SAQA Connecticut

See RED at the Southbury Public Library (Southbury, CT)

2012-02-08T12:19:00.001-05:00

The talented and prolific artists of Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective invite you to see their newest exhibition “Red-Read”

The show is on display now at the Southbury Public Library and will remain until the end of February.

According to artist and CFAC member Diane Wright:

“Roz Spann instigated it all: the venue and the Red Challenge. She filled brown paper bags with s-t-u-f-f. As I remember it, Carine Greene came up with the title. We were to use some of everything in this brown bag..we could add (more red) if needed.

The Red collection is hung in the entry of the Southbury Library's gallery....leading to the Red/Read collection: Work relating to "red" OR a literary reference. It is a very diverse, yet cohesive exhibit.”

-excerpt from Diane Wright Art Quilts blog

Keep track of this active art group on their blog: CT Fiber Arts Collective

Southbury Public Library
100 Poverty Road
Southbury, CT 06488
203-262-0626

Margaret Phillips and Mayann Weinberg Participate in “The Jewelry Quilt Project” Invitational Exhibition

2012-02-08T09:06:00.001-05:00

SAQA-CT Artists Mayann Weinberg and Margaret Phillips will exhibit their work in the special exhibit “Jewelry Quilt Project” at the Quilt Fest of New Jersey VIII.

The show will run from March 1-4, 2012 in Somerset, New Jersey.

(image: Inuit Jewelry by M.Phillips)

More About The Jewelry Quilt Project:

The Jewelry Quilt Project is an international quilting project consisting of 90 quilts, each a cultural interpretation of one of 30 categories of jewelry. Each quilt is approximately 20 x 20 inches in size.

Of the invited participants, 30 came from Japan, 30 from France and 30 from the United States. The exhibition was curated by quilt makers Izumi Takamori (Japan), Marie-José Michel (France), and Drunell Levinson (U.S.). Exhibition of the quilts began in Yokahama, Japan.

Japan hosted two exhibitions before the quilts traveled to Bihorel, France. The show was covered by the local television station:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu_pcK2x2hw.

The first exhibition of the Jewelry Quilt Project in the U.S. will take place at the Quilt Fest of New Jersey, March 1-4, 2012. Photos of the quilts and a description of the categories of jewelry and in the exhibition can been seen on the “Jewelry Quilt Project” page on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=136361922208.

CT Fiber Arts Collective: “Red-Read” Exhibition (Southbury, CT)

2012-01-28T19:25:00.001-05:00

The Southbury Library Presents

RED – READ

Fiber Arts Exhibit

February 1st – February 29th

100 Poverty Road, Southbury, CT

Unique art quilts created by the

Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective

The Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective holds exhibits at various venues throughout the year. If you have a space and wish to host an exhibit, please contact us at: 203-574-5607 or carolreaton@comcast.net

Call for Entries: All-Media Juried Exhibition at the Slater Memorial Museum (Norwich, CT)

2012-01-19T15:41:00.001-05:00

THE NORWICH FREE ACADEMY presents:

The 68th Annual Connecticut Artists Exhibition Feb 19 – March 30, 2012

Located on the campus of Norwich Free Academy, the Slater Museum awakens visitors to the richness and diversity of the human experience through art and history. For more than one hundred years, the Museum has displayed and interpreted the best examples of fine and decorative art, representing a broad range of world cultures of the Americas, Asia, Europe and Africa.

Artists working in any media who reside in Connecticut are invited to submit up to 2 pieces of their work for consideration. Up to $950 will be awarded in prizes.

Entries must be hand delivered to the Converse Gallery (adjacent to Slater Museum) Sat & Sun February 4 & 5, 2012 from 1 – 4PM

Declined work must be picked up on Friday Feb 10 from 8:30AM – 3:30PM or Saturday, Sunday Feb 11th, 12th from 1:00-3:30PM

Click here for the full prospectus:
http://www.norwichfreeacademy.com/uploaded/Slater_Museum_Files/2012_Prospectus.pdf

Visit www.norwichfreeacademy.com for hours and directions.

