Conversation In Stitch at the Anderson Art Center

Conversations in Stitch at the Anderson Art Center

Conversations in Stitch, an exhibition of fiber art by members of the Fiber Artists Coalition, will be on view at the Anderson Art Center in Kenosha, Wisconsin, January 23 to March 20, 2011. An Opening Reception is scheduled from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on January 23.

The Fiber Artists Coalition is made up of Professional Artist Members of Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) from the upper Midwestern United States. FAC curates traveling exhibits of its members' works.

Members employ a variety of innovative materials and techniques in the creation of fiber art with a contemporary edge. Some members have published books about their artistic processes and are in demand as teachers and presenters. Many exhibit their work in juried group and solo exhibitions within and beyond the U.S. The sixteen members whose works are included in this show are Frieda Anderson, Astrid Hilger Bennett, Kathie Briggs, Shelley Brucar, Jennifer Conrad, Cheryl Dineen Ferrin, Clairan Ferrono, Linda Witte Henke, Kasia, Peg Keeney, Pat Kroth, Casey Puetz, Gwyned Trefethen, Laura Wasilowski, Maggie Weiss, and Trish Williams.

In making selections for the exhibition, co-curators Gwyned Trefethen and Linda Witte Henke choose works that are likely to spark “conversations” with viewers or other pieces on display. Trefethen explains, “There are multiple ways to interpret trees or unexpected fabric and embellishment choices. I chose work that I hoped would cause viewers to stop, question and ruminate.” A feature unique to this exhibit, “Conversation Cards” will enable viewers to communicate responses and address questions directly with the artists.

Visit the Studio Art Quilt Associates’ website at http://www.saqa.com. Learn more about the Fiber Artists Coalition at http://www.fiberartistscoalition.com/ and its blog, http://fiberartistscoalition.blogspot.com/.

List of participating artists with location of residence:

Frieda Anderson, Elgin, IL
Astrid Hilger Bennett, Iowa City, IA
Kathie Briggs, Charlevoix, MI
Shelley Brucar, Buffalo Grove, IL
Jennifer Conrad, St. Paul, MN
Cheryl Dineen Ferrin, Mattawan, MI
Clairan Ferrono, Chicago, IL
Linda Witte Henke, Indianapolis, IN
Kasia, Delafield, WI
Peg Keeney, Harbor Springs, MI
Pat Kroth, Verona, WI
Casey Puetz, Waukesha, WI
Gwyned Trefethen, Appleton, WI
Laura Wasilowski, Elgin, IL
Maggie Weiss, Evanston, IL
Trish Williams, Chicago, IL (above image "Save Darfur")

Darcy Berg

Darcy Berg is offering some workshops. I hope you can find time to take one.

 

Contemporary Art Quilts, Art Dolls, Photography
website:  www.darcyberg.com

blog:      cleverturtle.blogspot.com

Strata 4 by BJ Parady

Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles will host “Material Ways,” an exhibit of art quilts created
by Illinois and Wisconsin regional members of the Studio Art Quilters Alliance (www.saqa.com). The show will take place in Fine Line’s Kavanagh Gallery from January 8 – February 19, 2011 with the opening reception scheduled for Saturday, January 8th from 1:30pm – 4pm. Gallery hours are Monday through Sunday from 10am until 5pm.

Art quilts to be featured are contemporary, one of a kind, pieces created by artists working with their own hand-dyed, painted and embellished fabrics. Each quilt reflects personal experiences of everyday life and the beauty of the natural world. Local artists represented in this show are Laura Wasilowski and Frieda Anderson of Elgin, BJ Parady of Batavia and Stephanie Nordlin of Poplar Grove.

Fine Line Creative Arts Center is an educational center devoted to helping individuals nurture their creative energies. It provides year-round classes in a wide range of media including weaving, knitting, crochet, machine knitting, dyeing, jewelry, glass, blacksmithing, pottery, painting, drawing, printmaking and papermaking. Visit www.fineline.org for more information.

Material Ways at the Fine Line

 

 

From the community

Material Ways

 Fine Line Creative Arts Center

Woodland Treasures by Frieda Anderson

Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles will host “Material Ways,” an exhibit of art quilts created
by Illinois and Wisconsin regional members of the Studio Art Quilters Alliance (www.saqa.com). The show will take place in Fine Line’s Kavanagh Gallery from January 8 – February 19, 2011 with the opening reception scheduled for Saturday, January 8th from 1:30pm – 4pm. Gallery hours are Monday through Sunday from 10am until 5pm.

Art quilts to be featured are contemporary, one of a kind, pieces created by artists working with their own hand-dyed, painted and embellished fabrics. Each quilt reflects personal experiences of everyday life and the beauty of the natural world. Local artists represented in this show are Laura Wasilowski and Frieda Anderson of Elgin, BJ Parady of Batavia and Stephanie Nordlin of Poplar Grove.

Fine Line Creative Arts Center is an educational center devoted to helping individuals nurture their creative energies. It provides year-round classes in a wide range of media including weaving, knitting, crochet, machine knitting, dyeing, jewelry, glass, blacksmithing, pottery, painting, drawing, printmaking and papermaking. Visit www.fineline.org for more information.

