This fibre workshop will explore symbolism, messages and voice through vexillology – the study of flags and their meanings. Participants will create personal pennants that communicate identity and values through colour relationships and symbolic design.

The workshop begins with guided ideation exercises to develop personal flag concepts, then participants will learn hands-on skills in hand stitching, heat press application, machine sewing, and adhesive fabric techniques while discovering how different flag shapes—from rectangular national flags to triangular sporting pennants—carry distinct meanings. Participants will be able to choose the approach that best suits their design vision. We’ll focus on fundamental skills that can be applied to various textile projects beyond flag-making.

Perfect for all skill levels—no previous fibre arts experience necessary! This intergenerational workshop welcomes participants of all ages, creating opportunities to learn from different viewpoints. Bring friends or family and enjoy an afternoon of collaborative creation that explores both personal symbolism and collective identity through textile art.

All materials will be provided.

Artist Bio:
Bre Shanahan (she/they) is a recent resident of the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. She is a sculptor and drawing artist, educator, researcher and community organizer.

Shanahan received an MFA at Concordia University in 2019 and was a SSHRC recipient in 2017. They are a member of the Assembly Gallery artist collective and a longstanding member of the Montreal based artist collective QO (Quite Ourselves) Their works have been exhibited in Italy, China, Austria, the United States and across Canada. Teaching Sculpture and Drawing courses across Canada at multiple post-secondary and community institutions has greatly informed her practice. Shanahan credits her passion in teaching art to a legacy of mentors who helped make it feel like a place she belonged.

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