! Not a member yet? You can purchase a seat for this Zoom webinar to learn more about the world of cosplay's use of embroidery to elevate their personas. Please note that in order to provide registrants with the webinar information, sales for this webinar end on Friday, February 28, at noon Eastern time.  

Discover the rich tapestry of human storytelling through the ages with a captivating presentation on narrative embroidery history. From the grandeur of the Bayeux Tapestry, which vividly recounts the epic Battle of Hastings, to the poignant quilts commemorating the global COVID-19 pandemic, this presentation delves into how embroidery has been a powerful medium for chronicling historical and personal narratives. Join us as we explore how intricate needlework has preserved and shared collective memories, reflecting cultural shifts and personal experiences across centuries. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or just curious about the intersection of craft and storytelling, this presentation offers a fascinating journey through time and textiles. Saturday, October 19, 2024 4:30 Newfoundland Time 4 pm Atlantic Time 3 pm Eastern Time 2 pm Central Time 1 pm Mountain Time noon Pacific Time Members, sign in to My EAC/Mon ACB to register for the Narrative Embroidery presentation at member prices. Not a member of EAC/ACB yet? Join us now, or purchase a virtual seat for this Speaker Series event.

Karen Selk will be presenting her story of learning about wild silk and the people who rear and care for the silkworms and make the silk. This event is free for EAC/ACB members. Members, log in to My EAC/Mon ACB, after April 1, to register for this Karen's presentation on Saturday, May 4, 2024.   Karen was born in Wisconsin in a farming community and studied Chinese language and literature at university. She immigrated to western Canada in the early 1970s and has made her home on Salt Spring Island since 2000. She and her husband, Terry Nelson, founded Treenway Silks, a silk fibre and yarn import/export company, in 1978.  As managing director of Treenway Silks for over 30 years, she wrote an educational newsletter, produced an award-winning video, published an educational poster explaining the lifecycle of the silkworm, and designed and developed new yarns, fibre kits, and colour palettes. She used all their products to create projects to inspire their customers. Karen's quest to understand all aspects of silk, her desire to better serve Treenway's customers, and her curiosity took her on the first of many journeys to Asia starting in 1986.  With a camera and journal, each expedition was focused on researching the rich history and heritage of silk production and traditions.  A deep respect for the land and people who make the textiles and prodding from her friend in India inspired Karen to lead many textile tours through India and Laos. She began teaching weaving classes in yarn shops in Victoria, BC. She developed several workshops which led her further afield throughout Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and India, sharing her knowledge of weaving and silk. With this focused yet varied background, Karen has written over 40 articles about weaving, silk fusion, the production of traditional textiles in Asian villages, the raising of silkworms and embellishing styles. The business has been passed on, so semi-retirement sees Karen dividing her time between the studio and their partially self-sufficient garden.  Her deep connection to the natural world, her organic garden and her vast knowledge of world textiles inform her work. Karen is currently represented by Gallery 8 on Salt Spring Island and continues to participate in group shows through the Surface Design Association, Textile Society of America, Island Textile Artists, the Studio Art Quilts Association and Salt Spring Island Weavers and Spinners. You can find Karen at her website, www.karenselk.com.