Jan 15-16, 2012: Quilts by Betty Warner and Jeanne Marklin at Williams College (Williamstown, MA)

2012-01-12T08:03:00.001-05:00

SAQA-CT members Jeanne Marklin (MA/CT) and Betty Warner will be at Williams College celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day as members of “Fiber Artists for Hope”.

(image: “Diminished” by B.Warner)

The group Fiber Artists for Hope was formed in 2009 after the election of President Barak Obama. Their current exhibition has traveled around the USA and includes 24 quilts, each one is a particular artist’s perspective on racism.

Betty and Jeanne will be at Williams College to talk about their work and participate in a discussion about racism. Please join them in Williamstown on January 15 and 16!

Williams College Presents:

Unspoken Truth about Color: A Dialogue in Art Quilts about Racism
Sunday Jan. 15 and Monday Jan. 16, 2012
4 – 6 PM
Lobby of ‘62 Center for Theater and Dance
Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

'62 Center for Theater and Dance
Williams College
1000 Main Street
Williamstown, MA 01267
http://62center.williams.edu/62center/

CT Fiber Art Collective Presents: Identity and Other Things

2012-01-10T08:41:00.001-05:00

The prolific CT Fiber Art Collective (CFAC) begins 2012 with a new exhibition at the Southbury Public Library.

Identity and Other Things
January 1 – 31, 2012

The show takes its name from the concept identity and challenges each participant to use fiber art to create an image in the essence of her own singularity. In addition each artist will display a collection of some of their favorite pieces making the entire exhibit a unique and unexpected experience for the public.

(image: Sky by K. Loprete)

Exhibiting Artists: Diane Cadrain, Carol Eaton, Mary Lachman, Karen Loprete, Carol Vinick, Diane Wright, Rosalind Spann and Antonia Torres and Carine Greene.

Please stop by and take a look!

The Southbury Public Library is located at
100 Poverty Road
Southbury, CT 06488
203-262-0626

www.southburylibrary.org

Message from your CT Reps: A Look Back on 2011

2012-01-09T17:14:00.001-05:00

As SAQA Regional Reps, Diane and I submit a “State of the Region” report at the end of each year. This is an opportunity to reflect on the past year, what we did as a group, and what we would like to do in the future.

In putting together our report, we took a look at all the amazing achievements of our membership. We could not be more proud of the artists from Connecticut, as well as those who traveled from other States to attend meetings and share their work with us.
Here are SOME of the events we celebrated in 2011:

Barbara Barrick McKie exhibited her work several prestigious shows in 2011 including: Objects d’Art: Form and Function in Groton CT, Fiber Revolution: Visual Thoughts in Morristown NJ, Quilt Odyssey in Hershey PA, the International Quilt Festival in Houston TX, American Quilt Society exhibition in Demoines IA, World Quilt and Textile 2011, the Wisconsin Quilt Expo and the Pennsylvania National Quilt Expo.
Deirdre Abbotts participated in Identity in Fiber in Windsor, CT. She also organized and launched the CT Modern Quilt Guild, and created a blog for the group: http://www.ctmodernquiltguild.com/
Gail Kotowski participated in Identity in Fiber in Windsor, CT. Gail was one of 8 CT artists who helped a worthy cause by donating a 12x12 quilt to SAQA’s 2011 Benefit Auction.
Diane Cadrain completed 3 commissioned banners for the United Methodist Church of Hartford. A solo exhibition of Diane’s work was held at Wethersfield Library in Wethersfield, CT. Cadrain was also the only artist from Connecticut accepted into Volusia: Wrapped in Fiber held in Volusia County, CA. Her work was juried into the 100^th Exhibition of CT Academy of Fine Arts in Mystic, CT.
Lisa Corson held regular Open Studio days at her Red Barn studio in Wolcott, CT and taught classes throughout the year. Her work was juried into Art Quilts Lowell: the Sea in Lowell, MA and Quilts=Art=Quilts in Auburn, NY.
Vivika Hansen DeNegre was featured on a July episode of Quilting Arts TV with Pokey Bolton. Vivika was one of two CT artists accepted into the Brush Gallery’s For the Birds exhibition of fine art. DeNegre launched a new blog and began the Prayer Flag Project which drew participants from over 40 artists from 4 different countries. She participated in both the Killingworth Arts Trail and the Shoreline Arts Trail. In December 2011, Vivika was hired as the new editor of Quilting Arts Magazine.
Jane Davila taught several on line classes and published Quilting Arts: in Stitches Vol.5. Jane participated in One Hundred Collages for the Virginia Spiegel’s fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
Carol Eaton completed a commissioned series of work for Sharon Colwell, APRN. The 3 piece installation hangs in the waiting room of Colwell’s office in Stratford, CT. Carol’s work was exhibited in Fiber Harvest in West Hartford CT, Identity in Fiber in Windsor CT, Small Quilts for a Sacred Space in Hartford CT and Identity in Middlefield, CT.
Karen Loprete exhibited her work at the Left Bank Gallery in Essex, CT. Her work was also accepted into Deep Spaces traveling exhibition. Loprete had a solo exhibition of work at the Funky Monkey Café & Gallery in Cheshire, CT.
Catherine Whall Smith exhibited her work at the Akus Gallery as well as the Burton Leavitt Theatre, both in Willimantic, CT and Quilts=Art=Quilts in Auburn, NY. Catherine also exhibited work in the MAC Regional All Media Show in Mystic, CT and the Sun-Up Gallery in Westerly, RI. She participated in the Artists Open Studios of Northeast CT. Two of Smith’s quilts were featured in the September/October 2011 issue of Art New England magazine, and was one of 4 artists from CT to have her work selected for permanent collection at the University of Michigan Art Museum.
Mayann Weinberg exhibited her fiber art in Ver Luminarium at the Gertrude G. White Gallery in Greenwich, CT. Mayann also taught classes at the Brookfield Craft Center (Brookfield, CT).
Diane Wright’s work was juried into the Poser exhibition in Guilford CT, SAQA’s Deep Spaces traveling exhibition, Art Quilts Lowell: the Sea, Art Quilts at the Whistler and the Brush Gallery’s For the Birds exhibition of fine art in Lowell, MA. Diane also participated in the Shoreline Arts Trail and Open Studios, Double Take: Photo & Fiber, Fiber Harvest, Identity, It’s a Rumor and Gray in Guilford CT and Identity in Fiber in Windsor, CT.
Martha Wolfe is a former CT resident who currently lives in Florida. She keeps in close contact with her friends in CT and continues to participate in fiber art events here, such as the Double Take: Photo & Fiber exhibition and Identity in Fiber. Her work was accepted into several SAQA exhibitions including Deep Spaces, Sense of Adventure and Beyond Comfort.
Norma Schlager exhibited her work in Art Quilts Lowell: the Sea in Lowell, MA. She helped a good cause by donating a 12x12 quilt to the 2011 SAQA Benefit Auction.
Margaret Phillips exhibited her work in Art Quilts at the Whistler in Lowell, MA and in Quilts=Art=Quilts in Auburn, NY where she earned the Award for Machine Workmanship. Margaret was one of 4 artists from CT to have her work selected for permanent collection at the University of Michigan Art Museum.
Karen Maru was interviewed for a feature article on the World of Threads blog.
Pat Ferguson held regular classes on Zentangle® and Zen Quilting.
Liz Alpert Fay exhibited her contemporary hooked rug art in On Higher Ground at the Guilford Art Center in Guilford CT and Beyond Rugs! at the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, ME; at both exhibitions Liz gave a lecture about the evolution of hooked rugs. She co-curates an annual juried show called "Pushing the Limits: New Expressions in Hooked Art”.
Mary Lachman gave a hands-on quilting demonstration during the Opening Reception of the CT Fiber Arts Collective: IDENTITY exhibition. Mary also created a blog for the CT Fiber Arts Collective. Mary was one of 4 artists from CT to have her work selected for permanent collection at the University of Michigan Art Museum.
Carolyn Cooney exhibited her fiber artwork in Quilts=Art=Quilts in Auburn, NY.
Toni Torres exhibited her fiber art in Identity at the Levi Coe Library in Middlefield CT and Small Quilts for a Sacred Space in Hartford, CT.
Jennifer O’Brien organized a multi-national invitational exhibition of fiber art Quilts Inspired by Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. The show premiered in Kagoshima, Japan.
Martha Sielman presented her lecture 40 Masters of Art Quilts at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, TX. She continues to edit and review books on fiber art and serves as the Executive Director of SAQA Inc.
Cher Hurney exhibited her fiber art in Identity at the Levi Coe Library in Middlefield CT and Small Quilts for a Sacred Space in Hartford.
Muriel Stockdale-Grabe continues to travel with her collection of fiber art flags E Pluribus. Some of Muriel’s work was chosen for the multi-purpose community space at Charlotte’s Place in Manhattan, NY. One of the flags was displayed in Continuum: Gender Identities in Ridgefield, CT.
Rosalind Spann exhibited her fiber art in Identity at the Levi Coe Library in Middlefield CT, Small Quilts for a Sacred Space in Hartford CT and Fiber Harvest in West Hartford, CT.
Debbie Bein is a dual-State member from NY who participates in CT Regional meetings and events. Debbie had her work juried into Quilts=Art=Quilts in Auburn NY, Form Not Function in New Albany IN, Deep Spaces traveling exhibition, Fiber Plus in Yonkers NY and Quilted Expressions in Columbus, OH.
Carine Greene exhibited her fiber art in Identity with the CT Fiber Arts Collective at the Levi Coe Library in Middlefield CT.
Ruth Anne Olson exhibited her work in several exhibitions in Guilford, CT including Double Take: Photo & Fiber, It’s a Rumor and Gray. Ruth Anne also participated in Identity in Fiber in Windsor, CT.
Kate Themel was accepted into Quilt National ’11, where she won the Young Emerging Artist Award as well as the People’s Choice Award. Kate also exhibited work in Sacred Threads in Herndon VA, Fiber Revolution: Visual Thoughts in Morristown NJ, Art Bazaar Gallery in NYC, A Show of Heads in Hudson NY and a solo exhibition in Cheshire, CT. Themel’s quilt “Dandelion” was featured in Machine Quilting Unlimited Magazine, September issue.
Carol Vinick exhibited her fiber art in Identity at the Levi Coe Library in Middlefield CT, Small Quilts for a Sacred Space in Hartford CT, Fiber Harvest in West Hartford CT and Identity in Fiber at the Windsor Art Center in Windsor, CT.
Linda Zimmerman was interviewed for a feature article on Jungle Red Writers blog. Linda taught children’s art classes at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, CT and exhibited her work with Sisters in Cloth in Double Take: Photo & Fiber.

