On 6th September 2025, Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Christchurch held the opening ceremony for the Busy Hands Joint Exhibition, featuring works by 15 woodcraft and cross-stitch artists from Ashburton. The distinguished guests including Curator Abbess Manshin of FGY Art Gallery NZ, Ashburton Woodworkers Club President Bill Healey and exhibiting artists from the club, wire artist Leonore Ashby and her husband, ceramic artist Tricia Morant and nearly 85 Friends of FGY Art Gallery were attended.
Founded in 1990, the Ashburton Woodworkers Club celebrates its 35th anniversary this year and has been providing a platform for technical exchanges and skill-sharing. The exhibiting artists range in age from 58 to 96 years old, with a combined age of over 1,000 years, earning the exhibition the title The Centenarian Artists Joint Showcase.
The exhibition features 210 pieces, including 52 cross-stitch works and 158 woodcraft creations, ranging from toys and furniture to decorative pieces and kitchenware. Besides that, rocking chairs, dump trucks and ponies have been transformed by the artist’s skillful hands into delicate and beautiful handcrafted artworks. The cross-stitch pieces, with their fine needlework, depict the grace and charm of classical English ladies.
The Curator, Abbess Manshin expressed the pleasure in providing a platform for the community to share life’s beauty and positivity. Abbess praised the 15 senior artists for presenting works that reflect a lifetime of dedication and passion, inspiring profound respect for their meticulous craftsmanship and passion for life.
President Bill Healey thanked the Gallery Team for the support, noting that this is the first time the artists have had the opportunity to showcase their works in an Art Gallery. All funds raised from the exhibition will contribute to the club’s expansion fund. Exhibition coordinator Roger Scammell expressed gratitude to wire artist Leonore Ashby for her introduction and the Gallery for the support. With everyone’s efforts, the exhibition expanded from 50 planned pieces to more than 150 wooden artworks.
Cross-stitch representative Alison Scammell shared that her husband Roger, as the exhibition coordinator, invited her and their daughter-in-law Andrea Scammell to participate, recognizing that wooden works alone could not be hung on the walls. Alison, who discovered her passion for embroidery at the age of 12, has continued her craft for over 60 years and is deeply grateful for the opportunity to exhibit their works.
The Temple also prepared refreshments for the attendees. The Busy Hands Joint Exhibition will run until 18 January 2026, welcoming the public to experience the living art of woodcraft and embroidery.