Hand Works by Trish Williams

100 Living Artists From The Midwest

2012-01-26T19:16:00.005-06:00

Greeting All,

Here is the description of a new book that will be coming out later mid-year and I'm on 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.

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

2012-01-20T06:30:00.004-06:00

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

2012-01-19T04:00:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-13T07:39:00.011-06:00

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.

Pieces of the Week

2012-01-11T08:55:00.014-06:00

Greetings All,

My friend Pam of Zuri Quilters in Nashville, TN has created another one of her lovely garments. This time it a cape (below) and I love her selection of fabrics. She has not sent me images of the finished project yet, but I will post when I get them.

My latest piece is another update of an old piece that I thought needed some embellishment due to the current political climate. The piece is titled "Change" and the more things change, the more they stay the same;-)

FAC 13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird

2012-01-07T17:15:00.007-06:00

Greetings All,

Waukesha Civic Theater Gallery hosts 13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird, based on a poem of the same name by Wallace Stevens. The exhibit includes thirteen art quilts by twelve members of the Fiber Artists Coalition and runs January 10th thru February 20, 2012. The address is 264 W. Main Street, Waukesha, WI 53186 and phone number is 262-547-0708 for more information.

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 twelve members whose works are included in this show are Astrid Hilger Bennett, Kathie Briggs, Shelley Brucar, Cheryl Dineen Ferrin, Clairan Ferrono, Kasia, Peg Keeney, Pat Kroth, Casey Puetz, Joan Potter Thomas, Laura Wasilowski, and Trish Williams.

Where Two or More... by Trish Williams

Piece of the Week.

2012-01-05T08:04:00.017-06:00

Greetings All,
Sorry that I'm so late with wishing you all Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year, but better late than never. I hope/pray that all is well and that you all had a great holiday season and will have a grand new year.

This is my latest addition. I created a dashiki for a friend out of some wonderful African Wax print fabric that he had given me that belong to his mother. I'm sorry that I didn't have my camera with me to take his picture with it on when I presented it to him, he looked so royal and I am so very honored to call him friend.

Below is an older piece that I had created back in 2007 called "Sky Light" that I just recently updated. I have found that from time to time I've taken pieces that I thought that were finished and enhanced them by adding elements and in this case it's the soring bird and a few more branches. I love it even more.

"Cash Crop" Exhibit by Stephen Hayes

2011-12-28T00:00:00.002-06:00

Greetings All,
I love this youngman's story and art and had to share it. I hope that you will feel the same.

Stephen Hayes, A Native of Durham, North Carolina has been working at some form of artistic expression his entire life. He earned a BFA from North Carolina Central University as well as an MFA from Savannah College of Art and Design. His exhibition, Cash Crop, is comprised of fifteen life-size relief sculptures of former slaves that serve as a symbolic representation of the fifteen million Africans imported to the New World from 1540 to 1850

Kwanzza Celebration

2011-12-27T08:14:00.003-06:00

Greetings All,
Kwanzaa Celebration Ife Felix in conversation with Faith Ringgold Dec 29, 2011 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Faith Ringgold's Bearden We Love You (above), 2011 Courtesy ACA Galleries, New York .

As we kick-off a series of community quilting workshops during Target Free Sundays, join quilt and fiber artist Ife Felix in conversation with Faith Ringgold as they explore the history and significance of quilting as a collaborative activity. In celebration of the Kwanzaa principal Kuumba, which means creativity, we invite you to participate in the creation of a community quilt.

In January, artist Ife Felix will lead a series of quilting workshops, during which you can contribute to the quilt. Interested in participating? Here's what to do: - Select a 5x7" fabric swatch that represents you, your family, or your community - Enclose the swatch in a Ziploc bag with an index card listing the following information: •Your name •A phone number and/or email address at which you can be reached •One or two sentences about the fabric swatch you chose, and how it represents your community. You can deliver your fabric submission in person to the Studio Museum's lobby desk Sunday-Wednesday, 10am-6pm, or Thursday-Friday 10am-9pm.

You may also mail your fabric submission to: The Studio Museum in Harlem c/o Education Department 144 W125th Street New York, New York 10027

We will be accepting submissions for the next two weeks (Monday, December 12th to Friday, December 31st, 2011), so be sure to drop off or mail your fabric swatch as soon as you can. We look forward to receiving your fabric swatches and thank you for sharing with us!

CCNY 1st Cultural Arts Arward - Faith Ringgold - 2011

2011-12-26T17:08:00.004-06:00

Greetings All,
Faith Ringgold to Receive CCNY’s First Cultural Arts Award Artist, CCNY Alumna to be Honored October 6 with Ceremony, Quilt Exhibit Faith Ringgold, renowned artist, author and quilt maker to be honored by CCNY.

Faith Ringgold, the renowned artist, author and quilt maker has been selected to receive The City College of New York’s First Annual Cultural Arts Award. An alumna of City College, she will be honored at a ceremony Thursday, October 6, at CCNY’s Aaron Davis Hall Center for the Performing and Visual Arts.

Ms. Ringgold is the first recipient of the award, which recognizes those who have made substantial contributions to the world through the cultural arts including visual, literary, music, performance and community. It has been introduced by City College President Dr. Lisa S. Coico to strengthen the bonds between the institution and the community at large through the arts. Ms. Ringgold is a Harlem native.

“The City College is immensely proud to be honoring one of its own, an internationally acclaimed artist, writer and activist who has touched many around the world,” said President Coico. “Faith Ringgold is a uniquely talented woman in whom her Alma Mater continues to rejoice.”

A commemorative quilt exhibition “In Honor of Faith Ringgold,” in the Aaron Davis Hall Gallery is a free and open to the public. Curated by Dr. Myrah Brown Green, a master quilter who is also executive director of art and culture at CCNY, who described Ms. Ringgold as an artist of uncommon ability and an inspiration to generations of artists. “She has excelled in the various art forms that she’s pursued, earning recognition worldwide. It is our privilege here at The City College to celebrate her life and accomplishments.” Below is a slide-show of the quilts. Enjoy;-)

2011-12-25T10:30:00.007-06:00

Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings to All. I just want to say that I appreciate your stopping by my blog and checking me out. See you in the New Year and much love.
Trish Williams

Pieces of the Week (Oct/Nov/Dec).

2011-12-10T08:01:00.010-06:00

Greetings All,
Sorry it's been a while since I posted any "Pieces of the Week", here are a couple. Last week I completed a small piece that was inspired by some fabrics that were given to me by my friend Judy Coats Perez. I love the hand-dyed nylon/cotton background fabric and the bottom part of this piece was already pieced and in the bag of goodies. So a new piece was created titled "The Shadow of a Man" and I think that a new series will be born:-)
I created a long duster type coat (below) of purples for "Purple Nancy" down in the Carolina's in October and I hope that she's enjoying it as much as I did in creating it. I know that I must create one for myself. Flow on Purple Nancy.

For November I covered an old chair and made a table topper for a friend who was creating a scared space for her participants in a project that she's volunteering in for ex-offenders and since purple represents the highest form of spirituality and I had some upholstery fabric that another friend had given me I used it in this project. Thank you Michele Hardman.

So I have been busy, but not posting and I do hope/pray that you all will have a great/safe holiday.

Fabric Artist/Art Quilter Ramona Linsdey

2011-11-17T07:08:00.004-06:00

Greetings All,
Fabric artist/art quilter Ramona Lindsey has been very busy with her new career as a fabric artist/art quilter. Getting laid-off from Chicago Public Schools as a teacher was the best thing to jump start her life as an artist. Since September of this year, she has hosted a solo exhibit, been a semi-finalist in a national fine art competition, been selected for the SAQA IL/WI Stitches in Science exhibit, lectured & presented at the Fine Art of Fiber, and been selected to participate in Columbia College's Teaching Artist Development Studio.

The competition was sponsored by the A.R.I.S.E. Entrepreneur Program. The program required each participant to attend 7 weekly classes and complete a detailed business plan with financials and marketing plan during the same 7 week period. At the end of the 7 weeks each business was required to set-up an exhibit at a business expo with approximately 3000 attendees. Their plans and exhibits were judged by a panel.

