Sunday Times 2
Cross-stitch exhibition by Shanthi Wijetunga
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Shanthi Wijetunga’s second “Cross-stitch Exhibition” was held at the Kiribathgoda Young Men’s Buddhist Association from September 13. The exhibition featured 37 works including sceneries, wall hangings, lampshades, cushions and large scale artworks. Mrs. Wijetunga said it took her about one and half years to complete this collection. Proceeds were donated to charity projects through the YMBA.
Mrs. Wijetunga, 85, was introduced to sewing at a very young age by her mother, who was also a talented seamstress. “Many people ask me if I went to any classes, or if I offered any classes in cross-stitching and I always tell them that if you can sew a cross, you can cross-stitch,” said Mrs. Wijetunga. Having studied sewing right up to Higher Secondary Education level, the equivalent of Advanced Level examinations in those days, Mrs. Wijetunga says she learnt everything she knows from school.
She prefers creating her own work to relying on books and dedicated this exhibition to her husband, mother and many teachers who supported her over the years.
Mrs. Wijetunga, who also worked as a music teacher for 32 years, was thrilled to see many of her old students at her exhibition. The exhibition ended a great success, with all the artworks, apart from six frames that were not for sale, being sold.