Sitaben Chawda and Minna Loft

Sitaben Chawda has lived her entire life in India. She has always had an interest in crafts, learning embroidery and beading as a hobby at school. Over the years her skills have progressed, being particularly skilled at beadwork. Sitaben regularly teaches classes at NID (National Institute of Design), India. She has worked with students from the ceramic, textile and jewellery departments. In 2008 she was involved in a workshop involving partnerships with South African bead artists and textile students from NID, developing a range of jewellery products. This will be her first opportunity to have her work exhibited.

Minna Loft is a recent graduate of Monash University, having completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Metals and Jewellery in 2011. She also undertook an exchange of Textiles in India at NID (National Institute of Design.) She was awarded the Hosking Silver Award in 2011 by Monash University. Minna has been involved in some group exhibitions in Melbourne which include being awarded a Finalist at the End of Year Group Show at SJS Gallery, Fitzroy in 2012. She has also taught numerous classes and undertaken an Artist in Residence for the 2012 Arts Week at Woodleigh School, Baxter.