Golden Fleece

Golden Fleece: Celebrating 50 Years of Fibre Artistry

22 MAY - 3 JUNE 2025

Exhibition: Golden Fleece: Celebrating 50 Years of Fibre Artistry
Spin – In Event: Saturday 24th May | The Old Courthouse, Busselton

The Busselton Spinners and Weavers are proud to present Golden Fleece, a vibrant fibre festival and exhibition marking their 50th anniversary. Opening at 10am on Thursday 22nd of May at The Old Courthouse on Queen Street, this milestone event celebrates half a century of creativity, community, and craftsmanship.

Saturday 24th May will see up to 100 spinners and weavers working throughout the Old Courthouse Complex in a colourful display of fibre artistry in action. The public is warmly encouraged to come down and witness this rare and wonderful spectacle—an opportunity to meet makers, learn about traditional techniques, and immerse yourself in the rhythm of spinning wheels and the beauty of handmade textiles.

Founded in 1975 by just seven members, the Busselton Spinners and Weavers have grown into a thriving community of fibre artists who meet weekly to spin, weave, knit, crochet, and share knowledge. The group’s long history is deeply entwined with the Old Courthouse Arts Complex, which generously hosts this commemorative exhibition with support from the City of Busselton.

The Golden Fleece exhibition showcases an eclectic array of hand-crafted pieces—many created using hand spun yarns—demonstrating a stunning variety of textile techniques including knitting, crochet, tapestry weaving, loom weaving, and needle felting. Visitors can also enjoy live spinning demonstrations and admire an impressive display of antique spinning wheels from around the world.

Among the members featured are President Kim Harries, who joined in 2021 and brings her lifelong knitting expertise along with skills in lace, felting and weaving; Treasurer June Wood, known for her expressive art yarns and wall hangings; and Secretary Cath Miller, who spins mohair from her own goats and weaves tartans inspired by her Scottish heritage.

Longstanding members such as Sylvia Dixon (joined 2006), Denise Read (joined 2018), Carolyn Griffin (joined 2018), and Eve Crompton-Couvela (joined 2001) are also showcasing work that speaks to the evolution and diversity of fibre art in the region.

Golden Fleece is more than an exhibition—it’s a celebration of shared histories, rural traditions, and the enduring joy of making by hand.

For enquiries: come into the Old Courthouse Complex or ring the office on 9751 4651