Dispatch from the Future by Kathy Weaver

Greetings All,
On Sunday afternoon I went to the artist reception and gallery talk of Kathy Weaver, "Dispatch from the Future" at the Kreztmann Art Gallery, Concordia University, River Forest, IL. Kathy is one of my favorite artists, plus love gallery director BettyAnn Mocek. Kathy work is not a subject matter that I’m drawn to normally, but maybe it’s because I one of those boomers that was grew up on “Lost In Space, Start Trek and Flash Gordon” and if find that I'm a fan.


Any who, and I do like “Dr Who” also; I love Kathy’s work and her technique which is mostly air-brushed and somewhere in my mind I would like to try that. Kathy also incorporates hand stitching and hand embroidery which are traditional in her very futurist work. She grew up in Lancaster, PA and that's very much quilt country and traditional. Enjoy the slidshow ;>)

13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbirds - update.

Greetings All,
"13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbirds" has been included in a publication by Martha Sielman, "Art Quilt Portfolio: The Natural World: Profiles of Major Artists, Galleries of Inspiring Works" This book is due out April 3, 2012 and for more info check the link at http://www.amazon.com/Art-Quilt-Portfolio-Galleries-Inspiring/dp/1600599281/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331992601&sr=8-1



I have fallen in love with the sitings of blackbirds around the city lately and now this exhibit by FAC will be publish for all those that can make it to the exhibitions can enjoy thanks to Martha, the executive director of the world's largest art quilt organization SAQA. "Each entry celebrates one of the themes that quilters love best" and in FAC case it's the poem by Wallace Stevens. What an honor.

Where Two or More... by Trish Williams

13 Ways is currently on exhibit at the American craft Council office in Minneapolis, MN until April 30,2012.

Piece of the week/13 Blackbirds

Greetings All,
I keep running across "Blackbirds" since I've been a part of the FAC exhibit of Blackbirds. I see them everywhere and I hear them calling to one another. I've even read about them in bible class in Genesis "6 So it came to pass, at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made. 7 Then he sent out a raven, which kept going to and fro until the waters had dried up from the earth." Genesis 8:6-7 NKJV

After reading about Noah and posting the current info about the exhibit of FAC/Blackbirds I had to add a blackbird to another one of my pieces "Meditation-II". I know now that I needed to do or more too thirteen pieces.

Crows are seen by some Native Americans as the left-handed guardian and keeper of the sacred law. I like this definition and that is my focus with my pieces. I hope that you enjoy my update:>)

100 Artists Living In The Midwest

Greeting All,

Here is the description of a new book that will be coming out later mid-year and I'm one of the 100. "This expansive book takes a fresh look at 100 living artists from the Midwest, their personal stories and inspirations, along with several examples of their works. A wealth of urban settings, wide plains, flourishing cities, rushing rivers, and placid lakes are source material and inspiration for the artists. These works show how each artist interprets life. They explore the richness of the homegrown imagery of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin – their culture, society, and environment. They are delineating our stories for future generations in oil, pastels, sculpture, and other media. Their works are displayed in over 600 full color images. This book is essential for all who appreciate or practice art today".

This book will be available by May 2010 and you can check Schiffer Books website for more info or check out Amazon to pre-order at: http://www.amazon.com/100-Artists-Midwest-Minnesota-Wisconsin/dp/0764341057/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327850147&sr=1-1

Journey of Hope in America: Quilts Inspired by President Barack Obama

Greetings All,
I don't know how I let this one get by me and it's in my hometown.
Journey of Hope in America: Quilts Inspired by President Barack Obama dissects the milestone historic and momentous occasion in American history- the election of an African American man as commander in chief of the most powerful nation on earth. The Journey of Hope will bring to broad audiences a collection of power quilts from a wide range of quilting styles. Art quilts, folk art quilts and traditional quilts are included in this exhibit. Each of the works serves to educate the viewing public about the historic significance of the presidential election of 2008. No other art form is so closely identified with the American culture as quilt making. The exhibition of 90 quilts from some of America’s best-known fiber artists such as Adrienne Cruz, Peggie Hartwell, Sandra German, Sylvia Hernandez, Deborah Lacativa, Viola Burley Leak, Susan Shie, Penny Sisto, Jim Smoote and Adrienne Yorinks.

Article in WGNRadio…

“The exhibit is a tremendous achievement and was so well-received by a very (racially) diverse audience. Most people saw it as we saw it: not about politics, but history.”

Organized by the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center, Curated by Carolyn Mazloomi.

January 16 thru May 9th
DuSable Museum
740 East 56th Place
Chicago, Illinois 60637

Lynch Quilt Project/Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference

Greetings All,

My friend LaShawnda Crowe Strom of the Lynch Quilt Project asked me to past this information on. Her Name was Laura Nelson, the first quilt in The Lynch Quilts Project will be on exhibition in Chicago February 7-8, 2012 at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference (http://prophet.sdpconference.info/)


The Conference this year will be held at the Drake Hotel located at
140 E Walton St
Chicago, Illinois 60611
(312) 787-2200

The quilt will be on display on Tuesday, February 7th from 10 AM - 6 PM and again from 8-10 PM (possible) and Wednesday, February from 9 AM - 6 PM.

Also, feel free to spread the word among others to stop by and see the quilt. I'll send out a formal announcement in the next day or so.

LaShawnda

The piece below (Miss Laura Fruit Tree) I created in honor of Laura Nelson once LaShawnda had introduce me to her and her family.

FAC - 13 Ways - Update

Greetings All,
Here is a look at 13 Ways Of Looking At Blackbirds current exhibit at Waukesha Civic Theater Gallery. I love the color of the walls with the display of the work. Waukesha Civic TheatrePerforming in the Margaret Brate Bryant Civic Theatre Building 264 West Main Street, Waukesha, WI 53186 - John Cramer, Managing Artistic Director Business Office: 262.547.4911 - Box Office: 262.547.0708 - Fax: 262-547-8454




















The Fiber Artists Coalition is made up of Professional Artist Members of Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) from the upper Midwest. 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 thirteen members whose works are included in this show are Astrid Hilger Bennett, Pat Bishop, Kathie Briggs, Shelley Brucar, Cheryl Dineen Ferrin, Clairan Ferrono, Kasia, Peg Keeney, Pat Kroth, Casey Puetz, Joan Potter Thomas, Laura Wasilowski, and Trish Williams.