She was the only visual artist competing out of a group of about 65 small businesses. So you know she was also the only fabric artist. People in her class knew nothing about art quilting and very little about quilting in general. Well, she's proud to announce that she was the first place winner of the A.R.I.S.E. Entrepreneur Program. She received a prize valued at over $10,000 which included cash and professional services to support her fabric art business. One goal of her business is to continue her efforts to elevate fabric art into the realm of fine art. I believe this award is the first in many steps towards achieving that goal.
I'm so very proud to know her and look forward to her advancement. For more information you can check our her website at www.ramonadlindseyartist.com

Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts

2011-11-11T07:17:00.011-06:00

Greetings All,
Here's a video interview of Shelley Brucar at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts about the exhibits of FAC members. Thank you Shelley for doing such a great job.
Enjoy;-)

FAC at the Schaumburg Prairie Center

2011-10-19T05:07:00.008-05:00

Greetings All,

FIBER ARTISTS COALITION presents two traveling exhibits, “Some Like It Hot” and “13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird” at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, IL. The show runs November 1 through November 27. Fiber Artists Coalition is a group of Midwestern textile artists who are also professional artist members of Studio Art Quilt Associates. These artists have joined together to promote the art quilt by bringing this exciting art form to the public through traveling art exhibits.

The works of Fiber Artists Coalition are not bed quilts, but art works created from commercial fabrics as well as many uniquely designed fabrics. Some of the techniques FAC members use are: dyeing, painting, stamping, printing, batik, shibori, discharge, embellishment, collage, and assemblage. Most of their works are hand or machine stitched, adding additional texture and design.

Fiber is organic, and fiber art is vibrant, alive, warm and inviting. You are invited to share the artists’ enthusiasm for this unique medium. For more information: Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, 847-895-3600.

Chicago Artists Month-2011

2011-10-11T19:18:00.010-05:00

Greetings All,
Please mark your calendar and join us in celebration Switching Station Artist Lofts presents 8th Annual Open House / Open Studios
Saturday & Sunday, October 15-16, 2011 12:00-6:00pm

Artists at Switching Station Artist Lofts open their doors to the public only once a year in October. Easy to find near the Garfield Park Conservatory, we are proud to be in an area that is quickly becoming a hotspot for art and artists. Join us in celebrating the uniqueness of our artists and our space, a former telephone switching station and school, redesigned by Artspace of Minneapolis. Visit open studios, exhibits, and performances in this artist live/work community, which supports painting, photography, book & paper arts, printmaking, sculpture, installation, multi-media, spoken-word, theatre, dance and music. We are a growing resource for collectors, designers, corporations and home owners. Come see what all the excitement is about. Admission is free.

Switching Station Artist Lofts is a proud participant in the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s special event, openhousechicago.

SSAL 8th Annual Open House / Open Studios is part of Chicago Artists Month 2011, the sixteenth annual celebration of Chicago’s vibrant visual art community presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture.

For more information, visit www.openhousechicago.org and http://www.chicagoartistsmonth.org/.

******************* East Garfield Park Art Walk*******************

We participate in the East Garfield Park Art Walk, which offers the public access to artists’ private home studios, repurposed industrial buildings and avenues of art. Start at Switching Station Artist Lofts for a self-guided tour. Admission is free!

Switching Station Artist Lofts 15 S. Homan (Homan at Madison)
Albany Carroll Open Studios 319 N. Albany
West Carroll Open Studios 3200 W. Carroll
Andrea Jablonski 3310 W. Carroll
3311 Carroll Artist Building 3311 W. Carroll
Art on the Boulevards Franklin Blvd. from Sacramento to Central Park
Gold Dome, Garfield Park 100 S. Central Park [sculpture on the lawn]
Plus numerous community murals and installations throughout the area.

Sheldon - Ties Than Bind: Art Quilts - Video

2011-10-02T16:08:00.002-05:00

Greetings All,
Here is a video of the exhibit at the Sheldon and I hope that you enjoy it and if you are in the area do go see the exhibit. Enjoy:-)

Sheldon The Ties That Bind: Art Quilts from Dickson Beall on Vimeo.

1st Cultural Arts Awards Ceremony honoring Faith Ringgold

2011-09-26T07:37:00.008-05:00

The Keeper of the City.

Greetings All,
My piece (The Keeper of the City-above) Will be a part of an exhibit at The City College of New York Office of Government and Community Affairs Presents the 1st Annual Cultural Arts Awards Ceremony honoring Faith Ringgold, author, fine artist, quilt maker and CCNY Alumna on Thursday October 6, 2011 at Aaron Davis Hall Center for the Performing and Visual Arts West 135th Street at Convent Avenue, New York, NY

A commemorative quilt exhibition curated by Dr. Myrah Brown Green
featuring quilters from across North America opens with a reception at 5:00 pm in the Aaron Davis Hall Gallery. Award ceremony immediately follows at 6:30 pm in the Marian Anderson Theatre. Quilt show closes December 1, 2011. Special presentation of bronze sculpture designed by master sculptor Otto Neals in honor of Ms. Ringgold.
Music by “Rafik and Friends” featuring CCNY student, Charnae Betton.

Featured Quilt Artists:
Gwen Aqui
Carol Beck
Sherry Boram
Bisa Butler
Marion Coleman
Carolyn Crump
Adrienne Cruz
Ife Felix
L’Merchie Frazier
Marjorie Freeman
Carole Harris
Laura Gadson
Sylvia Hernandez
Peggie Hartwell
Sonji Hunt
Shani Jamila
Jacqueline Johnson
Arlene Kweli Jones
Viola Burley Leak
Cynthia Lockhart
Carolyn L. Mazloomi
Dindga McCannon
Sherry Whetstone McCall
Pixil Ladies Deb Cashatt & Kris Sazaki
Susan Sato
Latifah Shakir
Carole Staples
Rita Strickland
Valerie White
Trish Williams
Sauda Zahra

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Myrah Brown Green
mbgreen@ccny.cuny.edu
P: 212-650-5361 F: 212-650-6415
FREE Event

The Lynch Quilts Project

2011-09-18T06:57:00.003-05:00

Greetings All,
Help heal America's racial past and its contemporary effects, join with individuals of all backgrounds from across the country (international too!) and sew with The Lynch Quilts Project. The Lynch Quilts Project, is a community-based art work which explores the history and ramifications of racial violence, specifically lynching in the United States, through the textile tradition of quilting. At the core of this project, is a healing ritual, which DEPENDS UPON the hands of the community to help reclaim and heal this history. As such, the Project must be realized through the efforts of many hands and many hearts. So please, help us fight old hidden intolerance and heal these historical and contemporary wounds in America's side. For more information on how to participate, please visit www.TheLynchQuiltsProject.com

LaShawnda Crowe Storm

Moving On Update.

2011-09-15T08:36:00.006-05:00

Greetings All,

I'm moving on uo to the east-side of Garfield Park and I've been busy packing, throwing away and giving away. It has been a long haul, but I lost my home to foreclosure, and I'm moving to the "Switching Station Artist Lofts". My new space is all about arts, actors, dancers, musician, painters, writers, etc. Creativity flows throughout and I'm excited about the possibilities of where this part of the my journey called life is going to take me.

In 1999, the City of Chicago invited Artspace to determine the merits of a potential live/work project in the Garfield Park neighborhood on the city's West Side. The focus of the investigation was the Roentgen School, built in 1906 as a telephone switching station. With its high ceilings, large windows, and central courtyard, the Roentgen was an ideal candidate for Artspace's first Chicago project.

Four years and $5.3 million later, the Roentgen School reopened as the Switching Station Artist Lofts. The building wraps entirely around its paved courtyard, which serves residents as a private gathering place and a safe play area for children. Other amenities include off-street parking, a fenced-in play area on the building's sunny south side, and a lower level suitable for meetings and other events. Apartments on the building's upper floors afford fine views of Garfield Park to the north and the downtown Chicago skyline to the east.

Innovation in Textiles - 9

2011-08-24T21:24:00.009-05:00

Greetings All,
Here's an update on coming exhibits. Save Darfur (below left) and Where Dancers Go (right) are a part of an exhibit that will be at the Sheldon Gallery in St. Louis, MO as a part of The Ties that Bind: Art Quilts by Members of the Fiber Artists Coalition
September 16 – December 3, 2011.

This exhibition presents a selection of quilted works by members of the Fiber Artists Coalition, in conjunction with the citywide biennial Innovations in Textiles celebration, now in its 9th year.

Included in the exhibition are works by Pat Bishop, Kathie Briggs, Jennifer Conrad, Clairan Ferrono, Linda Witte Henke, Kasia, Peg Keeney, Pat Kroth, Edna Patterson-Petty, Casey Puetz, Gwyned Trefethen, Laura Wasilowski, Maggie Weiss and yours truely Trish Williams.