Art in Harmony 2011 - Jean M. Judd

Textile artist Jean M. Judd of Cushing, Wisconsin has been juried into the Arts in Harmony 2011 International Juried Fine Art exhibition to be held at the Sherburne County Government in Elk River, Minnesota. Her artwork, Contaminated Water #3 (Sludge), is one of the artworks selected for the exhibit. The exhibition will feature 220 artworks selected from 855 entries.

The jurors for the exhibition were Lyndell King, director and chief curator at the Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota, and Barbara Schultz, developer of Minneapolis College of Art and Design’s (MCAD) current comic art curriculum and MCAD’s Distant Learning comic art courses.

This exhibition is the second largest juried art exhibition in the state of Minnesota and is in its 16th year. The exhibition opens on February 7, 2011. An opening reception and awards presentation with jurors Lyndell King and Barbara Schultz is on February 13, 2011 from 1 to 3:30pm. Over $10,000 in monetary awards will be given to artists. The exhibition closes on March 24, 2011. The address of the facility is Sherburne County Government Center, 13880 US Highway 10, Elk River, Minnesota. Visit the Arts Alliance web site, http://www.elkriverart.org for more information about the organization, exhibitions, etc.

P.I.E.C.E.S. - Trish Williams

Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month:
P.I.E.C.E.S - Trish Williams
“Precepts Inspirited by Episodes of Creative Expressions of Self”
January 10 - February 13, 2011

Artist Reception: Sunday, January 16, 2011, 2 - 4 PM

Special Artist’s Talk: January 17, 1 PM

Concordia University Chicago
Ferguson Art Gallery, Kretzmann Hall
7400 Augusta St.
River Forest, Il 60305

Gallery hours:
Monday through Friday 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
For more information contact: 708-290-3012

Kentucky National - Jean M. Judd

Textile artist Jean M. Judd of Cushing, Wisconsin has been juried into the Kentucky National 2011: A National Exhibition of Contemporary Art exhibition to be held at the Clara M. Eagle Gallery at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. Her artwork, Eagles Wings, is one of the artworks selected for the exhibit. The juror for the exhibition was Matthew Strauss, Founder and Director of White Flag Projects, St Louis, Missouri. This exhibition is a benchmark of innovation and quality produced within traditional craft forms such as ceramics, fibers, basketry, metals, wood, glass, jewelry, papermaking and book arts.
The fifth juried biennial exhibition opens on February 18, 2011 with an opening reception with juror Matthew Strauss from 6 to 8pm. The exhibition closes on March 13, 2011. The address of the facility is Clara M. Eagle Gallery, Murray State University, 604 Doyle Fine Arts Building, Murray, Kentucky 42071. Phone 270-809-6734. Visit the web site, http://www.murraystate.edu/artgallery for more information about the art gallery, exhibitions,

Mesa Contemporary Arts' 32nd - Jean M. Judd

SAQA Active Member Jean M. Judd of Cushing, WI has been juried into the Mesa Contemporary Arts’ 32nd Annual Contemporary Crafts exhibition in Mesa, Arizona at the Mesa Arts Center: January 21 – March 6, 2011. Featuring Contaminated Water #1. The juror for this year's exhibition is Perry Price, Assistant Curator of Exhibitions and Collections at the Fuller Crafty Museum, Brockton, Massachusetts. Mr. Price selected 47 artworks by 37 artists out of a submission pool of 287 artworks. Visit the Mesa Arts Center web site for more information about the center and exhibitions: http://www.mesaartscenter.com/index.php/artexhibits

The Unspoken Truth about Color

The Unspoken Truth About Color: A Dialogue in Art Quilts About Racism will be at The ARC Gallery and Educational Foundation April 27 – May 22, 2011.

Opening reception will be on Friday, April 29, 2011 from 6 to 9 p.m in conjunction with the YWCA’s National Day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism.

The exhibit includes 27 diverse artists from around the county that contributed 31 pieces to the show.

http://www.arcgallery.org/

Arc Gallery, 832 W Superior St # 204, Chicago, IL 60642-6003  

Thanks.
--

Love, peace & joy,
Jeanette

 

The Unspoken Truth About Color exhibit

http://unspoken-truth-and-hope.blogspot.com/

My art:
http://afterschoolartclub.blogspot.com

SAQA at SOFA

Greetings All,
Your help is needed at the SAQA booth during SOFA and here are the hours.
Nov 5th 11am - 8 pm
Nov 6th 11 am - 8 pm
Nov 7th Noon - 6 pm
We have only 4 volunteers thus far. Please if you plan to attend give us an hour or two. Thank you in advance and you can contact me off the list if you like.
Trish Williams at handworksbytrish@yahoo.com

Caffeine IV Opening Night Slide-Show

Greetings All,

"Caffeine IV" opening night was a big hit, big crowd, and big art. The gallery owner have said that they are open to doing an all fiber show. I will talk with Gwen Jones about what we could do along those lines and we will keep you posted. The gallery is large and there were large size piece in this show so there is no limited to size. There is also parking and regular gallery hours. In the mean time enjoy my photos and I sorry that I didn't take more images of the other art. My focus was on the fiber/art quilts and friends.

