Join Sophia Cai 蔡晨昕 and Dr Paula do Prado on Saturday 9 May for an afternoon of collective crafting and chats to celebrate the release of Loop, Hook, Loom: A Creative Collection of Textile Art Made with Yarn and Thread. Authored by Sophia, the new book features a collection of 37 artists from around the world who make unconventional and creative objects using yarn.
Bring your own crafting project to work on or create a new piece at Magenta House as we gather for a gentle-paced session led by Paula–a visual artist, researcher and creative workshop facilitator who uses various forms of tejido/weaving to create art. Sophia–a curator and writer whose practice intersects contemporary art and craft–will also be present to sign copies of Loop, Hook, Loom (available to pre-order via Magenta House Shop or purchase on the day).
What to expect in this session:
🧶Guided crafting session
🧶Basic craft materials provided
🧶Refreshments and snacks provided
🧶Book signing for interested buyers
🧶A two-hour block hour of creative flexibility to deep-focus, connect with crafters, take breaks, rest, or snack
🧶Access to Magenta House reading room for art and crafting inspiration
What to bring:
🧶Your crafting materials and tools (eg. knitting needles, crochet hooks, yarn or scraps that can be used as yarn, general upcycled materials–or anything you’d like to bring along to this session)
All levels of experiences are welcome and you don’t need to have a professional crafting skill to participate. Tickets are $15-20 and go towards catering and event planning labour. First Nations tix free.
Read more about the event or Loop, Hook, Loom in our Substack!
For event enquiries, email Mariam on housekeeper@magenta.house.com.au
Bios 🐣
Sophia Cai 蔡晨昕 is a curator and writer based in Kamberri/Canberra, Australia. Sophia’s ongoing research interests include Asian art histories, the intersections between contemporary art and craft, and building communities of practice rooted in feminist and anti-racist work. Sophia is the current Artistic Director + CEO of Canberra Contemporary, one of Australia’s leading contemporary art organisations, and the Deputy Chair of NAVA, a peak advocacy body for Australia’s contemporary arts sector, while maintaining an independent writing and curatorial practice.
Dr Paula do Prado is a visual artist, researcher and creative workshop facilitator working with various forms of tejido (weaving) based on the sovereign lands of the Gadigal and Bidjigal people. Born in Uruguay on the lands of the Charrúa Nation, she migrated to Australia in the mid 80s. Her art practice surfaces the intersections of her West African Bantu-Kongo, Iberian and Charrúa ancestral lineages. Paula’s work has been exhibited in national and international group exhibitions. She is currently an artist in residence as part of the Artspace Studio Program and her work “Betum” has been selected as a finalist for the forthcoming 69th Blake Prize. Paula currently works as a creative mentor with the GUL Collective, part of the Multicultural Women’s Hub, a program initiative of Arts and Cultural Exchange (ACE) Parramatta. Paula holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts, First Class Honours (Textiles) and a Master of Fine Arts (Research) from the University of New South Wales. In 2025 she was awarded a PhD from the University of Sydney.
2pm – 5pm