Innovations in Textiles is a citywide, collaborative event in St. Louis, MO, that investigates the state of contemporary textile arts.

Hot Jazz update

2011-08-01T18:48:00.006-05:00

Greetings All,
Here's number 3 in the Hot Jazz series from my resent play-date. I love silhouettes and I can't say that enough. I love the simplicity of these pieces and the colors and I hope that you do too. Now I'm off to make quilt sandwiches so that when time will permit I will be ready to complete the process as I listen to some cool/hot jazz while working.

Updates.

2011-07-31T06:54:00.003-05:00

Greetings All,
Today I had a play-date with members of the "Sew What Art Quilters" (suburban chapter) and we met in Naperville, IL for fun/lunch. We had so much fun that I forgot to take pictures.

However I do have photos of the work that I did. I over painted some fabrics that I had dyed a while back using freezer paper to create the silhouettes and I got this idea from another fabulous Yasmin Sabur. I used freezer paper the last time that we met, but in a diffrent way and there is one more piece in this series and then we shall move on. Enjoy;-)

Lunch was served on the deck overlooking a beautiful garden and I didn't take any pictures of it either. But the food was good and there was a wonderful zucchini bread for dessert and I didn't take any pictures of that as well. I was not in a good picture mode, but I had a great time.

Piece of the Week - Bronze Beauty

2011-07-26T08:52:00.007-05:00

Greetings All,

Here's the other jacket in this trio and titled "The Bronze Beauty". It was washed to create a more distress/raveled look and I like it so much, I washed the other two. I love raw-edged applique, fraying, and the softness that washing adds these garments or quilts. Plus you don't have to iron it if you don't want to, just wash, dry, and wear.

I have enough red chiffon to create another, but this first group are on their way down state to see how they are receive.

Pieces of the Weeks

2011-07-23T20:26:00.009-05:00

Greetings All,
The Rhapsody in Blues jacket (below) was the piece of this week and it was created along with others as a challenge to myself. Some one asked me if I ever made lighter weight jacket and my reply was no. I saw that as a call to create and I love strip piecing, so off I went to my stash to see what I could see. The fabrics included are my hand dyed cotton, gifted fabrics and purchased yard goods.

Below my "Crimsons Tide" jacket was created last week and it is the first in this series. Yes I do know that I there are other colors involved, but the overall color dictated the names. The jackets are foundation piece onto chiffon and this point I can't conceive of pockets, but I'm working on it. The jackets are created in the kimono style because I wanted them to flow as the wearer moves.

13 Ways to View a Blackbird

2011-07-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

Greetings All,
The Northville Art House is pleased to present “13 Ways to View a Blackbird" an art quilt show featuring of work by artists from across the midwest that are members of the Fiber Artist Coalition. Inspired by the Wallace Stevens’ poem with the same name, the exhibit “13 Ways to View a Blackbird” is a vibrant and thought provoking collection by the Fiber Artists Coalition, a group of professional artists from the upper midwestern United States.

Opening reception at the Northville Art House is Friday - August, 2011 from 6 - 9 pm.

215 W. Cady Street, Northville, MI 48167

Exhibition runs through August 27, 2011. The gallery hours are 1:00 - 5:00 pm Wednesday - Saturday.

Remarkable Women Show - Peltz Gallery

2011-07-21T12:00:00.004-05:00

Greetings All,
You are invited to the Peltz Gallery 21st Annual “Remarkable Women Show” 2011
Paintings, collage, original prints, quilts & small sculpture by more than 40 women artists.

Amy Arntson, Suzanne Caporael, Squeak Carnwath, Allison B. Cooke, Joeann Daley, Lesley Dill, Lee Ann Garrison, Chrystal Denise Gillon, Michele Gutierrez, Sharon Kerry-Harlan, Martha Hayden, Peregrine Honig, Sonji Hunt, Jayne Reid Jackson, Anne Kingsbury, Kay Knight, Karen Kunc, Diane Levesque, Hung Liu, Barbara Manger, Jiha Moon, Frances Myers, Amy Newell, Gladys Nilsson, Judy Pfaff, Linda Plotkin, JoAnna Poehlmann, Marilyn Propp, Glenda Puhek, Carol S. Pylant, Kathleen Raash, Alison Saar, Stephanie C. Selle, Hollis Sigler, Cheryl Olson-Sklar, Jeanette Pasin Sloan, Barbara Kohl Spiro, Christine Style, Evelyn Patricia Terry,Leslie Vansen, Kara Walker, Della Wells, Trish Williams and more!

Peltz Gallery is locate 1119 E. Knapp Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Reception & Opening Friday, July 29th 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 30th Gallery’s 22nd Birthday Celebration 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Artists’ Memories
For more information you may call 414-223-4278 or email: peltzgallery@sbcglobal.net My piece The Other Side of the Creek (above) will be a part of this exhibit.

ELCA Gathering 2011

2011-07-20T19:47:00.013-05:00

Greetings All,

For 4 days I was in Spokane Washington with a group of 2100 women of the ELCA (the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and I worked in the in-kind venue where we made quilts for Lutheran World Relief and we created 80 twin size quilts for this effort during the gathering and many more have/will be sent in from congregations across the country. Here's a slide-show of some of what happened.

This wonderful person below stayed all day to learn how to put together one of the quilts. She's a 58 year old women who had never quilted before and was so excited by the process. She will be taking this knowledge back to her community too share with them and we were glad to be a part of her learning how to create her first, but not her last quilt.

The women also created an art quilt exhibit that focus on the theme of the convention, Renew, Respond, and Rejoice! Enjoy;-)

Tiny Treasures

2011-07-05T22:36:00.004-05:00

Greetings All,

Well the final piece in this group of "Tiny Treasure" changed it's theme. I had no control over what it became. It started out being a totally different piece, but ended up being a black/white composition. The shadow-box that it will be housed in is white and this morning the black/whites started pulling themselves together. The title is "In The Valley", it's constructed of cottons, satin, and paper.

Update on the Tiny Treasures.

2011-07-04T08:54:00.007-05:00

Greetings All,

Here's an update on my "Tiny Treasures" commission. I'm loved creating these little gems and must find more of these small shadow boxes.

"Wade In The Water" (I and II) are my latest creations and I hope that you will enjoy them as much as I did in creating them. Now I'm off to complete the final piece in this project (Walking In The Light). Strange that sometimes I get the title before I create the

work;-}

More Tiny Treasures-Piece of the Week

2011-07-02T08:25:00.006-05:00

Greetings All,

I have been working on small art quilts/wall hangings that I've been framing in small shadow-boxes (4 by 6). Well yesterday I got a commission for 9 of them and I only have 6 so here they are and I'm off to Michael for more boxes and here are the latest of the Tiny Treasures. Grace-II (left), Butterflies Are Free (center), and Grace-III (right)

Pieces of the week.

2011-06-25T13:15:00.006-05:00

Greetings All,

I'm sorry that I'm in posting my latest "Piece of the Week. Here it is and it's titled "The Keeper of the City". I created in honor of one of America greatest artist and hope that you can guess who that is?

My second piece of the week is another in my series of tiny treasures and this one is called "Grace-I". These are small 4 by 6 inch pieces that are framed in shadow boxes.

Marion Coleman - Kaunas, Lithuania

2011-06-21T09:57:00.003-05:00

Greetings All,

Sister/quilter Marion Coleman is working her way toward Kaunas, Lithuania and Kaunas Textile Biennial'11.

ABOUT THIS PROJECT

Love quilts? Love stories? My project Separate Worlds combines the best of both in a 6 part narrative quilt series headed to Lithuania this fall as part of the Kaunas Textile Biennial '11. I want to join my quilts, share more stories, network with artists selected to exhibit and collaborate with local artists about their lives and communities so I can create more quilts. You can help me get there and explore a new and different part of the world and its people. The end result will be a memorable cultural exchange that will lead to a new series of quilts about the trip. For more information check out her link at Kickstarter and you can make a donation. Congratulations Marion, we are so proud of you.

Lake Meadows Art Fair - update

2011-06-20T09:46:00.030-05:00

Greetings All,

Well I survived another "Lake Meadows Art Fair" and had a great time. The art was fabulous, great music (Dee Alexander, Maggie Brown, and Ari Brown), crowd wonderful, and the weather was delightful. I'm so very glad to have participated in this year's venue.