SOFA - Nov 5 - 7

Greetings All,

SOFA is coming to town soon and we need volunteers for the SAQA booth. Thus far I only have 4 offers, Ramona Lindsey, Clairan Ferrono, Carolyn Abramofsky, and Trish Williams. More are needed and please email Trish Williams if you can help us out. Show hours are:

Nov 4th 7 pm - 9 pm

Nov 5th 11am - 8 pm

Nov 6th 11 am - 8 pm

Nov 7th Noon - 6 pm

SAQA Benefit Auction

SAQA Auction Benefit has started and you can view all the pieces on line at

http://picasaweb.google.com/katethemel/2010SAQABenefitAuction

Kathy Weaver at ZIA Gallery

Hello Friends,

I want to invite you to a wonderful gallery where my work is being shown, ZIA Gallery, 548 Chestnut Street, Winnetka.

On Wednesday, September 29th at 2:30 I will be giving a GALLERY TALK about my work. Anne Hughes, another artist in the 3 person exhibit, will also informally talk about her work. This is your chance to see terrific art and find out what makes us artists tick.

Enjoy a great fall afternoon at beautiful and new Zia Gallery in Winnetka's charming downtown. In the neighborhood are great restaurants, shops and a super bookstore around the corner!

Hope to see you on the 29th! Zia gallery is open weekdays and Saturdays business hours. To see the website go to http://www.ziagallery.net/

Best

Kathy

Midwest Meditations Opening Slide-Show

Greetings All,

Here is the slide show from the opening of "Midwest Meditations" at the Bloomingdale Park District Museum in Bloomingdale, IL. There is also an exhibit of SAQA 20 in the second gallery at the museum and the shows runs until October 23, 2010. Enjoy.

Caffeine IV opening.

Greetings All,
Caffeine IV opening reception is Sept 25th at Murphy Hill Gallery in Chicago, IL and there are several of members of this group that are participating in this exhibit. Mary Jo Bower, Iva Freeman, Gwen Jones, Gerry Macasai, Kathy Weaver, and Trish Williams. This is a large galley showing of 47 different artists of all types of media and if you are in the area do stop by and say hello.

Ravenswood Art Walk

Jeanette Thompson will be exhibiting at the Ravenswood Art Walk, Oct 2 & 3, 11 5 pm @ 1802 W. Berteau, second floor.
Check out my artist's bio on the link below.

http://www.ravenswoodartwalk.org/09/?page_id=1258

Fiber Artists Coalition - Some Like It Hot!

Greetings All,

Here is a slide show of the opening of Some Like It Hot. Enjoy.

FAC show Mid-West Meditations at Bloomingdale Park District Museum

My husband Brett and I hung the new FAC show at the Bloomingdale Park District  Museum in Bloomingdale IL. It was so great having him there to help me. He is so logical and practical. We measured and leveled and had the show up in 2 1/2 hours. Then we went out for sea food. Perfect afternoon with my husband. A little art, a little food, a little fun.

View Full Album

The show opening is September 19th from 2-4, I hope you can stop by, there will be wine and cheese, great art and fun conversation.

Greetings All,

"Some Like It Hot" will open this weekend at Simply Chicago Art Gallery at in Evanston, IL. Participants are Casey Puetz, Cheryl Dineen Ferrin, Shelly Brucar, Clairan Ferrono, Frieda Anderson, Kasia, Laura Wasilowski, Linda Henke, Maggie Weiss, Pat Kroth, and Trish Williams just to name a few. These are members of both SAQA IL/WI and the Fiber Artists Coalition.

Exhibit: Sept 4 - 26, 2010

Opening reception is Sept 4th from 1 - 5 pm
Simple Chicago Art
1318 Oakton, Evanston, IL 60202

Gallery hours are Saturday 11 am - 7 pm and Sunday 1 pm - 6 pm or by appointment.

This is a Fiber Artists Coalition traveling exhibit.

Meeting at Quilt Expo Madison WI

Bid in SAQA's 2010 Benefit Auction starting September 20th http://www.saqa.com/news.php?ID=1423 If you are in town for Quilt Expo in Madison, WI please join us for a SAQA meeting Thursday September 9, 2010. The show closes at 6:00 on Thursday. So head on over to The Coliseum Bar, 232 E Olin Ave, which is VERY close to the Alliant Energy Center. Click on the link to see how close: http://www.coliseumbarmadison.com/directions.php We have requested a table for 20. We would like to have enough seating for everyone. If you plan on coming send an email to Sue Jackan: jackleit@charter.net Lets meet at the bar before we proceed to our table at 7pm. Dinner will be order off the menu and each person will pay their own bill. A band will start playing at 8:30pm. We will not have a room like last year so no show and tell. Please bring your business cards to share and if you have them photos of your work. If you are in Madison Contemporary Fiber Artists, Milwaukee Art Quilts, or Professional Art Quilters Alliance and are coming to Quilt Expo you are more than welcome to join us. Warmly from WI, Lois Jarvis! Madison, WI http://www.loisjarvisquilts.com/ -----See my quilt, Ground Zero, featuring faces of people who died at the World Trade Center on 9-11-01 http://rust-tex.com/ -------------------Learn about rust dyeing http://rust-tex.blogspot.com/ --------Rust dyeing blog Thanks for organizing this Lois and Sue, Fondly your regional reps - Frieda frieda@friestyle.com Trish handworksbytrish@yahoo.com Laura laura@artfabrik.com

Clairan Ferrono - Updates

I have been interviewed about my art practice and the creative process by Carol Saller (the Subversive Copy Editor). On Monday you can read it here: http://www.subversivecopyeditor.com/blog
Several of my pieces have recently been accepted at art shows in Fredericksburg, VA, and Decatur, IL

I have two shows opening at Galleries in the Chicago area in Sept. In addition the SAQA small works auction begins Sept 20th. More details to come.

