‘Unfinished Journey: Memory, Identity, & Family’ by Anne Kelly

Vernissage: August 8, 2026 from 1pm- 4pm

Anne Kelly’s creative process is marked by the thoughtful selection of vintage and reclaimed textiles, which not only add layers of history to her pieces but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and continuity. Rooted in themes of memory and identity, drawing deeply from her personal narrative, Anne weaves together recollections from her travels and experiences of living both in Canada and the UK in Unfinished Journey: Memory, Identity, & Family.

She constructs a unique visual language that reflects her multifaceted sense of self. She includes references to her present life as a textile artist and interactions based in her community teaching and travels. Her iconic ‘Unfinished Journey Canoe’ is the centrepiece of the exhibition, linking her past, present, and future.

Featured in the exhibit are her sketchbooks, which function as dynamic pinboards, serving as both a planning tool and a constant source of inspiration, where fragments of fabric, images, and notes come together to inform her evolving artistic vision. Rather than working religiously from one image, she enjoys drawing and plotting out ideas to make new work.

Anne is a distinguished textile-based mixed media artist, trained in Canada at Mount Allison University and the UK at Goldsmiths College. Her practice encompasses exhibitions, commissions, and contributions to both private and public collections in the UK and internationally. Anne is an active member of the UK Embroiderers Guild, the European Textile Network, and is listed on the Crafts Council Directory.