I was invited to show 5 pieces of my narrative work in the summer exhibit at the Petaluma Arts Center, June 11-July 23, 2022 . The Arts Center is located in the former baggage room of the Petaluma Train Station (now the SMART downtown station); 230 Lakeville Street, Petaluma, CA. Hours: Friday and Saturday, 12-4 pm. Opening reception: Saturday, June 11, 5:30-7:30 pm.
Common Threads: Art & Fiber curated by Carole Barlas, Irma Vega Bijou and Llisa Demetrios, includes some of the early history of Ida Belle McNear and the nearby former silk mill; with examples of the range of plant and animal fibers locally available like cotton, flax and tencel to wool, silk, alpaca and angora. Also included are many of the spinning and weaving tools that take a fleece to garment; as well as art and wearables made from these fibers.
The curators statement: “As we spoke to the artists about their art works, there was a passion, joy and enthusiasm for what each could make with fibers. The possibilities were endless from functional to decorative, from practical to artistic, and from utilitarian to playful. They are all very hands-on as they work. Some work by hand every step of the process of taking the fleece or fiber to the finished piece. The artists would often iterate on an idea. There was a boundless, endless curiosity of each artist about what fibers could do.”
My works in this exhibit are Defining Moments 1: Maternal Grandparents, Defining Moments 2: Paternal Grandparents, Defining Moments 5: Handcraft Heritage (detail of which was used on the postcard, far right), Defining Moments 18: Inner Growth, and Wisdom Gatherers: Dorothy, 94 chronicling the life and wisdom of my own beloved elder.
It looks to be a dynamic show. Go see it if you can!
How I would love to see this. It seems to be a tribute to those who went before us in the development of all things fiber.