Quilt Expo Madison Wisconsin

Online registration is up and running for this great regional show. If you live in driving distance you should make a plan with your quilt buddies to come to this show. The vendors are great, the quilts are marvelous and the workshops are world class. I will be teaching three half day classes here.

Blooming Fun and two classes of Really Free Motion Machine Quilting with a new work book. I hope to see you there.

 

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 9-11

Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center

Madison, Wis.

Quilt Expo Workshops

Quilt Expo's 30 interactive, three-hour machine workshops are a great opportunity to learn, practice and master a new technique while creating an exclusive Quilt Expo project.

Register for one or more classes including topics like decorative-stitched art quilts, free-motion quilting, wearable patchwork pins, traditional feathered star blocks made easy, speedy double wedding ring blocks, illusional piecing, no-math appliqué and reversible quilting.

The event's 18 hands-on workshops include needle-turn appliqué, sashiko hand-stitching, raw-edge fusible applique, quilt pattern drafting, beading and silk painting.

An attendee at a Sit & Sew workshop.

An attendee at a hands-on workshop.

Register Online
To register online, visit the Quilt Expo website.

Register by Phone

To register by phone, call 866-297-6545.

Register by Mail

Use the convenient mail registration form on page 19 of the Quilt Expo Advance Registration Guide.

Early registration is recommended; seating is limited. Quilt Expo attendees also may check for openings at the Registration Help Desk in the lobby of the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center.

A $5 fee will be added to all phone and mail registrations.

Quilt Expo Highlights

• Juried and judged quilt contest

• Hundreds of quilts on exhibit

• National and regional vendors

• Shopping opportunities

• Educational lectures

• Sit & Sew and Hands-on workshops

• Nancy Zieman appearances

• Two evening events

• Prize drawing

An attendee shops in the vendor mall.

A volunteer docent displays the back of a quilt.

Be a Quilt Expo Volunteer

Volunteering at Quilt Expo is fun and volunteers receive free admission and parking for the day of their shift.

Docents are especially needed in the quilt exhibits.

To sign up for a three- to four-hour shift, visit the Wisconsin Public Television volunteer website.

Click Here to Follow Quilt Expo on Twitter

Receive updates and important information as it happens.

Click Here to Become a Fan of Quilt Expo on Facebook

Share your love of quilting with other like-minded enthusiasts while having access to updates, information, photos, video and more.

Milwaukee Art Museum

Yesterday a group of us gathered at the Milwaukee Art Museum to view the exhibit

American Quilts: Selections from the Winterthur Collection
May 22, 2010–September 6, 2010

We had a wonderful day. We visited the exhibit and then went outside to eat lunch at the museum cafe. We sat in the warm breeze that wafted off of Lake Michigan and visited around the table. Those in attendance were;

Judy, Sue, Kathy, Laura, Lois, Frieda, Iva, Ramona – new member who rode the train up from Chicago to meet and be with us, and Pat.

We had a great day. MAM is one of my favorite museums, the building itself is a work of art, as are it’s visitors.

After lunch we wandered over to the third ward district to walk around the galleries and fun shops that are there. When we went into the Katie Gingrass gallery we found another SAQA members work on display. Gorgeous pieces by our friend Sue Benner.

It was a wonderful day and fun was had by all.

Reminder

Bid in SAQA's 2010 Benefit Auction starting September 20th
http://www.saqa.com/news.php?ID=1423




I am re-sending this as a reminder of the upcoming trip on Saturday hope to see you all there. We will try to take a few pictures to post to the blog. If you haven't sent me any information about your self to post on our blog http://www.saqailwi.blogspot.com, I hope you will sooon.


Laura, Trish and I hope you are having a very productive summer. I hope you are finding time to visit the SAQA site and keeping up to date on all the news that is provided there.

The time is fast approaching for our third group event an outing on July 31st to the Milwaukee Art Museum to view the American Quilts: Selections from the Winterthur Collection.

Our plan is to meet Saturday July 31 at the Milwaukee Art Museum to see the American Quilts Exhibit. We will meet at the main entrance at 10 a.m., view the exhibit and gather for lunch at the Café Calatrava in the museum and again have an impropto SAQA meeting. As I remember there is a wonderful gallery region in Milwaukee and perhaps we can wander over there after the exhibit. Or if any of you WI people have a better idea please share it with us by email before the trip. We look forward to experiencing these great art outing with who ever shows up. Please mark your calendars and try to join us.

SOFA will once again be in Chicago this fall November 5-7, 2010 Festival Hall, Navy Pier. SAQA would like to have a table and needs volunteers to man the table. If you are interested please contact Trish Williams and she will set up a schedule of times for those that respond. You get in free to the show and it is well worth the trip into Chicago.