Bojagi (Korean Wrapping Cloths) are pieced together from small scraps of cloth. It is the most unique form of Korean textile art. Bojagi occupied a prominent place in the daily lives of Koreans of all classes. They were used to wrap or carry everything from precious ritual objects to everyday clothes and common household goods and also to cover food. It is also strikingly contemporary: the designs and colours of bojagi remind one of the works of modern abstract artists. Bojagi can be described as a true form of abstract expressionism. Youngmin Lee will talk about bojagi during this lecture and show her bojagi works. Join us to learn about this versatile, integral part of everyday Korean life. Registration is free for EAC/ACB members! Mosi jogakbo by Youngmin Lee Members, sign in to My EAC/Mon ACB to register for Youngmin's presentation on Saturday, April 20, 2024. 4:30 Newfoundland Time 4 pm Atlantic Time 3 pm Eastern Time 2 pm Central Time 1 pm Mountain Time noon Pacific Time  If you aren’t an EAC/ACB member, yet, you can purchase a seat for our Zoom webinar with Youngmin Lee. Once your payment is completed, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to register directly on Zoom. New Beginning by Youngmin Lee Youngmin Lee is a Korean textile artist living in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a BA in Clothing and Textile and an MFA in Fashion Design, Youngmin has presented numerous workshops, classes and demonstrations on Korean Textile Arts, including workshops at numerous places such as the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, Oakland Museum, Pacific International Quilt Festival (PIQF) in Santa Clara, Sonoma County Museum, Richmond Art Center, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in Los Angeles, Richmond Art Center, Mendocino Art Center, Festival of Quilts in Birmingham UK, and Textile Art Council of De Young Museum in San Francisco. Youngmin’s bojagi work was shown at the Asian Art Museum’s Asia Alive program in San Francisco and other museums and galleries in the U.S. and internationally. Find out more about Youngmin's work online: www.youngminlee.com IG-@youngminlee_bojagi YouTube

There are forms of embroidery that are special in Japan. They are highly respected art forms. Japanese traditional surface embroidery is adapted from Chinese embroidery, which has been practiced in Japan for more than 1600 years. It is an art form found in kimono and other textile arts. Rozashi is embroidery that is unique to Japan. It came to favour in the court in circa 700 CE. It is worked on a unique silk fabric called Ro. All stitches are upright, and the entire design is covered in stitches. This embroidery is still taught from woman to woman. It came to the US and North America in the 1980s. Japanese Embroidery by Margaret Kinsey   Rozashi by Margaret Kinsey Members, sign in to My EAC/Mon ACB to register for Margaret Kinsey’s presentation on Saturday, March 16, 2024. 4:30 Newfoundland Time 4 pm Atlantic Time 3 pm Eastern Time 2 pm Central Time 1 pm Mountain Time noon Pacific Time If you aren't an EAC/ACB member, yet, you can purchase a seat for our Zoom webinar with Margaret Kinsey. Once your payment is completed, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to register directly on Zoom. Japanese Embroidery by Margaret Kinsey   Rozashi by Margaret Kinsey Margaret Kinsey is an EGA Certified Teacher in silk and metal thread techniques. She is certified to teach Japanese Embroidery. She studies Rozashi with Fumiko Ozaki and is the designated Kunimitsu Studio teacher for the US. She continues her studies with the Japanese Embroidery Center in Atlanta and Midori Matsushima at the Blue Bonnet Studio. Margaret has lectured and taught for the Denver Botanic Gardens for the 40th Anniversary of the Bonsai Gardens. She taught for the Jane Austen Fest in Mt. Dora, Florida in February 2020. She teaches at the national and chapter level for ANG. She has taught at seminars for the Embroiderers’ Association of Canada/Association canadienne de broderie. She has taught at all levels of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. She has taught for The New Zealand Embroidery Conference in Christchurch, was a keynote speaker, and lectured and taught Rozashi to their guilds throughout New Zealand. The National Assembly of Needle Arts has also invited her to teach at their seminars. She is a charter member of the Lightning Needles Chapter of ANG. She is a life member of EGA. She is the 2008 recipient of EGA’s Gold Thread Award. She serves the Central Florida chapter as President. She has chaired three EGA International Embroidery Conferences, 2019, 2015 and 2011. She chaired the 2000 EGA National Seminar in Orlando, Florida. She serves as the EGA Mastercraftsman Silk and Metal Thread Chairman. She is the 2021 National Academy of Needle Arts prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. She has lectured for chapters of EGA and ANG and the EGA Winning Ways Program. She has guest lectured for several museums. Learn more about Margaret and her designs at her website, MAK Inc Designs.