This was the second year that I spent next to artist Quinton Foreman (below far right) and his family. Quinton was supported by his wife and four children since this was "Father's Day" weekend and they were very gracious to me as well. Thank you Quinton/family. See you next year;-)
Lowell Thompson (below) was front and center, and I always look forward to what he's doing and where he's showing. Great work as always Lowell.

Nora Musu (below) art I found just fascinating. It's a mix-media style that I just love and she was so very kind. This was her first time showing in Chicago and I hope that she comes again. For more info about her and her work check out her website.

Jeanne Chaney (below center), current president of Needles and Threads Quilters Guild took home with her Regina-I (right) and Rum Raisin (left) went to the far south side. Both are small beaded works that were created during a play-date with the Sew What Art Quilters back in the day:-)

Below are Cynthia Bowman (left-collector), Juarez Hawkins (center left-artist/instructor), and Nelson/Alice Scott (right-collectors). Alice/Nelson are the only people that I know that own some of jazz great Miles Davis painting. I am so very impress with their collection and look forward to seeing it again. All of the below are members of Diaspora Rhythms.

Gerald Sanders (left) and Robert Carr (right) are two of my favorite artists/people. I'm currently taking art classes with Gerald and Robert is one of his students/friends. I've know them both for years and admired their work. Robert and I know each from before we had children and gray hair:-)

Regina-III ( below-left) has found a new collection to hang out in and that is the talented artist Arlene Turner Crawford. I'm in love with Arty's work and have several of her pieces in my collection and that dose me proud that she loves my work. Check out her link and you will know why I'm in love with her work.

Above you shall see Trish Williams (left), Patric McCoy (center) who is the co-founder of Diaspora Rhythms, and Sylvia Cook (right). Sylvia introduced me to Patric and we've all become great friends and our art collections have grown in the processes. I truly had a great time as always and thank you so very much Helen West for carrying on the torch.

On The Road Again.

2011-06-11T09:02:00.006-05:00

Greetings All,

It's that time of the year and I'm preparing for the "7th Annual Lake Meadows Art Fair". This year the fair will present "Her Legacy A Tribute To Dr. Margaret Burroughs". Dr Burroughs (below) was the co-founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History here is Chicago, IL and died earlier this year. The last time I saw Dr. Burroughs was at this venue, the first time I participated in an art fair was at Lake Meadows, and the first time a piece of mine won a purchase award was at the DuSable the first time I participated in that art. All of this was so many years ago and this coming weekend will have many memories, but all good. The art fair is:

June 18th & 19th, 2011

35th Street & Dr. Martin Luther King Drive

Chicago, IL 60616

11 am until 8 pm both days

So if you are in the area do stop by for some good art, music, shopping and stop by and say hello, I would love to see you.

Piece of the Week

2011-05-22T12:54:00.004-05:00

Greetings All,
Here is my "Piece of the Week", Collaboration - VII (right) from a Play-Date that I had with a wonderful group of sister-friends. This the companion piece to "Collaboration – VI" and I added a sister giving worship at the bottom right corner because this group of sister-friends are worshipers and I wanted to reflex that is some way.

Pieces of the Week.

2011-05-14T19:34:00.005-05:00

Greetings All,

Here are two of my latest pieces, one is a commission and the other is a part of a new series of "Short Stories". The piece below (Cityscape-I) was created by the request of a new client that wanted a cityscape made in black, white, and red. I spent the week looking at black/white image of cityscape and skylines and finally come up with this. I thought about the colors and they reminded me of calligraphy, Japan, and simplicity. Calligraphy, black ink on white paper. Japan, the Japanese flag, and simplicity, the composition.

The piece below is called "Sun Down" and it's a small piece that I started at an event that I did last month with the kids at the "Focus" event at Highland Park High School. This piece along with other shall be framed in small shadow boxes (4 x 6) that I got last year and did know what I was going to do with them. I love the challenge of creating new "Short Stories" for these frames and this one has fabrics, paper, and glass beads.

Piece of the Week.

2011-05-02T09:21:00.007-05:00

Greetings All,
I forgot to post my latest "Piece of the Week" and it's titled "Miss Ruby's Press & Curl". This is a part of a challenge that's inspired by hair dressing products, Royal Crown, Queen Bergamot, White Rose, and Blue Magic. The challenge was called by Kweli Kitwana of African American Fabrics and we were challenged to come up with our interpretations of what these products invoked. I hope that those of you that remember enjoy, those of you that don't know what I'm talking about, explore the magic or sacrifice of a "Press and Curl".

PAQA - Art & Science exhibit.

2011-04-27T07:21:00.005-05:00

Greetings All,
PAQA "Art and Science" exhibit opens at Gallery 7, 116 N. Chicago Street, Ste. 102, Joliet, IL, 60432. Opening reception is April 30 - 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm. The exhibit runs April 30 - May 27, 2011. So if you are in the area or have friends/family in the area do stop by and see the exhibit.

Piece of the week.

2011-04-21T11:26:00.004-05:00

Greetings All,
The piece of the week are some more of those wonderful "Bark Cloth" pillows for the queen of "Bark Cloth" Sylvia. I love the fabric and the opportunity to create them for someone who I know in her heart of hearts is helping me out big time by allowing me to create them. Plus she has some of the best fabrics and each time it takes me back down memory lane just by touching them. Sylvia thank you.

13 Ways to View a Blackbird-update

2011-04-20T07:30:00.009-05:00

Where Two Or More...

Greetings All,
13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird, Art Quilts by the Fiber Artists Coalition opens Friday, April 22, 2011; 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Iowa Artisans Gallery.

Iowa Artisans Gallery hosts "13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird," based on a poem of the same name by Wallace Stevens. The exhibit includes thirteen art quilts by eleven members of the Fiber Artists Coalition and runs April 22 – May 29, 2011.

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 Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc. (SAQA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the art quilt through education, exhibitions, professional development and documentation. Visit the Studio Art Quilt Associates’ website at: www.saqa.com. Learn more about the Fiber Artists Coalition at: www.fiberartistscoalition.com/ and its blog at: fiberartistscoalition.blogspot.com/.

Iowa Artisans Gallery was established by artists in 1984. The gallery features work by American artists and focuses on Midwestern artists wherever possible. Daily hours are Monday-Wednesday 10-6pm; Thursday’s Downtown Shopping Night: 10-7pm; Friday 10-6pm; Saturday 10-5:30 and Sunday 12-4. For more information, please contact the Gallery at 319-351-8686.

List of Blackbirds participating artists plus state of residence:

Astrid Hilger Bennett, Iowa City, IA
Kathie Briggs, Charlevoix, MI
Shelley Brucar, Buffalo Grove, IL
Cheryl Dineen Ferrin, Mattawan, MI
Clairan Ferrono, Chicago, IL
Peg Keeney, Harbor Springs, MI
Pat Kroth, Verona, WI
Casey Puetz, Waukesha, WI
Joan Potter Thomas, Northville, MI
Laura Wasilowski, Elgin, IL
Trish Williams, Chicago, IL

Source Material:
Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird, by Wallace Stevens

Among twenty snowy mountains,
The only moving thing
Was the eye of the blackbird.

II
I was of three minds,
Like a tree
In which there are three blackbirds.

III
The blackbird whirled in the autumn winds.
It was a small part of the pantomime.

IV
A man and a woman
Are one.
A man and a woman and a blackbird
Are one.

V
I do not know which to prefer,
The beauty of inflections
Or the beauty of innuendoes,
The blackbird whistling
Or just after.

VI
Icicles filled the long window
With barbaric glass.
The shadow of the blackbird
Crossed it, to and fro.
The mood
Traced in the shadow
An indecipherable cause.

VII
O thin men of Haddam,
Why do you imagine golden birds?
Do you not see how the blackbird
Walks around the feet
Of the women about you?

VIII
I know noble accents
And lucid, inescapable rhythms;
But I know, too,
That the blackbird is involved
In what I know.

IX
When the blackbird flew out of sight,
It marked the edge
Of one of many circles.

X
At the sight of blackbirds
Flying in a green light,
Even the bawds of euphony
Would cry out sharply.

XI
He rode over Connecticut
In a glass coach.
Once, a fear pierced him,
In that he mistook
The shadow of his equipage
For blackbirds.

XII
The river is moving.
The blackbird must be flying.

XIII
It was evening all afternoon.
It was snowing
And it was going to snow.
The blackbird sat
In the cedar-limbs.