DON’T FORGET - We are organizing a show called, Material Ways, an exhibit of art work by you, our Illinois and Wisconsin regional members opening at the Fine Line in St. Charles, IL in January. The entry form and images are due September 1, 2010. You can find the entry form and guidelines in our SAQA IL/WI Yahoo files. Or it is attached with this email. Or email Laura at laura@artfabrik.com for the information.

Thank you from your hard working, or hardly working regional reps.

Frieda, Trish and Laura

13 Ways of Looking at Blackbirds

Greetings All,

"13 Ways of Looking at Blackbirds" is opening this week at the Circle of Arts in Charlevoix, Michigan and several of our SAQA IL/WI members are participating in this exhibit which runs July 17 - September 19, 2010. So if you are in the area do check out the show. Participating members are: Casey Puetz, Cheryl Dineen Ferrin, Clairan Ferrono, Frieda Anderson, BJ Parady, Laura Wasilowski, Peg Keeney, Shelley Brucar, Pat Kroth, and Trish Williams. Clairan is also the curator of this exhibit.

Pat Bishop

Pat Bishop – Fiber Rich Art – Soul Nutritious

Artist Statement - July 2010

Textiles provide a unique vehicle of interpretation with their tactile nature, vibrant color and endless variety. Instead of paint, I select fabrics to get the desired effect. The happy accidents of working in this medium give results that can be challenging and pleasingly unpredictable. I love the feel, texture, depth of color, even the smell of fabrics and the ability to lose myself in the whirr of the sewing machine.

Using cloth slows the process, which gives me the time I need to make decisions about what to do next. Although I have not had formal art training I have always had a huge interest in art and have taught myself or taken classes in different avenues of the art world. I believe it was a natural progression for me due to my history of sewing and traditional quilting to progress into creating my art with cloth. I am inspired by simplicity, the ability to achieve representation in the simplest form possible and also by artists who have done their own thing without concern for the opinions of others.

My work has evolved from traditional to realistic to abstract. In my abstract work, simplicity is used to achieve my goal. Abstract gives me freedom to manipulate components of the composition to express my own impression and representation. I am very inspired by nature, some of the best times of my life have been in nature, enjoying the birds, animals and all living things in the quiet of the woods, fields and waters. Being able to use my art to represent what I see and feel gives me the greatest satisfaction.

“Walk of the Cranes” won first place in the 2010 Secura Fine Art Show, Appleton, WI. This is the second time in the past three years that one of my pieces has won first place in the Secura Fine Art Show. I am very please and proud to have been asked to exhibit in my first solo show through the Appleton Art Center at the Gallery of American National Bank, Fox Cities. Everyone is invited to the reception July 22, 2010, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., 2200 N. Richmond Street, Appleton, WI 54911

Walk of the Cranes was inspired from a photo I took five years ago. Each morning this family of cranes would cross the yard on their search for breakfast, Mom in the lead, making sure Dad and kids are following along. (40 x 30)

View of Vernazza was taken from a photo taken by my nephew and his wife on their honeymoon a few years ago. I was inspired by the colorful buildings and thought it might make an interesting piece. (40 x 30)

She #5 is part of a series I am still pursuing. I’ve enjoyed the piecing process in a simple basic method, where things aren’t measured but “eye-balled”. Its those happy accidents that keep it exciting. I’ve taken classes from some wonderful people, one being Cynthia Corbin. She inspired me to work in this method, and I really enjoy it. She #3 is now on tour with Lois Jarvis’s Rust-Tex Collection. The whole Rust-Tex Collection can be seen at the Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair July 16-18, 2010 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, IL. Check out their website: http://www.fiberandfolk.com

Future events where the RTC can be seen in person are at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham, England Aug 20-23, 2010, the AQS shows in Des Moines, IA October 6-9, 2010, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, March 16-19, 2011 and to Australia in June of 2011.

Please check out my website and blog to see more of my work.

Thank you,

Pat Bishop

Appleton, WI

patbishop@new.rr.com

http://www.patbishop.info

http://www.patbishop.blogspot.com

Clairan - Updates

It's been really busy around here!

1) My website has been updated. HURRAY!! From "Galleries" click on
new work to see what I've been doing lately: www.fabric8tions.net

2) I have work in the HGA Conversion 2010 exhibit "Small Expressions"
in Albuquerque, NM at the Convention Center from 22-25 July.

3) The detail above is from "The Darkness Surrounds Us," a piece
commissioned by Carol Saller. It was first shown at the Gerald Ford
Presidential Library in Grand Rapids, MI, and now has been accepted at
the highly prestigious Art Quilts Lowell exhibit at the Brush Gallery,
Lowell, MA 11 August - 11 September 2010.

4) Two of my pieces will be part of an exhibit "Thirteen Ways of
Looking at a Blackbird," which I curated for my exhibiting group Fiber
Artists Coalition (FAC), at the Charlevoix Circle of Arts, Charlevoix,
MI 17 July - 19 September.

4) Another exhibit I curated for FAC, Some Like It Hot, will be at
Simply Chicago Art in Evanston, IL 4-26 September. Please join me at
the opening reception, September 4, 1-5 pm 1318 Oakton Street
Evanston, IL 60202 (847) 738-0716.

5) Several of my pieces can be seen in the exhibit Midwest Meditations
at the Bloomingdale Park District Museum, Bloomingdale, IL 11 Sept -
23 Oct. Opening reception 2-4 pm on 19 Sept.

