shows — Blog — Mallory Donen

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April 2025 - Update

  • New Patreon Pattern Launch - April 1

  • Custom Portrait for SRAM Video

  • New Finished Works

  • Upcoming Workshops/Summer Course

  • Upcoming Shows/Markets

New Patreon Pattern Launch - April 1

My second pattern on Patreon is now available! Become part of my cross-stitch crew for only $6.50/month to gain access to 2x patterns (Feb 1 pattern will expire on May 1, but will become available for purchase outside of Patreon). Patterns are PDF downloads, so you can save to your computer and complete at your own pace.

By joining the crew here's what you'll be unlocking:

✂️ CROSS-STITCH PATTERN - PDF DOWNLOAD
Bi-monthly original cross-stitch pattern designs

✂️ ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL CONTENT
How to cross-stitch videos & tips (new video will be posted in April!)

✂️ EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES CONTENT
Photos and videos of works in progress

Custom Portrait for SRAM Video

I’ve been patiently waiting to share this custom portrait project that came in at the end of 2024, during the busiest time of the year. I managed to complete it in record time to have the customer (a producer from LA) send an Uber pick up to collect their package and complete the filming of their video for SRAM (a bike tech company), in North Vancouver.

Part of the brief (to help execute the “gag” for the video) was that the portrait should look like it was stitched with wires. To create the effect, I stitched the background and select shades in silver embroidery thread. I was worried about the challenges I’ve had with this type of thread in the past, but in the end it worked out way better than I could’ve ever imagined!

Click to watch the video on youtube or below.

New Finished Works

Cross-Stitch Translation 1-9, Cotton embroidery thread, silk yarn, 22 x 22 inches framed, 2025
230 hours of labour

Mini Loose Ends, 4 ¾ x 4 ¾ inches, embroidery, 2025, 2 hours of labour

Upcoming Workshops/Course

Discover the world of cross stitch! In this introductory workshop, you will learn basic cross-stitch skills, techniques, and tips. Artist Mallory Donen will demonstrate and guide you through a simple tulip pattern and show you how to neatly finish your cross-stitch project in a small hoop. All skill levels and experience are welcome. All supplies will be provided.

Cost: $39
Location: The Music Box, 1564 Argyle Ave, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1A1

Not available for the April 26th workshop? Well I have good news, I’m running the same workshop from my studio on June 21, 3-6pm, cost is $90 (plus Eventbrite fees). The reason for the higher price point is the smaller class size, which means more 1-1 time with your favourite teacher! Also the cost of supplies for the workshop in West Vancouver are covered by the Ferry Building Gallery, while the workshop from my studio I’ll be purchasing all the supplies needed!

Upcoming Shows/Markets

  • SMALLS Exhibition, Reception April 4, 5-8pm, 1310 William St (Eastside Atelier)

  • First Saturday Open Studios, 12-5pm, Studio 211, 2111 Main Street

  • Exploring Stitch, Group Show at the Silk Weaving Studio, May 22 - June 12

  • Exploring Stitch, Opening Reception, May 22, time TBD

  • Exploring Stitch, Drop in “Stitch in” at the Silk Weaving Studio, May 31, time TBD

  • XOXO Fibre, 10am-6pm, June 7, Pipe Shop, North Vancouver

  • Khatsahlano Street Party, 11am-9pm, West 4th ave, Vancouver

February 2025 - Update

  • Blog Schedule Update (Bi-monthly)

  • Patreon Launching! - February 1st

  • Upcoming 2025 - Events, Shows & Workshop

Blog Schedule Update (Bi-monthly)

After 8 years of maintaining this blog on a monthly basis, I’ve made to decision to adjust the schedule. From now on, I’ll be posting bi-monthly updates! I’ll also be cutting back the content so that the focus is on announcing upcoming events, shows & workshops.

If you want even more content, please follow me on social media @mallorydonen (IG, FB, & TikTok) and starting this month I’ll be launching on Patreon!

Patreon Launching! - February 1st

At the beginning of the year I made the decision to get started on Patreon! It's something I've been thinking about for a while now and I thought, hey, why not now? I love cross-stitching and sharing my art with others, so I'm hoping this will be another extension of my art practice. I want to help encourage others to make cross-stitch art that's a little outside the box and not as common (when it comes to cross-stitch imagery). I like to tell people that I make "not your grandma's" cross-stitch art. So if that's what you're looking for, this is the place for you and I'd love for you to join my crew!