We did a lot as individuals, and in small groups, too!

Identity in Fiber at the Windsor Art Center (Windsor, CT) featured work by the following SAQA-CT members: Deirdre Abbotts, Debbie Bein, Debbie Bento, Sally Brown, Vivika DeNegre, Carol Eaton, Gail Kotowski, Eileen Lauterborn, Karen Loprete, Jutta Halpin, Carol Ludington, Barbara McKie, Ruth Anne Olson, Kate Themel, Carol Vinick, Martha Wolfe and Diane Wright
Exhibitions of fiber art by Sisters in Cloth featured fiber artwork by SAQA-CT members Barbara C. Adams, Debra Bento, Vivika Hansen DeNegre, Yvette Howard, Gail Kotowski, Carol Ludington, Ruth Anne Olson, Linda Sexton-Patrick, Martha Wolfe, Diane Wright and Linda Zimmerman. The Double-Take: Photo & Fiber collection was exhibited at CT Hospice in Branford, the Guilford Public Library and Yale’s Haskins Gallery. Other exhibitions by the Sisters in 2011 include Gray and It’s a Rumor.
CT Fiber Arts Collective (including SAQA-CT members Mary Lachman, Diane Cadrain, Carol Eaton, Rosalind Spann, Toni Torres, Cher Hurney, Karen Loprete, Diane Wright, Carol Vinick and Carine Greene) held their first group show, Small Quilts for a Sacred Space at the Unitarian Society of Hartford. They continued with 2 more exhibitions in 2011: Fiber Harvest, and Identity. Member Mary Lachman maintains a blog for the group: http://ctfac.blogspot.com/

Please continue to send us your fiber art news, including exhibitions, classes, publications and anything else you’d like to share with the group.
Thank you ALL for making 2011 such a wonderful year for SAQA!