6) One of my pieces, "Last Conversation" is in Lark Books "500 Art
Quilts." This is a beautiful book and I'm honored to be part of it.

Finally, I spent a week in Columbus, OH recently, taking a Master
Class at QSDS with Judy Hooworth. It was fantastic, I constructed 4
pieces there that I can't wait to quilt!

best,

Clairan

International Textile Biennial, "Beyond Category: Visions of Jazz In Fiber"

Greetings All,
I got notice that two of my pieces (Monk's Thang - top and Smooth Jazz Clipart - bottom) were accepted into the International Textile Biennial, "Beyond Category: Visions of Jazz In Fiber". The exhibition will be in San Jose, Costa Rica at the University of Costa Rica (Limon). The exhibit will be September 7 to October 12, 2010.

Minnesota Quilt show and conference

The Minnesota Quilt Show and Conference was held in St. Cloud this past weekend.

Despite some bad weather, it was a great show.

The Minnesota SAQA members had a special exhibit of their work, really beautiful work with lots of color and depth. Susan Stein was there so we talked shop.

My special exhibit brought a lot questions about art quilting and surface design itself: 

Is hand-dyeing hard to learn? What kind of dye should I use? That's mashed potatoes??!! It was a great experience (my first solo exhibit) and I may expand the exhibit for future venues. There are more photos of the show/exhibits at my blog:  http://blogsfromthecave.blogspot.com/

Jill Robinson/The Fiber Cave

(920) 450-3010

www.thefibercave.com

jill@thefibercave.com

We love Rosalie Baker a PAQA member

Casey Puetz

 

Blog Member: Casey Puetz

I live in Waukesha, WI and belong to several art quilt groups including SAQA, FAC (Fiber Art Coalition), MArQ (Milwaukee Art Quilters) and PAQA (Professional Art Quilt Alliance). My husband Pete rarely asks about my art related purchases and is my most loyal supporter.

Quilting gives me a chance to be creative regardless of the subject matter. My goals are to use cloth to produce something that is different from what other quilters and mixed media artists have done. What started as hemming flour sacks into dish towels on my grandmother’s treadle machine has turned into manipulating fabric and adding various embellishment possibilities.

A piece begins with either a specific or a vague idea of what the piece should convey. Fabrics, beads and ephemera are then pulled from the stockpile to achieve the desired effect. The design board is my favorite tool because it helps form the image in terms of color, surface quality and design elements. Design changes occur almost continuously throughout the life of the piece.

I believe that artists should continue to develop their skill sets. I take technique classes that are presented by nationally known teachers on a regular basis. Reading books and magazines also provide endless source of inspiration. While I like the look of hand dyed and painted fabrics, it seems that my time is spent using those yummy fabrics made by other artists – in short, I’m a user of fabric more than a maker of fabrics…but that doesn’t stop me from silk-screening or painting now and then.

Currently “Lady Audrey” is on display at the Waukesha Civic Theater. “Portals” which is at the Schauer Arts and Entertainment Center received a State Award in the Wisconsin Regional Art Program. It will be a part of the statewide competition this fall and will be eligible for a possible cash award. I am actively working on a commissioned triptych of a pair of cypress trees on the coast of California. When completed it will measure 3 ½’ H x 9 ½” and will hang in the lobby of the Waukesha Public Library.

SAQA membership has been invaluable to my continued professional growth. New friendships have been forged and new opportunities to exhibit my work have occurred. A big “Thanks” to those fellow artists who have answered many questions and demonstrated the professional behavior incumbent to members of the art world.

“Tranquility” is a piece that was made in response to a special exhibit at the Anaba Tea Room on the north side of Milwaukee. This mixed media art quilt incorporates tea-dyed batting and muslin, dyed 4x4 cotton gauze, dyed silk cocoons and painted/heat-shrunk Tyvek®.

Matisse

Yesterday a group of SAQAIL/WI members met at the Art Institute of Chicago. Laura Wasilowski, Judy Coates Perez, Gwyned Trefethen, BJ Parady, Frieda Anderson, Cheryl Steber, Pat Bishop, and Jean Phister gathered at the new Contemporary Wing Entrance to visit the Matisse Exhibit. We convened at 10:45 a.m and proceed to the exhibit. We wandered through the art wings prior to the exhibit and then enjoyed the exhibit itself.
After wards we gravitated to the cafeteria for a much needed lunch.
During lunch the conversation drifted all over the place and finally we held an informal SAQAIL/WI meeting.
Items of discussion where:
  1. A regional member show, Tentatively titled*/ Material Ways/*,
     being held at the Fine Line in St. Charles, IL opening in
     January 2011. Laura will be sending out a prospectus to all
     members soon.
  2. SOFA volunteers are needed for the fall show this year. Please
     email one of us to volunteer.
  3. Proposed a SAQA meeting in Madison at Quilt Expo in September-
     Frieda will arrange time and place.
  4. A follow button needs to be added to the SAQAIL/WI blog
  5. Having Jane Dunewold do a workshop in 2011 or 2012 in
     conjunction with PAQA.
  6. Meeting adjourned 1:39 pm.
FUN was had by all.
We missed you if you weren't there.

Frieda, Cheryl, BJ, Gwend, Jean, Pat, Laura and Judy.