All the patterns I've planned for 2025 release are circle cross-sections (or swatches) taken from old abstract acrylic paintings that I made back when I was primarily painting. I love color, pattern and mark-making, so that's the kind of vibe you should expect to see every other month.

I hope you'll join me on this little cross-stitch journey this year 😌.

Upcoming 2025 - Events, Shows & Workshop

  • First Saturday Open Studios, February 1, 12-5pm, Studio #211, 2111 Main St

  • First Saturday Open Studios, March 1, 12-5pm, Studio #211, 2111 Main St

  • “SMALLS” First Saturday Exhibition, April 4-6, Eastside Atelier Studios

  • Cross-Stitch Workshop - TBD (April), West Vancouver

  • “Stitchery” Group Show - TBD (May), The Silk Weaving Studio, Granville Island

  • I’m a Vendor at XOXO Fibre, June 7, 10am-6pm, The Pipe Shop, North Vancouver

Update: Work, work, and more work.

Judging by the title I'm sure it's obvious that I've been busy working since I've gotten home from school. Although I am expected to continue making work for my thesis exhibition while I'm home, May has been my month off from school. To be completely honest I really haven't had any time to squeeze in even just a moment for school. 

Since I've been home I have worked every weekend as a sports photographer shooting and selling at lacrosse and hockey tournaments. The hours are long and gruelling, but the gig pays well and I love the company that I work for. 

On Friday evenings I coach a youth indoor Atomic volleyball program (ages 9-12 girls) for an hour and a half. Last week my beach volleyball coaching began and it will continue for Tuesday and Thursday nights for the next 5 or so weeks. Finally a couple weeks after that beach program wraps up, I'll start coaching another beach volleyball program on Tuesday nights till the end of the summer. 

As you can see I'm just a little busy and on top of all of my guaranteed income jobs, I've been working rigorously on selling my art. On my second week back from school I completed a commission landscape/night-scape painting. I have a couple of other jobs lined up, but I'm always looking to do other custom paintings.

I've also been working hard on creating an Etsy shop. Etsy is a website where artists, crafters, artisans, and other people who make and sell quality goods, gifts, and items host online shops. If you haven't looked at the website it's the perfect place to find meaningful items and gifts for yourself, friends, and family. Of course I would love it if you would check out my shop first. I also shot an about me video for the my Etsy shop page and new headshots too! 

Click this link >http://bit.ly/etsyshop-artbymallorydonen< to check out the Etsy shop. 

Art by Mallory Donen www.artbymallorydonen.ca http://bit.ly/etsyshop-artbymallorydonen

Art Battle: 397 Vancouver, Red Room Ultra Bar, Vancouver BC

Lastly, are some updates on other art related things I've been doing and will be doing this summer.

On this past Thursday I competed in my second Art Battle in Vancouver. Although I didn't go through to the final round I still had a blast and I felt a lot more relaxed than the previous one I had done. 

I submitted to another show at Hot Art Wet City in Vancouver. This is the piece that got in to the show called "Eat Yo Self". The theme of the exhibition is anthropomorphic cannibalism.

The opening reception for the show is Friday June 3 from 7-11pm and runs from June 2-25. If you're in Vancouver be sure to check it out! 

Milk-o-holic, 9x12", Black ink and water-soluble pencils on bristol, Mallory Donen

I also got into "Back Alley Artists Night". I'll be showing some of my paintings at this event in downtown Vancouver. 

Here's some more info: 

The Back Alley Artists Night is an annual, one night showcase brought to you by The Purple Stapler. It features the work of emerging filmmakers, visual artists, slam poets, performance artists and live musicians from across the Lower Mainland and provides an opportunity for cross discipline networking while celebrating amazing art.

Date: June 4th, 2016
Location: CBC Studio 700 @ 700 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 2R5
Tickets are $15 online or at the door (cash and credit accepted). 

Here's a link to the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/565689430279336/

A couple of weeks ago I received my copy of the publication "Modern Laundry" in the mail. Two of my photographs are featured and one of them is even a full spread! 

I think that's about all there is to share at this point. If you're interested in receiving my newsletter email me at info@artbymallorydonen.ca. The newsletter will include updates like these and special discounts at my Etsy shop. Also if you or anyone you know is interested in having me complete a commissioned painting or mural I am always looking for more work.