What could a group of successful interior designers, graphic artists and jewellery makers possibly have in common with a group of Eritrean refugees and African migrants who have survived wars and family separations to forge new lives in Melbourne?

Workshop participants take notes on starting their own business at the Jewellery Making Workshop. Photo: CDM Photography.

A shared love of traditional and contemporary handcrafts, a willingness to swap their stories and skills, and a determination to transform their hobbies into viable small businesses.

Over the past three months, a series of craft workshops have been held on Saturdays at QVWC resulting in the creation of beautiful, contemporary craft objects. The workshops have also improved participants' understanding of small, craft-based business, including how to get display

Workshop leader Fiona Dyer talks to participants at the Homeware Textiles Workshop. Photo: CDM Photography.

space at markets, how to publicise their items, groups to work with for support and ways to make their craft items marketable.

Each workshop has been conducted by Creative Women’s Circle, a group of professional artists and craftspeople that meets monthly at MARS Gallery in Port Melbourne. Participants were drawn from the Muslim Women’s Support Group (MWSG) established by Community Support Worker Halima Sheikhdin at the Multicultural Health and Support Service in Carlton.

Put it in your diary: Entwine Exhibition

Community support worker Halima Sheikhdin and Dr Louiseann Zahra-King discuss a traditional craft object used in wedding ceremonies. Photo: CDM Photography.

Join us in August when we present the Entwine: Crafting Cultural Connections Exhibition, opening with afternoon tea on Sunday 26 August at 2.00pm at QVWC. The exhibition is free and will be open weekdays, 9.00am to 5.00pm until 27 September 2007.

The exhibition tells the fascinating and often incredible stories of an extraordinary group of Muslim women from Eritrea and elsewhere in Africa through beautifully crafted textiles, homewares, jewellery, clothing, baskets and toys. The exhibition also features photographs of the workshops by Candice Molnar, CDM Photography.

Crafting Cultural Connections is made possible with the support of the Victorian Government - Victorian Multicultural Commission and Office of Women's Policy, through the 'Women Creating Harmony' Grants Program.

There are many events and activities for you to get involved throughout September.