Clairan Ferrono

In our on going series of featuring our members please let me introduce to you – Clairan Ferrono

Although I have done some sort of needlework my entire life, I did not recognize its importance for a long time. My education and career experience was entirely in languages and literature. I began by studying myths and writing poetry. Eventually I did a graduate degree in Comparative Literature and taught for 25 years. In 1997 I discovered art quilts, and by 2002 had become a full time studio artist by seriously deciding to commit myself to making a series and sending out images of the strongest work I was doing. At 50 years old, I had no time to waste.

For me color usually comes first. It is always an emotional and motivating force. Finding and creating patterns is next: the rhythm of things. What happens when seemingly unrelated elements come together? Patterns are both hidden and revealed. I am drawn to the dense visual surface. The tension between fore-and background mirrors one of the essential problems of city life. Bombarded by images, sound, clutter, chatter and message, how do we distinguish the important, the necessary and the real? What comes from within and what from without? What to keep, what to reject? This constant push/pull, interior and exterior, history and present, family and individual, and the resulting struggle for balance, informs my work. The quest is to create harmony amidst the chaos.

For a number of years now I have been working on a series of Windows. They continue to be an interest, as I constantly push myself to explore more deeply and work differently. I’m also asking, “what would happen if…?” Simultaneously I am working on an entirely new series which merely references windows.

I joined SAQA in 1997 because it was my professional organization. But I did not become involved until I began taking a “tour of duty” at the SAQA Booth at IQF Chicago in 2003. I met so many friendly, generous and knowledgeable women there! This quickly led to my becoming the IL/WI rep, which I did for nearly 5 years. Now I am managing curator of “Reflections” and “Sightlines.” I also enjoy working the SOFA exhibit in Chicago. I cannot stress enough the benefit to my growth as an artist, especially one who must market her own work, to the connections I have made through SAQA. I feel I have gotten out far more than I have put in!

2 Pond  Paint Box

Blue Mountain

Jean M. Judd - Minnesota textile Center

SAQA active member, Jean M. Judd, of Cushing, Wisconsin will be giving a presentation on June 28, 2010 at 6:30pm at the Minnesota Textile Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Contemporary Quilters monthly meeting at 6:30pm will feature Jean as the guest speaker. Jean will be discussing her evolution as a studio art quilter and the process of being juried into art exhibitions as well as quilt shows and exhibitions. She will be showing some of her art quilts that have been traveling in exhibitions.

For more information on the Minnesota Textile Center or the Minnesota Contemporary Quilters:
Textile Center - http://www.minnesotacontemporaryquilters.net/ or
http://.www.textilecentermn.org/
3000 Southeast University Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55414-3357
(612) 436-0464

Kasia

Greetings! My name is Kasia (pronounced: kaa sha). I am a comtemporary fiber artist born and raised the oldest of seven siblings in the Midwest. I attempt to live by the philosophy of God first, Family second, and Career third, sometimes struggling to keep the balance. I married and spent a lifetime building a loving family. Our son and daughter, together with their spouses have given us four beautiful grandchildren who are the light of my life. I currently reside in Delafield, WI with my husband of forty years. We are entering a new stage of life with his “retirement” lurking in the not too distant future.




Having been taught the basic sewing techniques by my mother at a very young age, my sewing machine has always been a trusted friend and an important part of my life. At one point, I worked in a quilt store where I taught garment construction and wearable art technique classes. Subsequently, while attending a quilt festival, the idea of sewing as art came into my awarness. I then found the opportunity to take classes with artist/teacher David Walker who had a profound effect on my self esteem and a fiber artist was born. I believe that rich colors have an energy that heals the inner spirit. I also believe that my technical ability to work with fabric and thread is a gift. Inspiration comes from the muse who works with the color, texture, and sheen of unusual fabrics and shiny metallic threads as each piece evolves on its own.



LoveLights© emerged from a deep longing to share my gifts after surviving a critical illness. Inspiration revealed that “Colorful Art lifts the Spirit!” and I began to notice circles (mandalas) everywhere I looked. Over the course of the past decade, I have experimented with style, fabric, color, and technique while studying Mandalas, (a Sanskrit word that simpy means circle) to develope my “voice” as an artist. Names and words dance in circular moton in personalized, illuminated mandalas that I call ‘LoveLights’©. You may view a portion of my portfolio at: www.KasiasStudio.com. It is my prayer that you will be blessed by the work of my hands.



The excitement is building for the upcoming, 'Kasia's LoveLights' exhibit. Opening night gala is Friday, June 18th, 6-8pm. The Envision Gallery is located inside Flourish Studios, 3020 N. Lincoln, Chicago, Illinois 60657. The exhibit will be a retrospective taken from the past few years. This is when the 'LoveLights' really found their form with the hidden names and words designs. 'LoveLights' (personalized mandalas) are being collected from private collections for this exclusive exhibit. I am also busy creating new pieces that will be seen for the first time on opening night. 'Transformation' is the inspiration for some of these new works. Several pieces will be available for purchase. The exhibit will run from June 18th thru July 17th, 2010.