Cover Story update.

2011-04-17T11:06:00.012-05:00

Greetings All,I got a copy of the cover for the Yale Divinity School Reflections journal. I love the fact that the color at the top of the journal, reflexs the color of the sun in my piece. Thank you again Ray Waddle for asking.

FOCUS

2011-04-13T15:24:00.004-05:00

Greetings All, Last night I was at the Highland Park High School in Highland Park, IL for their Art Night: Imagine the Possibilities. The whole school was a buzz with painters, potters, glass workers, carvers, etc. I had on display some art quilts, lap quilts, and some wearables and postcards. People were amazed at the fiber postcards most of all and they were allowed to create their own version with the use of fabrics and paper and they had a grand old time as seen below. Tonight the school will be filled with the art of dance.

The Unspoken Truth About Color: A Dialogue in Art Quilts about Racism.

2011-04-12T07:15:00.018-05:00

Greetings All, Please join in the opening reception for " The Unspoken Truth About Color: A Dialogue in Art Quilts About Racism" exhibit. This exhibit includes 29 pieces from 27 women fiber artists from around the country. Please join curator, Jeanette Thompson as they celebrate the opening of the exhibit in conjunction with the YWCA’s National Day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism. Friday, April 29 · 6:00pm - 9:00pm The ARC Gallery and Educational Foundation http://www.arcgallery.org/ 832 W Superior St # 204 Chicago, IL Below are some images of pieces in this exhibit and do check it out if you are in the area. "Haiti Girl - But Where Were You Before" - Juno McClellan-Ryan (center) "It's Not All Back and White" - Jeanette Thompson (left)

"Sin Tones" - Diana Bracy (right)

"Friends" - Dr Susan Walen (below center)

"Billie's Tree" - Carol Beck (left)

Fleurotica-2011

2011-03-26T20:47:00.010-05:00

Greetings All, Last night I attended Fleurotica-2011 at the Garfield Park Conservatory, where flowers met fashion and it was fabulous. I truly enjoyed the entire evening and here's a slide-show of some of the people that I came across, some plants, and the fashions. I also enjoyed great food and one of my new favorites is opening a restaurant called "Inspiration Kitchens". They had a smoke trout crepe with pickle pear that was delicious and parsnip/carrot coquette with cumin creme. From "Wishbone" I had Jambalaya and cornbread, and I was wowed by all that I tasted. I will be going the the Inspiration Kitchen when they open later in April 2011. Food, friends, flowers, and fashion, what a great way to spend an evening.

Cover Story and Piece of the Week.

2011-03-20T11:54:00.006-05:00

Greetings All,
The "Piece of the Week" is another one that I have created for FAC's Milagros exhibit, coming soon. The title for this piece is "Behold The Child" and again my focus is on birth, the miracle of it and the importance of family.
My piece "Dancers of Praise" (below)has been chosen to grace the cover of the Yale School of Divinity's "Reflections Journal" this coming May publication. This piece was also was in "Threads of Faith" in 2004 and that was a national traveling exhibit curated by Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi with the WCQN that started at the MOBIA. I am so very honored for that opportunity, this one, and at how God uses what I do.

Culture Wire: Museum of the African Diaspora

2011-03-17T07:53:00.002-05:00

Greetings All,
Do check out this video on the Museume of the African Diaspora. Enjoy;-)

Cultural Connections Updates

2011-03-15T07:17:00.010-05:00

Greetings All,

Here is an update to the Cultural Connections-2011. On the right is a piece from artist Stacey Brown titled "Stay Strong" and it is so very on point with whats going on in this city, country, state, and the world. It is one of his "broken glass pieces" and I so very glad to have it. He got one of my "Darling Divas", Ms. Valentine Jones.

My next new piece is one of Najee Dorsey's mix-media pieces and I love Najee's style and this piece is hanging in my bedroom where I've notice all the pieces in there are about nurturing and here is a mother/grandmother nurturing a child. Also my bedroom is orange and for me that means harmony. Thank you Najee and Stacey. I am honored that you like my work and I love yours. Najee got two of my throws that are titled "Ode to Juanita" and they are the pieces below.

The other news is that "Mother Earth" (below) will be going to the far south-side later this year and for that I'm very happy. I love doing this series and I have been pondering a new one, have it going on in my head and I'm just about ready to start. So you know that there will be more to come later.My final bit of news is that I met a collector from last year who stop by to tell me how much they loved having "Drum On" and she sent me a picture. I love hearing from people on how much they like having my work in their homes. That too me is a good indicator on what I do and that I am conveying to the collector parts of myself and I have plenty to go around. Also notice the orange room:-)

Cultural Connections-2011

2011-03-13T15:07:00.010-05:00

Greetings All, Here is the slide-show from the Cultural Connections-2011 and I hope that you enjoy my view.

Piece of the week.

2011-03-09T08:56:00.005-06:00

Greetings All,
This is my latest creation titled "Milagros-Mama and Me". I created this piece for an up and coming exhibit for FAC. The call for entries was presented that we had to enter pieces that reflex comfort, hope, peace, strength, courage, and little miracles. For me babies are miracles.

The mother in this piece gave birth in 1950 to twins, her first born. One of the twins died, Mona Carol and the child depicted here was suppose to live only for 30 days. Her age at the point in the piece she is 7 months and has live to be 60 thus far. I call that a miracle.

Opening of Blackbirds and Midwest Meditations - 3/4/11

2011-03-05T09:38:00.010-06:00

Greetings All, Here is a slide show from last night opening of "Blackbirds and Midwest Meditations" at Simply Chicago Art gallery. The exhibits are there until March 26th and if you are in the area do come out and see the exhibits. There was a nice crowd and I thank all of my family/friends that came out. Much love to all of you and also thank you to all the FAC members that were there. Enjoy.

Pieces of the Week.

2011-03-04T09:00:00.008-06:00

Greetings All,

Here are my pieces of the week. I have decided to finish up some of those pieces that I've not finished in the last year, the year before, and even further back. Thank God lots of them are small. The piece below left/right are in a series that I called "Regina" and they were created in honor of Regina Benson, who's work I admire. The piece below center is titled "Looking Forward" and it too is also a part of an ongoing series of pieces that reflex the "Masai" people. I love the simplicity and the colors of these creations and I hope that you do too.

Midwest Meditations and Blackbirds

2011-03-02T09:00:00.001-06:00

Greetings All,

Here's a gentle reminder that Blackbirds/Midwest Meditations open this Friday, March 1st - 31st at "Simply Chicago Art". The address is 1318 Oakton, Evanston, IL 60202. The opening reception is Friday, March 4th from 5-9 pm. This is a Fiber Artists Coalition exhibition.

Walking To Success: An Anthology of Black Hisory

2011-03-01T10:55:00.015-06:00

Greetings All,
On Sunday I went to the "Walking To Success: An Anthology of Black History" celebration at Loyola Park Fieldhouse and ran into some of my favorite people. Below is the famous Al Tyler who's work I have love for many years. Al is a visual artist for more than sixty years and a graduate the School of the Art Institute and was also married to the grand Anna M. Tyler until her death in 2009. It was a good thing to see Al and great work.

Below I'm with another one of my favorite people, collector/promoter Robert Armstrong. We were hanging out with some of my "Darling Divas", smiling for the camera, and catching up on current events. Robert and Ms. Loretta Lee where there for Loretta to preform and to promote her up and coming show, "Remembering Billie Holiday". Loretta's performance at this venue was great and I know that her show for April 16th will be as well. So if you are in the area, do come out an support/enjoy Ms. Loretta Lee.

Higgins Harte International presents the Sculptures of Woodrow Nash

2011-02-28T00:00:00.005-06:00

Greetings All,
Today's video features Woodrow Nash who's work I madly adore. I also hope/pray that you have enjoyed my videos this month and have found them to be informative.

WILLIE COLE - Artist

2011-02-27T00:00:00.003-06:00

Greetings All,
Enjoy artist Willie Cole. I did.

Paul Goodnight

2011-02-26T00:00:00.002-06:00

Greetings All,
Paul Goodnight is one of my favorites and I hope that you enjoy this video.

FAC opening and G.R. N'Namdi Gallery on Next TV

2011-02-25T00:00:00.016-06:00

Greetings All,
FAC will be on display with an exhibit again at Simply Chicago Art. starting March 1st thru 31st at 1318 Oakton St, Evanston, IL. The opening reception is March 4, 2011 form 5-9 pm. The four piece below are in the exhibit. From top let to right, Where Two or More..., Collaboration-III (Jamillah), Trio, and PAQA Water.

