General News
26 June, 2026
Meaning to be found among fabrics
Maryborough artist Flossie Peitsch's latest exhibition of colour and fabric launches in Maryborough this weekend.
Local artist Flossie Peitsch’s latest exhibition will officially open this weekend reinstating textiles as a tool for conversation.
The event is open to the community from 2 pm June 27 and on display to October 11.
An informal chat with the artist will be held an hour earlier.
The free exhibition puts large colourful artworks on display challenging the audience to find their own interpretation.
However, there is meaning to be found at Dr Peitsch’s exhibition dubbed ‘RAGGED & TAGGED & FLAGGED Caroline Chisholm, Domesticity and the Victorian Goldfields’.
It subtly shares the stories of women being recognised for themselves, often explored in Dr Peitsch’s work, through carefully chosen fabrics and forms.
Among the women brought to the fore is Caroline Chisholm who lived during the 19th century.
She is remembered still for her humanitarian work with immigrants and families on the goldfields.
Yet Dr Peitsch goes one step further to recognise other unsung women while encouraging the audience to do the same.
This is perhaps best shown through her work IronAprons — which attaches blue aprons to a metal frame.
“It’s referencing the commercial loom and the textile workers who work there,” she said.
The piece, like the exhibit, is ever changing.
Attendees are encouraged to write the names of unsung women, both past and present, on tags which are tied to the artwork.
Among the many names is one most will be familiar with — mum.
Dr Pietsch said the exhibition isn’t complete without the audience’s contribution.
“I think that’s what I’d like people to feel. That this space isn’t complete without a person here to experience it,” she said.
Dr Peitsch is currently a PhD candidate at Federation University, Ballarat, and this exhibition will form part of her thesis on Caroline Chisholm.
The exhibition will be opened by Anthony Camm who is the manager of Eureka Centre Ballarat.
There will also be a procession of feminist heraldry, itself an artwork, referencing decades of political activism.
A free community workshop led by Dr Pietsch will be held at 2 pm on July 19.
Attendees will have the opportunity to make a mini finger-hooked rug.
The gallery is open Thursday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm and entry is free.
For more information, visit centralgoldfieldsartgallery.com.au