● Celebration of SAORI Exhibition
● Esmond Gallery at The Warehouse – 36 Fraser Street Clunes, Victoria 3370
● Exhibition launches from 2pm on Saturday 7th June 2025
● Sunday 8th to Sunday 22nd June 2025. Open daily (closed Tuesdays) from 10am to 4pm
● Further information visit: www.dyeingtoweave.com.au/exhibition
Building upon the incredible success of the 2024 event, the Celebration of SAORI Exhibition returns to Clunes in 2025 – bigger, brighter, and more creatively vibrant than ever.
This unique showcase of creative Japanese weaving will be on display in the historic Central Victorian township of Clunes, from Saturday 7th to Sunday 22nd June 2025.
The Celebration of SAORI Exhibition will showcase the work of over 30 artists from across Australia, each weaving their own story in a spectacular display of creativity, colour, and texture.
This exhibition features SAORI weaving – a freestyle textile art which originated in Japan, and embraces self-expression, mindfulness and innovation over patterns and repetition.
Featuring more than 100 woven artworks, this is the largest SAORI exhibition ever held in Australia.
Visitors can experience this expressive, unique art form, meet the artists, and even try SAORI weaving themselves.
Many works will be available for purchase – or simply come along, admire, and be inspired by the creativity on display!
Originally developed in Japan, SAORI is often described as “weaving meditation.”
Rather than following strict patterns, artists are guided by intuition, using texture, colour, and movement to create truly unique woven pieces.
These vibrant textiles are transformed into garments, wall hangings, home décor, and accessories – all of which will feature in the exhibition.
Curated by Prue Simmons, one of only three accredited SAORI teachers in Australia, who owns and manages Dyeing To Weave Studio based at her llama farm in Clunes in Central Victoria.
The exhibition brings together works by her students from right across Australia, who are supported and guided on their SAORI weaving journey through Prue’s studio and online classes.
“SAORI weaving is like a moving meditation – you just happen to be creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind cloth as you go.
Each piece holds a story, a captured moment in time at the loom,” said Simmons.
Exhibition Highlights & Free Events:
● Exhibition Launch Party – Saturday 7th June, 2pm Join us to officially open the Celebration of SAORI Exhibition! Meet the artists, view their works and celebrate creative weaving together. (free event)
● What is SAORI Weaving? – Sunday 8th June, 12:30pm Discover the philosophy behind SAORI weaving, learn its Japanese origins, and see the loom in action. (free event)
● SAORI Loom Demonstration – Saturday 14th June, 12:30pm Experience SAORI weaving firsthand with expert guidance from Prue Simmons. No experience needed – just bring your curiosity. (free event)
● Crafting CALM through Creativity – Saturday 21st June, 12:30pm Explore how SAORI weaving encourages mindfulness, gentle movement, and calm. (free event)
