Latest creation...

Greetings All,
Here is a tease of a new work that I am creating and I am just in love with the colors, the fabrics, and the theme. Women of Color Quilters Network member on the move.

Enjoy and there is more to come.

Benefit Auction

Greetings All,

SAQA's 2013 Benefit Auction begins in just 2.5 weeks!

Help promote our biggest fundraiser by sharing the Dream Collections or posting your favorite pieces on your blog, Facebook page, Pinterest board, etc.  Tell your friends, your mother, your workout coach - the more people who know about the Auction, the better! 

There are 421 gorgeous pieces of art up for bid.  The action will start on Monday, September 9th at 2:00 Eastern.  Bid early and often to help promote the art quilt!

Art Quilt Portfolio: People and Portraits

Greetings All,

"Art Quilt Portfolio: People and Portraits" was just released.  It's a gorgeous book, full of great art.  It includes mini-retrospectives with in-depth interviews of 21 featured quilt artists from around the world, as well as gallery sections showing the work of 75 additional artists. 

Because Amazon is trying to put Barnes & Noble out of business, Amazon is currently selling "People & Portraits" at a huge loss in the US -- just $8.44!  While I feel somewhat insulted that my beautiful, brand-new, not-even-in-stores-yet, book is being sold at such a deep discount, everyone should take advantage of it and purchase copies for themselves and their friends. 

Martha Sielman

 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1600599281/?tag=mh0b-20&hvadid=1845602834&ref=pd_sl_5y91spcud8_p

CIS-Nature @ Concordia University-Chicago

Greetings All,
Here is a slideshow from the F.A.C. exhibit CIS-Nature  at Concordia University - Chicago for Women History Month.  This was the artist reception.  Enjoy;-)

.

CIS-Nature an FAC Exhibit

Celebrates Women’s History Month

River Forest, Illinois, February 7, 2013 – Concordia University Chicago invites the public to celebrate Women’s History Month through an eclectic art exhibit featuring the Fiber Artists Coalition, from February 24 through March 17, at Concordia University Chicago. An artists’ reception will be held on, Sunday, March 23, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Artists works included in this exhibit are: Pat Bishop, Kathie Briggs, Shelley Brucar, Jennifer Conrad,Cheryl Ferrin, Clairan Ferrono, Linda Henke, Kasia, Peg Keeney, Casey Puetz, Laura Wasilowski, Maggie Weiss, and Trish Williams.


The Ferguson Art Gallery is located in Kretzmann Hall at Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta St., River Forest. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 708-209-3013 or visit http://www.cuchicago.edu/news-events

 

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.

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.

FAC 13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird

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

Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts

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

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.

Sheldon - Ties Than Bind: Art Quilts - Video

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.

13 Ways to View a Blackbird

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.

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

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)

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

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;-)

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

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.

SAQA Benefit Auction

Greetings All,

SAQA Benefit Auction has started and you can view all the pieces at this link http://picasaweb.google.com/katethemel/2010SAQABenefitAuction. Shop and enjoy.

Midwest Meditations Opening Slide-Show

Greetings All,

Here is the slide-show from the opening reception of "Midwest Meditations" a SAQA IL/WI group exhibit at the Bloomingdale Park District Museum in Bloomingdale, IL.

Midwest Meditations

Greetings All,

This coming Sunday is the opening reception of "Midwest Meditations" an exhibit of 30 pieces of local fiber artists that are members of SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) of IL/WI. The reception starts at 2 pm at the Bloomingdale Park District Museum, 108 S. Bloomingdale Road, Bloomingdale, IL 60108. So if you are in the area do come by and say hello. If you can't make the opening the show is up until October 23, 2010. Check the link to the museum for more information.

OPENINGS!!!

" Mother Fire" (above) is one of my pieces that are in the Fiber Artists Coalition exhibit at Simple Chicago Art in Evanston, IL. This exhibit is a traveling exhibit and this is our first stop, so if you are in the Evanston area Sept 4 - 24, 2010 do stop by.

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


The two postcards (Vantage Point-I, left/Vantage Point- II, right) are the last of my pieces for the "Sapphire & Crystals" postcard exhibit at the Southside Community Art Center. This exhibit will run Sept 8 - Sept 30, 2010. The SSCAC is located at 3831 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL.

Collectors preview - Sept 11th, 4 - 6 pm
Opening reception - Sept 11th, 6 - 9 pm
Gallery Talk/Salon - Sept 17th, 6 - 9 pm

See you there.

The three piece below (Lake View, left/Collaboration-II, center/Trio, right) are a part of an exhibit called "Midwest Meditation", that will be a the Bloomingdale, IL at the park district center. This is a group exhibit of SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) regional members of Illinois and Wisconsin. The show will run Sept 11 - Oct 23, 2010.

Bloomingdale Park District

172 South Circle

Bloomingdale, IL 60108

630-529-9184 for more info.