Over thirty years ago, local artist Tracey Bareli stitched her very first bed quilt on a small Singer sewing machine. She knew little about quilting and even less about the creative potential of a simple sewing machine.

Life took her in other directions – raising a family and tending to the garden – but twelve years ago she made a bold leap and purchased a Long Arm Quilting Machine. That decision sparked a journey that transformed her craft and storytelling through textiles.

Tracey’s quilts now span traditional patterns, modern interpretations, upcycled creations and nature-inspired works. Some are made to wrap around a bed, others to hang proudly on the wall. Each carries a story of personal growth, curiosity and joy in the art of quilting.

This exhibition presents a diverse body of work that charts her evolution as a quilter, inviting viewers to trace each stitch of her journey.

Thank you to the State Government of WA for the funding through the Regional Arts Venues Support program supported by Royalties for Regions through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, enabling us to expand our artistic programming into our second gallery the Art Room.