One Foot Square Art Exhibit-Stephanie Nodlin

Greetings All,

Stephanie Nordlin has a piece in the "One Foot Square Art Exhibit" at the Galaxie, 2603 W. Barry St, Chicago, IL. The opening reception is May 15,2010 from 7 - 10 pm. Regular hours: M - F 12 - 9 pm. The show runs until June 6th and I hope that you can join Stephanie at the opening.

Jean Judd

What influences my art?


By Jean Judd

I’m not sure that my likes or dislikes in design or art influences what I create for my own textile artwork. As I was working at my sewing machine last week, the thought of what else to write for a last guest blog entry struck me and this topic came to mind. As I continued sewing for the next 2 hours, I jotted down the following “things” that popped into my head. These appeal to me and draw me in.

Duesenberg, Auburn, and Packard vehicles from the 1910s to 1930s – the elite cars for elite people and designed with style and sophistication in mind.

Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie Style homes (especially the glass windows he used and the wood), Tiffany stained glass (I really enjoy the permanent Stained Glass exhibit on Navy Pier in Chicago).

I enjoy the optical designs of M.C. Escher and think how wonderful some of them would be translated into fabric (mostly stitching lines I think).

When I was in Europe in 2008, the OLD architecture just blew me away. I could have spent hours just looking at the cathedral in Cologne, Germany; an absolute masterpiece in craftsmanship, design, and grandeur for sure. I also loved all the churches and old castles that we toured even with the 2 or 3 hour walks to get to some of them. Loved the high ceilings and potential for design walls and the tapestries covering some of those walls were just spectacular.

Mosaics, tile work, Oriental wood cuts, architecture, and drawings also appeal to me. The flow and discoveries to be found intrigue me. I think the attraction to simplicity and Oriental art in general comes from the 5 years we lived in Japan in the 1980s BQ (Before Quilting).

After an all too brief of a tour of the Louvre in Paris (only 3 hours), I found myself attracted to the Old World Masters in sculpture and paintings – DaVinci, Monet, Delacroix to name a few. Also set me up for having to go back to visit again.

As I reread what I have written, most of my influences come from history and old art. I readily admit that when I have been at the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) in NYC, that some of it I just didn’t get how it was/is art. The pie plate nailed to the wall, the flattened Wheaties box layered over cardboard boxes and then nailed to the wall.

I look forward to reading other IL/WI members blog entries and seeing their work, thoughts, and influences. Thanks for your time and see you along the path on this journey we are all on – following our own muse and forging our own path to our vision of success.

Mesa Art Center 31st Annual Contemporary Crafts Exhibition

Mesa Art Center 31^st Annual Contemporary Crafts Exhibition

The Mesa Arts Center 31^st Annual Contemporary Crafts exhibition from January 22, 2010 through March 14, 2010 in Mesa, Arizona. Jean’s textile artwork, Scribble #2 (Black Pathways) was juried into this prestigious exhibition. This piece was one of three art quilts selected for the exhibition.

Eligible work included ceramics, fibers, basketry, metals, wood, glass, jewelry, papermaking and book art. Forty-Two artists from 18 states were selected to be included in the exhibition by gallery owner, Jane Sauer of Santa Fe, New Mexico. In Ms Sauer’s juror’s statement, she is quoted as saying: “From a field of 425 objects submitted I had the task of selecting 45-52 pieces depending on size. After six rounds of elimination, there was an exhibit of 118 objects. It was such a rich field of entrees that the reduction of pieces was very, very difficult.” The final exhibition included 48 pieces.

Textile artwork by Gillette, WY artist Joan Sowada entitled Mainstream USA and Dominie Nash’s (Bethesda, MD) piece Stills from a Life 29 were the other two art quilts featured. Note Dominie’s piece behind me in this photo on the left.

My husband, Danny, and I were able to attend the Artist Reception (6-8pm) as well as the Members Only reception (5-6pm) on January 22, 2010. In spite of the heavy rain and flooding that was occurring that day, over 500 people attended the receptions that evening. Many artists were on hand for discussions with patrons about their artwork. Neither Dominie nor Joan were in attendance as far as I could tell, as their name tags were unclaimed.

I was very impressed with the selection of artworks included. It was a very diverse and exciting display. Plenty of white space between artworks on the wall and items on pedestals were not crowded or not properly lit. The three art quilts were all on separate walls and I thought displayed beautifully. That is me in the “blend into the background” bright orange dress. Not sure what I was thinking when I packed that dress for the reception.

A four piece Latin Jazz band provided musical entertainment during the reception, and there were three other exhibitions happening in the other gallery spaces for collectors and patrons to view. One of the exhibitions included a photo exhibition by internationally known photographer Paul Nicklen, entitled Polar Obsession funded by National Geographic. An exhibition by bead artist Teresa Sullivan was in the adjacent gallery room and included a video and some very interesting installation pieces.

The time just flew by and as the evening progresses, I became more comfortable. Not many of the artists in attendance stood by their artwork. My husband herded me over by mine a few times, but I felt a bit uncomfortable doing that. For me, it felt better to circulate and I had more opportunity to talk to patrons and other artists this way.

I met a wonderful fiber artist, Dona Anderson (back to camera), from Seattle, Washington who uses reeds wrapped in dress pattern paper to make abstract sculptures. She acquires the old patterns from garage sales, thrift shops, etc. I talked to her about gallery representation (she is represented by GrottaBrown in Wilton, CT) and how successful that has been for her.