June 22nd, 2025A rich weave: Saori exhibition returns to Clunes

The Celebration of Saori Exhibition has returned to Clunes, showcasing more than 100 original woven works by over 35 artists from across Australia.
The biggest saori weaving exhibition in Australia, it launched at the Clunes Warehouse on Saturday, June 7 and continues through to Sunday, June 22.
A visual explosion of colour and texture, it’s a great chance to revel in the unique saori method with some special opportunities to learn more about this niche meditative weaving technique.
Co-ordinated and curated by accredited saori teacher, Clunes’ Prue Simmons of Dyeing To Weave studio, the exhibition brings together students from across Australia who are supported through Prue’s studio weaving programs.
Prue says the exhibition was extremely well received when it was held last year, attracting visitors from all around Australia, and is expected to become a biennial event.
“This is still such a burgeoning craft here in Australia and my passion is to share what saori weaving is and the powerful creative potential it has,” Prue says.
Among those with work represented, Evansford’s Jayne Newgreen’s background is in photography and marketing.
Jayne, pictured left with Prue, says she became hooked on the saori weaving technique while attending one of Prue’s retreats.
“The freedom that saori allows is something I couldn’t quite capture with my photography,” Jayne says.
Works in the exhibition are accompanied by artist bios including concise stories behind each piece.
Saori is a freestyle weaving style which originated in Japan during the 1960s. A modern take on traditional weaving, it celebrates self-expression, mindfulness, and innovation over rules or repetition.
The exhibition is open daily, except Tuesdays, from 10am to 4pm.

Words & image: Eve Lamb