Both the G.R.N'Namdi Gallery and Next TV are somethings that I try to stay current with and I wanted to share them with you. Enjoy;-)

A Great Black Photographer Remembers

2011-02-24T00:00:00.003-06:00

Greetings All,
Today's video features Gordan Parks. Enjoy;-)

The Skin Quilt Project

2011-02-23T00:00:00.009-06:00

Greetings All,
Today's video is features another segment of Lauren Cross's "The Skin Quilt Project". This segment is about The Africanisms in Gullah/Geechee and African-American. I hope that you enjoy:-}

The Best Art In Atlanta GA

2011-02-22T00:00:00.003-06:00

Greetings All,
Today's video is features Stacey Brown. Enjoy;-)

The Skin Quilt Project

2011-02-21T00:00:00.004-06:00

Greetings All,
Today's video is about gender and African American male quilters.

Richard Wilson Visual Artist - October Gallery

2011-02-20T00:00:00.003-06:00

Greetings All,
Richard Wilson is an artist that is new to me and I had to share him. Enjoy:-)

Sonie Ruffin

2011-02-19T00:00:00.003-06:00

Greetings All,
Today's artist is Sonie Ruffin. Enjoy:-)

Andrew Turner Interview - October Gallery

2011-02-18T00:00:00.003-06:00

Greetings All,
Today we have Andrew Turner. Enjoy;-)

CAROLE HARRIS AT THE ELLEN KAYROD GALLERY

2011-02-17T00:00:00.003-06:00

Greetings All,
Today's featured artist is Carole Harris.

Sheldon Museum of Art

2011-02-16T00:00:00.002-06:00

Greetings All,
The Sheldon Museum of Art is new to me and I just wanted to share it with you. Enjoy:-)

Faith Ringgold

2011-02-15T00:00:00.002-06:00

Greetings All,
Behold the fabulous Fatih Ringgold.

African American Visual Arts

2011-02-14T00:00:00.002-06:00

Greetings All,
Enjoy.

The Journey of an African American Quilt Artist

2011-02-13T00:00:00.014-06:00

Greetings All,
Below is a photo collage of fabrics that I created while hanging out with the Sew What Art Quilter suburan chapter. We used soy wax and kitchen tools. I can't wait to try it again.

Today us the closing of P.I.E.C.E.S at the Ferguson Gallery at Concordia University. It has been a good venue and I'm hungry for more. I have added a collage (above) of Voices, Visions, Viewpoints and Victories of African American Artists opening and today's video is of quilt artist Aisha Lumumba. Enjoy;-)

Convergence: Jewish and African American Artists

2011-02-12T00:00:00.006-06:00

Greetings All,
Today video features Dr. Margaret Burroughs.

Atlanta Artist Corey Barksdale

2011-02-11T00:00:00.001-06:00

Greetings All,
This is Corey Barksdale of Atlanta and I hope that you enjoy his work.

Dan Parker pt2

2011-02-10T10:00:00.002-06:00

Greetings All,
This is part - 2 of Dan Parker's interview and again I hope that you have enjoyed me sharing some of the locals here in Chicago's points of views about African American Art.

The Underground Railroad and Dan Parker pt1

2011-02-09T12:00:00.017-06:00

Greetings All,

Needles and Threads Quilters Guild member Lettie Sabbs will be one of the featured artist participating in an exhibit of photos and quilts at the Hotel Florence, 11111 S. Forrestville, Chicago, IL Lettie has four quilts on display and they are: The Underground Railroad, Family Tree, Drunkard's Path, and Harriet Tubman. So if you are in the area do stop by and check this exhibit out. For more info call 773-291-9115. The exhibit runs February 12 thru 21, 2011

The art education continues with Dan Parker another founding member of Diasporal Rhythms and author of African Art: The Diaspora and Beyond.

Patric McCoy pt4

2011-02-08T00:00:00.006-06:00

Greetings All,

Elmhurst College kicked off Black History month with a visual treat.
The college put on display a number of peices from the personal collection of Patric McCoy, a a founding member and president of Diasporal Rhythms, a Chicago-based organization of collectors of contemporary works by artists of the “African Diaspora.” He loaned the college 50 peices that showcase African American artists. “This exhibition looks at the role of the collector and the importance of his/her capacity to encourage and support the development of artists,” said Suellen Rocca, curator and director of art exhibits at Elmhurst College. “Patric McCoy and the other members of Diasporal Rhythms are truly passionate in their goal of sustaining and validating contemporary artists of African descent.”

Patric McCoy part - 4. Enjoy.

Patric McCoy pt.3

2011-02-07T00:00:00.003-06:00

Greetings All,
Patric McCoy part - 3. Enjoy.

Patric McCoy pt.2

2011-02-06T00:00:00.002-06:00

Greetings All,
Patric McCoy part - 2. Enjoy.

C.I.S. update/Fiberarts magazine and Patric McCoy pt1

2011-02-05T00:00:00.027-06:00

Greetings All,
I found out yesterday that Maggie Weiss's "Canopy" (left) and my "Save Darfur"
(below right) will be in a write up about
"Conversation in Stitch" in Fiberarts magazine spring issue. C.I.S. is an exhibit of the Fiber Artists Coalition at the Anderson Art Center in Kenosha, WI until March 20,2011.

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.

Today's feature is not an artist, but a lover of art extraordinaire. He's a art educator and a wonderful friend. He will be the feature for the next 3 days and he's being interviewed by one of Chicago own talented artist, Andre Guichard of Gallery Guichard. Patric is also one of the founders of Diasporal Rhythms. Diasporal Rhythms - Passionate and Engaged Collectors of Works by Contemporary Artists of the African Diaspora - Our Mission is to build a passionate group of collectors engaged in the activity of collecting visual ary created by contemporary artists of the African Diaspora. To expand appreciation of visual art created by contemporary artists of the African Diaspora.

Joyce Owens

2011-02-04T00:00:00.003-06:00

Greetings All,
Today's artist is Joyce Owens . I love Joyce's work, her spirit and her very talented family.

Jacob Lawrence

2011-02-03T00:00:00.003-06:00

Greetings All,
Today's footage is about Jacob Lawrence. Enjoy.

Five Artists - 1971 (2/2)

2011-02-02T00:00:00.004-06:00

Greetings All,
Today's footage includes Betty Blayton, Richard Hunt and Romare Bearden. I have learned a lot in the process of selecting the videos for my blog and I hope that you will too. Enjoy:-)

Five Artists - 1971 (1/2)

2011-02-01T00:00:00.007-06:00

Greetings All,
This is February 1, 2011 and I have decided to post each day something about Black Art. It may be about educators, visual artists or fiber/quilt artists, etc. I'm not sure on who, what, when or where, but I do hope that you enjoy the videos/slide shows as much as I did in looking at them. Some of these artists I did not know about and some are my favorites. Today's film includes footage on Barbara Chase-Riboud, Charles White, and Betty Blayton.

Textural Rhythms In Jazz at MOAD 2011

2011-01-29T18:09:00.020-06:00

Greetings All,
Friday was the opening for Textural Rhythms in Jazz at the Museum of African Diaspora in San Francisco, CA. Here is a slide show of the opening and the panel discussion. Enjoy;-)

RELATED PROGRAMS and EVENTS

ARTIST’S PANEL: Panel discussion with local and featured textile artists Marion Coleman, Ed Johnetta Fowler-Miller, Alice Beasley, Adrienne Cruz, and Olaitan Valerie Scott, moderated by Dr. Patricia Turner, author of Crafted Lives: Stories and Studies of African American Quilters. Saturday, January 29, 4-6pm.

WORKSHOP: Join master quilter Ed Johnetta Fowler-Miller for a two-day Improvisational Quilting Workshop. Saturday, January 29 & Sunday, January 30, 11am-3pm

LECTURE & PERFORMANCE: A Tribute to Charlie Parker with the Jetta Martin Dance Company. Choreography inspired by the music of Charlie Parker. Sunday, February 6, 2-4pm.

ARTIST’S DEMONSTRATION: Quilting in Process: Quilting Demonstration by the African American Quilt Guild of Oakland. Saturdays -February 12, March 5, and April 23, 2-4pm.

