Monday, April 13, 2015

Contemporary Fiber: Breaking Traditions

I had the privilege of seeing some cutting edge art quilts at the Lore Degenstein Gallery down in Selinsgrove, PA last evening. The opening reception, Contemporary Fiber: Breaking Traditions, was delightful! The gallery was filled almost to overflowing. Kate Themel spoke about 'Breaking Traditions', which is both the title of the exhibit, and the raison d'etre behind art quilts. They are made to hang on the wall and be experienced, lived with and loved. I didn't take my camera in because it seemed bad form, but I saw a few shots being taken with phones, so I guess maybe there is no fighting that former breach of etiquette. I'm going to search out photos that might be online of what I saw: breathtaking color, line, texture and composition from all the artists. They are: Paula Swett - Textile Paintings, Kate Themel, Mary Pals, Katie Pasquini-Masopust, Meredith Re' Grimsley, Linda Colsh, Valerie Goodwin, Beth Carney, and Susan Shie:

Beth Carney: http://bethcarneystudio.com/chasms9.htm?hc_location=ufi

Susan Shie: http://www.turtlemoon.com/gallery14/2014gallery.htm

Valerie Goodwin: http://www.quiltsbyvalerie.com/

 Paula Swett: http://magpienet.biz/commissioned-art/

 Linda Colsh: http://www.lindacolsh.com/

 Meredith Re' Grimsley: http://contemporarycraft.tumblr.com/post/73447580393/featured-artist-meredith-grimsley

Katie Pasquini-Masopust: http://www.katiepm.com/gallery.html

Mary Pals: http://marypaldesigns.com/

Kate Themel: http://www.katethemel.com/ 

I was asked to comment on the dinner I attended before the opening. The food was wonderful, I had lentil-walnut burger with a cranberry cashew balsamic salad. Meredith, the PA SAQA coordinator, sat me next to her and made me feel quite comfortable. She and I split spanokopita, which I can spell better than I can pronounce! Anyway, delicious! There were other SAQA members at dinner as well, though none of the artists that showed in the exhibit were with us. 

Later at the gallery it was Kate Themel that gave the talk about where quilts have come from and where they are going. The place was mobbed, and the opening of the exhibit a huge success! I am very glad I went and may get a second chance to go back this week while there are fewer people in attendance for further study.  

 
  
 

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for the links - such a variety of styles and some really inspiring work.

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  2. wish we'd been there together! LeeAnna

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