Threads of Tradition: Embroidery and Weaving at the AGB 

By Gazette Staff

October 5th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

 

This immersive workshop invites participants to engage with the rich textile tradition of Phulkari by embroidering classic motifs onto fabric. Each participant will work on a piece with pre-drawn Phulkari designs, allowing for guided exploration of the intricate patterns that define this heritage craft.

Complementing the hands-on experience, a display of Phulkari shawls by the artist will be on view, offering a glimpse into her creative journey and her commitment to reviving and preserving the cultural legacy of Phulkari embroidery. Participants will leave the session with their own embroidered fabric, along with a needle and threads to continue their practice beyond the workshop.

The workshop is open to individuals aged 12 and above. Parents attending with young children are welcome; Phulkari-inspired coloring sheets will be available to spark creativity in little ones while adults engage themselves in the embroidery process. Participants who use reading glasses are strongly encouraged to use them for this workshop.

An Oakville-based artist dedicated to promoting the intricate art of phulkari embroidery, Rafia Shafiq has successfully built her business, Dhaga Art, in Canada. Specializing in the revival of phulkari, she actively conducts workshops across the Greater Toronto Area, collaborating with various institutions such as museums, colleges, universities, textile studios, and art galleries. Rafia has collaborated with the Town of Oakville, earning recognition as the selected artist for their community spirit awards. Renowned for her unique custom embroidered hoops, she has carved a niche in the North American market by crafting one-of-a-kind products.

Threads of Tradition is a collaboration between the Town of Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills and the City of Burlington in partnership with the Art Gallery of Burlington. Each year the Municipalities of Halton commission a multidisciplinary artist, artist team or collective to lead an interactive activity as part of Culture Days. The project is offered in each of the four municipalities and aims to engage residents, while providing support and exposure to Halton-based artists.