FILM SCREENING & DISCUSSION: Director Lauren Cross will introduce The Skin Quilt Project, her documentary that explores colorism in the African-American community, followed by a Q & A and discussion with the audience. Friday, February 18, 6-9pm.

FAMILY DAY: African American Quilting Traditions Art Activity. Led by Artist Nicole Brown. Saturday, February 19, 12-4pm.

LECTURE & PERFORMANCE: Jazz in the Gallery Series featuring faculty members from the Berkeley Jazzschool. Drummer and percussionist Jaz Sawyer on Sunday, February 20, 2-4pm. Trombonist Wayne Wallace on Sunday, March 20, 2-4pm. Pianist and percussionist Kwame Coleman on Sunday, April 17, 2-4pm.

WORKSHOP: Join master quilter Marion Coleman in creating quilts inspired by jazz, memory, family stories, cultural change, and a world filled with color. Saturdays - March 12, March 19, and March 26, 11am-2pm.

LECTURE & BOOKSIGNING: Dr. Patricia Turner speaks on her authoritative account of the powerful bonds between generations of African American quiltmakers, Crafted Lives: Stories and Studies of African American Quilters. Saturday, March 12, 2-4pm.

FILM SCREENING: Adire: Indigo Textiles Amongst the Yoruba. Screening of the award winning documentary film on the traditional indigo dyeing and textile design amongst the Yoruba in Oshogba, Nigeria. Friday, March 18, 6-8pm.

CURATOR’S TALK: Lecture presentation by exhibition Curator, Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi, discussing the quilting tradition in African American culture, jazz quilting, and the themes present in Textural Rhythms. Saturday, April 2, 2-4pm.

FILM SCREENING: The Quilts of Gees Bend. Set in the Gee's Bend quiltmakers' homes and yards and told through the women's voices, this music-filled documentary takes viewers inside the art and fascinating living history of a uniquely American community and art form. Friday, April 15, 6-7pm

6th Annual Black Pearls Exhibit

2011-01-27T17:04:00.008-06:00

Greetings All,
Today I got a call that all of my pieces that I submitted to "The Black Pearls Exhibit" had arrived. The Black Pearls Exhibition will be on display February, 5 through March 27, 2011 at the Garfield Park Arts Center, in Indianapolis, IN at 2432 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis, IN 43203.

The opening/reception is Feb 5th and it will feature live jazz from the Steven Weakley Jazz Trio. The reception hours are 5 to 7 pm. For more information on this and other Garfield Park events, please call (317) 327-7135, go to www.indyparks.org or visit the GPAC page on Facebook.

The three pieces that I will have in this exhibit are: Urban Bush Mask-V (left), Meditation-II (center), and Dive Deep (right). My friend LaShawnda Crowe Storm of the "Lynch Quilt Project" is co-curating this event and if you are in the area do check it out.

FAC - C.I.S. Opening - Jan 2011

2011-01-24T11:40:00.005-06:00

Greetings All,

Here is the slide-show from the opening of C.I.S. (Conversations in Stitch) a Fiber Artists Coalition exhibit at the Anderson Art Center in Kenosha, WI. The exhibition will run until March 20, 2011 and if you are in the area do stop by and check it out and let us know what you think. Enjoy.

Black Nouveau & Visions, Voices, viewpoints and Victories of African American Artists

2011-01-20T07:23:00.004-06:00

Greetings All,
"Visions, Voices, Viewpoints and Victories of African American Artists" guest curator Della Wells, along with Peltz Gallery owner Cissie Peltz were interviewed for "Black Nouveau" televison in Milwaukee, WI. The segment includes works by Reginald Baylor, Mutope J. Johnson, Evelyn Patricia Terry, Sharon Kerry Harlan, Zeph Farmby, George Williams, Jr, and yours truly Trish Williams, etc. There is also a segment on an artist that's not in this exhibit, but I found to be very fascinating name Chakaia Booker and do check her website for more info about her/her work. I hope that you enjoy it.

Piece of the Week and openings reminders.

2011-01-19T08:53:00.008-06:00

Greetings All,
Here's one of my latest creation. "Lone Tree" (below left) this is a small piece that I enjoyed doing because I used strings from a blue-jean top that I made and when I washed it strings were raveling and needed to be cut and pulled. Hence I had a pile of string that I could used and it became the land at the bottom of this piece adding much texture.

Also I would like to send out a gentle reminder of two openings this weekend. January 21st at the Peltz Gallery at 1119 Knapp Street, Milwaukee, WI will be the opening for "Visions, Voices, Viewpoints and Victories of African American Artists". Opening/reception with be on Friday at 6:00 to 9:30 pm and there will be Coffee, Conversation and Comfort Food on Saturday, January 22nd at the gallery and breakfast is free.

Sunday, January 23rd "Conversation In Stitch" at the Anderson Art Center in Kenosha, Wisconsin and the opening reception is 1:30 to 4:00 pm at 121 Sixty-Sixth Street. So if you are in any of these areas do check out these exhibits and my exhibit at Concordia University Chicago is up until Febuary 13, 2011 at the Ferguson Gallery, Kretzman Hall.

P.I.E.C.E.S. Opening Reception Slide-Show

2011-01-16T21:26:00.007-06:00

Greetings All,

Here is a slide show of the artist reception at Concordia University's opening of P.I.E.C.E.S. I'm so very grateful to BettyAnn Mocek for offering me the opportunity and thank you to all my family/friends that come out to support me. I love you all for always being there. The students were just wonderful and I look forward to tomorrows artists talk. I hope that you enjoy the slide show.

Visions, Voices, Viewpoints and Victories of African American Artists"

2011-01-10T15:56:00.013-06:00

Willie Cole "Rapture"

Greetings All,

Today I got the postcards (above) for the exhibit curated by Della Wells at the Peltz Gallery at 1119 E. Knapp Street in Milwaukee, WI. The opening/reception is January 21st at 6pm until 9:30 pm. There will be paintings, drawings, collage, quilts, outsider art and original prints by more that 25 artists: David Anderson, Marion Banks, Reginald Baylor, Trenton Baylor, Brad Bernard, Kevin Boatright, Blanche Brown, Chrystal Denise Gillon, Amber Robles Gordon, Sharon Kerry-Harlan, Sonji Hunt, Mutope Johnson, Darlene LaMar, Chrys Carroll, Portia Cobb, Willie Cole, Laci S. Coppins, James Edwards, Zeph Farmby, Sam Gilliam, George McCormick, Ras' Ammar' Nsoroma, Rosemary Ollison, Evelyne Sainte-Poma, Alsion Sarr, Evelyn Patricia Terry, Kara Walker, Della Wells, Kehinde Wiley, George Williams, Jr and your truly Trish Williams. So if you are in the area do stop by and see the exhibit.

The Make Me Feel Like Dancing

Textural Rhythms: Constructing the Jazz Tradition

2011-01-08T07:46:00.014-06:00

Greetings All,

Textural Rhythms: Constructing the Jazz Tradition opens at the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco January 27, 2011 – April 24, 2011

Textural Rhythms, curated by Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi, Founder and Coordinator of The Women of Color Quilters Network unites two of the most well known and popular artistic forms in African American culture, jazz and quilts.

The exhibition of 64 quilts includes work from some of America’s best known African American quilters, Michael Cummings, Edjohnetta Miller, Tina Brewer, and Jim Smoote as well as quilts by top Bay Area quilters, Marion Coleman and Alice M. Beasley. I am humble to be in such company. Do check out their websites to see what I'm talking about and if you are in the area visit go to the exhibit or you can purchase a copy of the exhibit catalog (below).

A Moody Mood

2011-01-02T10:51:00.016-06:00

Greetings All,

I have finished my latest piece "A Moody Mood"(below) and above is the section that I made to connect the two piece to create a whole and more suitable tribute to one of the greatest saxophone players of all time. I hope that you enjoy my piece and the music.

Happy New Year - Piece of the Week

2011-01-01T07:26:00.007-06:00

Greetings All,

Happy New Year and I hope/pray that all is well. I also hope/pray that you have a great/safe new year and thank you for stopping by my blog. I also thank you for forgiving my grammar, my type O's and spelling. I copied that from Sister Stich Alot's blog and I love her blog and her posting this reminder of who some of us are. My intentions are to encourage, inspire and share and not to point out flaws. I hope that I have achieved that and look forward to doing more in this new year.