Isn’t it amazing how one experience can lead to new ideas and opportunities that unfold into creative and unexpected explorations? A month-long art residency allowed Susan to dive deeply into textile books and scroll-making with paints, dyes, stitches and more. She will take us to Iceland, introduce us to the residency concept and share her journey in the Land of Fire and Ice. Members, sign in to My EAC/Mon ACB to register for Susan Purney Mark’s engaging presentation on Saturday, February 17, 2024. 4:30 Newfoundland Time 4 pm Atlantic Time 3 pm Eastern Time 2 pm Central Time 1 pm Mountain Time noon Pacific Time Award-winning textile artist Susan Purney Mark lives on Pender Island, BC, the traditional lands of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Tsawout peoples. She has been creating both contemporary wall and dimensional work since the early 1990s. She is known for her extensive experience in a wide range of surface design, dyeing, screen printing and wax-resist techniques. She has trained with the London City and Guilds programme, the Ontario School of Art and Design, and the Vancouver Island School of Art. Tide Charts by Susan Purney Mark Susan’s recent focus has involved an exploration of the industrial shoreline, drawing her ideas from her coastal travels. This work has involved mark making, text and narrative, and she is working with a controlled colour palette, a movement towards abstraction with layers of cloth and paper, including recycled and “found” surfaces. She will often add layers of paint and dyes into her pieces and dense stitching both by hand and machine. Susan is also exploring dimensional body/vessel forms. She is an active member of the fibre arts community in British Columbia and is a member of national/international fibre and surface design associations. You can learn more on Susan's website. Little House Under the Rocks

Needle: first instrument of learning in the hand. Female education: a privilege, not a right and unequal. Lianne explores the significance of antique samplers in understanding the historical role of women and girls in education. She will share how knowledge and skills were transmitted through needlework in traditional and nontraditional subjects during a time when education was not a right and not universally accessible. Antique sampler and needlework tools presentation via Zoom discussing the sampler-making tradition demonstrated in the 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers’ 350+ piece collection of antique schoolgirl samplers from 1726 to 1978. Members, sign in to My EAC/Mon ACB to register for Lianne van Leyen’s engaging presentation on Saturday, January 27, 2024. 4:30 Newfoundland Time 4 pm Atlantic Time 3 pm Eastern Time 2 pm Central Time 1 pm Mountain Time noon Pacific Time Lianne van Leyen is a domestic interpreter and historic cook at Upper Canada Village.  She prepares and serves meals and desserts using period-correct recipes and methods made in an open hearth or a step wood cook stove. She teaches children and young adults historic cooking and interprets and demonstrates Canada’s history on the eve of Confederation for visitors from around the world. Lianne’s career has spanned fine arts, child protection, banking, and higher education management. She lives with her husband Grant in a one-room Ontario schoolhouse built in 1897 and owns a church built next door in the 1920s. The couple are also caretakers of three antique British vehicles. She spent years learning to paint, draw and teach herself many crafts, including cross stitch. Lianne van Leyen is an artist and a storyteller. Lianne holds incomplete, timeworn, damaged and unusual samplers as precious and deserving of love and attention. She is the caretaker of a growing collection of antique schoolgirl samplers and the designer behind 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers.  Her diverse collection of samplers, currently numbering more than 350 pieces, includes dated examples from 1726 to 1978, made in the UK, U.S.A., Europe and Canada. Lianne van Leyen shares her sampler collection and the history of needlework with local, national and international needlework and sampler guilds and public museums through in-person and virtual presentations via her website and social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram. She leads retreats and workshops, has had her work published in PieceWork magazine and has contributed to podcasts. Lianne works to increase exposure and interest in historical textiles and needle art within and outside the stitching community. In 2018, Lianne sought to give a new purpose to her sampler collection and began creating original and reproduction cross-stitch patterns. Through her company, 1897 Schoolhouse Samplers, she shares the stories of overlooked antiques. She makes her cross-stitch patterns available to modern stitchers for retail purchase from local and virtual needlework shops worldwide and to wholesale customers via Hoffman Distributing Company. Ragamuffin Schoolgirl Sampler Patterns 1897schoolhousesamplers.ca facebook.com/SchoolhouseSamplers instagram.com/1897SchoolhouseSamplers