Below is my newest/latest piece. I've been working all week long on finishing pieces and they've thus far they have all been about jazz. This Sassy and she didn't come out looking like who I wanted her to be, but I'm ok with that. I will marry her with the James Moody piece that I created earlier and see what happen before I go to have my New Years tradition of Gumbo. Yes I said Gumbo. Not Collard greens, Black-eye peas or those other wonderful dishes that most of my friends will be having. My family and friends have been having Gumbo, steaks, and Champagne for our celebrations for the pass 10 years or more. So why change a good thing?

I also forgot to post those last two principles of Kwanzaa and do forgive me for that. Have a great day and much love/peace/grace.

Dec. 31st KUUMBA CREATIVITY - To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Jan. 1st IMANI FAITH - To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Conversations in Stitch Exhibition

2010-12-31T08:50:00.006-06:00

Save Darfur

Greetings All,

Another exhibition that I will participate in is titled 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.

Where Dancers Go

UJAMAA-Cooperative Economics and NIA - Purpose

2010-12-30T12:07:00.013-06:00

Greetings All,
The principles for day 4 and 5 of Kwanzaa are late because I've been busy finishing several pieces for my up and coming exhibit. So please forgive me for being tardy and you can see the pieces below completed or almost.

Dec. 29th UJAMAA COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS - To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Dec. 30th NIA PURPOSE - To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

"Collaboration - V (Ella)"

The above piece was created with the assistance of my mentee, Myia Esper. Myia painted the background and I add humming birds with Golden Gel Medium. The upper left hand one was cut from a magazine and the middle and lower left were printed from my pc on regular paper that I got from a copyright free website and I then cut humming birds from a blue plastic bag and applied them over the paper. I love this mix media process and I love working with Myia. Myia and I are a part of a mentoring program at Urban Circle Ministries and have been partnered since 2007.

James Moody (below) was an easy piece that took me about 8 hours to create. I love the simplicity of this piece and for me it was all about the cool blue. His jacket fabric is some of the fabrics that were created by the Henderson and they are the children that live next door to me. His shirt was some of my own had dyed and his sax is out of silk duponi that I have had for years and I'm just about at the end of the yard. I must get more because I just love the hand of silk and I love me some James Moody who died on December 9, 2010.

Kwanzaa day 3 - UJIMMA - Collective Work

2010-12-28T10:05:00.008-06:00

Greetings All,
Today is day 3 of the Kwanzaa and that principle for today is UJIMA - COLLECTIVE WORK and RESPONSIBILITY. To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.

With the collective work of friends I was able to have one of my pieces pick up to be in an exhibit at the Peltz Gallery in Milwaukee, WI. The piece below (They Make Me Feel Like Dancing) will be a part of "Visions, Voices, and Viewpoints" curated by Della Wells and the exhibit opens January 21,2011. More info to come and I am truly grateful to Della, Sonji, and Townsend for their support/effort in getting my piece there. I could not have done it without them. They work together with a sister to solve her problem and she's dancing:-)

Kwanzaa day 2 - Kujichagulia - Self Determination

2010-12-28T04:05:00.010-06:00

Greetings All,

Kujichagulia - SELF DETERMINATION to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves & speak for ourselves. Below is a collage of some of the pictures that I took day-2 at the Kwanzaa celebration andI was glad to see the people that I took pictures of. Some I've not seen in years and it was good know that all is well and that they were self determined.

Kwanzaa Village Men in Action (below) wearing the garments that I created for them and I'm thankful to Mr. Love for asking me to do so. Below from left to right, Brother Blanks with Jessica Holloway, Bro. Blanks, and Ted/Judith Love. Thank you all for your support and kind comments.

Belated Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa

2010-12-26T09:02:00.006-06:00

Greetings All,

I have been busy this week creating 25 garments (above) for the Kwanzaa Village Men of Action. They will be participating at Malcolm X College and along with the Shule Ya Watoto (School for Children) in conducting their 16th annual Kwanzaa Celebration from Dec 26, 2010 through January 1, 2010, focusing on "A Kwanzaa 2010 Tribute to Positive Youth Leadership". Kwanzaa, and especially their celebration, has grown immensely in popularity. Last year , over three thousand people came to the college to join in the festivities. This event is the only seven-day celebration held by a public institution in the country. It is warmly received.

Overview of Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa, a celebration of the first fruits, was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 as a cultural idea and an expression of the US Organization in California. Dr. Karenga was inspired by the harvest festivals found in the various parts of Africa and used symbols from various cultural groups to create a holiday that reflected the needs and experiences of Africans in America.

Today, Kwanzaa is celebrated by millions of people of African decent throughout the United States and the Diaspora. It is a non-heroic, non-religious, nonmilitary, apolitical celebration that reflects the history, struggle, triumphs and labors of African-Americans and Africans throughout the world.

Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th through January 1 1st and maintains at its core a value system, which should become the minimum moral standard for all Black families. This value system is called the "Nguzo Saba" (seven principles) and each day of Kwanzaa stands for one of the principles:

This value system is called the "Nguzo Saba" (seven principles) and each day of Kwanzaa stands for one of the principles:

Dec. 26th UMOJA UNITY - To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

Dec. 27th KUJICHAGULIA SELF-DETERMINATION - To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.

Dec. 28th UJIMA COLLECTIVE WORK and RESPONSIBILITY - To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.

Dec. 29th UJAMAA COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS - To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Dec. 30th NIA PURPOSE - To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Dec. 31st KUUMBA CREATIVITY - To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Jan. 1st IMANI FAITH - To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Kwanzaa, like all holidays, has its symbols and rituals. Celebrations can take place in homes or at larger community gatherings. Coming together in unity is important because families, especially the children, can participate fully during Kwanzaa by discussing and practicing the principles of the day.

Above is The Piece of The Week another in the collaboration series that was created with the help of Felicia Grant Preston, Mary Scott Boria and Deborah Norwood who came to my house earlier this year for a play date. It will be a part of my exhibit next month at Concordia University. Thanks to my sister-friends for their collaboration.

Michele Hardman thank you for the fabrics I used some of your pieced fabrics to separate the painted cloth and I also used some other fabric that you gave me on the back. This is truly an effort of UNITY - UMOJA and thank you all again for being a parts of it and for being friends.

P.I.E.C.E.S.

2010-12-17T07:23:00.009-06:00

Concordia University Chicago Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day

and

Black History Month:
P.I.E.C.E.S
Trish Williams - Fiber Artist/Quilter
“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

For more information contact: 708-290-3012

Gallery hours:
Monday through Friday 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Illinois Artisans and Piece of the Week

2010-12-11T13:51:00.016-06:00

Greetings All,
Here are some images from the Illinois Artisans where I'm the featured artisan for this month. Above is a view from the outside of the shop and the walls where my "Short Stories" are being displayed. Below are some other images of the shop and there are some wonderful artists and crafts person represented here. So if you are in downtown Chicago Monday - Friday during the month of December stop by and take a look.

The Piece of The Week (above)is a wall hanging that was created by students of A. Turner-Crawford of Northeastern University Center for Inner City Studies. They created block by drawing, collage, or photography. Then those images were printed onto fabric and created into this last class project. I was just the quilter in this case and was honored to do so.

10 Artists for Ruinart opening.

2010-12-02T09:57:00.007-06:00

Greetings All,
The opening for 10 artists kickoff during the Art Basel in Miami Beach on December 2nd at the Betsy Hotel. I am one of the ten and the others are: Melissa Ayr – Texas, Elijah Blue – California, Isaac Fortoul – New York, Mark Leibowitz – California, Pascal Pierme – New Mexico, Johnny Robles – Florida, Dane Storrusten – Washington, Carrie Sunday – New York, Kiki Valdes – Florida.

The exhibit closes by February 2011, at which time these contemporary works of art will travel to New York to be auctioned in the Spring. All proceeds will go to The Art of Elysium, a non-profit organization founded in 1997 supporting the creativity of children battling serious medical conditions.

About Ruinart
In 1729, when Nicolas Ruinart laid the foundations of the very first champagne house, he was in fact realizing the ambition of his uncle, Dom Thierry Ruinart. A Benedictine monk, Dom Ruinart intuitively foresaw the fame and success champagne would enjoy by gauging the popularity of this new sparkling wine amongst his contemporaries in the court of Versailles. The House of Ruinart was the first to use Gallo Roman chalk cellars to age its wines, and opened the American market as early as 1831. Since then, Ruinart has continued to develop its reputation as the sophisticated boutique champagne for discerning wine lovers.

Ruinart Champagne Lounge