Sincerely,

Kate Themel & Diane Wright
Your SAQA-CT Reps

Kate Themel’s Work on the Cover of Machine Quilting Unlimited Magazine

2012-01-02T10:41:00.001-05:00

SAQA-CT artist Kate Themel is thrilled to announce that her art quilt “Teapot” is on the cover of this month’s Machine Quilting Unlimited Magazine. The issue contains an multipage overview of Kate’s journey as an artist, along with color photos of some of Themel’s work.

You can find MQU magazine at JoAnn Fabrics, select quilt stores and by subscription. http://mqumag.com/

To see more of Kate’s work, visit http://www.katethemel.com

Vivika Hansen DeNegre: New Editor of Quilting Arts Magazine

2011-12-18T15:57:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Connecticut artist Vivika DeNegre, Editor of Quilting Arts Magazine! Pokey Bolton made the official announcement on December 16th and interviewed Vivika for the “Quilting Daily” blog. Read the full article here:

http://www.quiltingdaily.com/blogs/pokey/archive/2011/12/16/announcing-the-new-editor-for-quilting-arts.aspx

Vivika is taking it all in. Although she may have less time to work on her fiber art and beautiful bird portraits, DeNegre is excited to begin a new adventure:

“I am thrilled, of course, and also overwhelmed in many ways with the challenges - learning Photoshop, excel and outlook, understanding the publishing world from the inside, working once again after an 11 year retirement - all of these are new experiences.”

New Editor DeNegre is already working on the April/May 2012 issue of Quilting Arts magazine, and will launch her new Quilting Arts blog next month.

Congratulations Vivika!

This Month: Double Exhibit from Sisters in Cloth at Guilford Free Library (Guilford, CT)

2011-12-02T09:13:00.001-05:00

Fiber art by the Connecticut-based group Sisters in Cloth will be on display this month at the Guilford Free Library.

Guilford Free Library

67 Park Street in Guilford, CT

December 1 – 31, 2011

This unusual exhibition incorporates two different themes: color-themed “Gray” and “It’s a Rumor” based on the children’s game Telephone.

Sisters in Cloth includes Yvette Howard, Vivika DeNegre, Marie Shepherd, Debra Bento, Barbara Adams, Gail Kotowski, Carol Ludington, Ruth Anne Olson, Robin Wolek, Martha Wolfe, Diane Wright and Linda Zimmerman.

To find out more about the “Rumor” mill, check out Sisters member Diane Wright’s blog: http://dianewrightquilts.blogspot.com/2011/12/its-rumor-last-exhibit-of-year.html

Catherine Smith Invites you to Open Studios 2011 – 2 more days – December 3rd & 4th

2011-11-27T20:58:00.001-05:00

Thank you to all who stopped by for the first week-end of Artists Open Studios of Northeast CT 2011

There is one more weekend left: Sat, Dec 3 & Sun, Dec 4

Artist studios will be open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Download the Artists Open Studios Brochure

The Artists Open Studios tour encompasses 20 towns in Northeast Connecticut. More information about the Artists Open Studios of Northeast CT and directions can be found on the website www.aosct.org

(Image: "Which Way to Lund" by C.W.Smith)

The piece photographed – “Which Way to Lund” is Smith’s interpretation of the graphics on the many trains she saw while in Copenhagen last Summer. (All cotton materials – Hand quilted – 36H x 36W inches).

To see more of Catherine’s work, visit her blog: http://catherinewhallsmith.com/

Catherine Smith’s “SmithStitch Studio” is located at 44 Chaplin Street (D-3), Chaplin CT 06235.

Margaret Phillips Earns Award for Workmanship at Quilts=Art=Quilts

2011-11-16T21:06:00.001-05:00

SAQA-CT fiber artist Margaret Phillips has earned the “Award for Machine Workmanship” at the 2011 Quilts=Art=Quilts Exhibition for her beautiful quilt Pink Desert with Roadrunners (detail shown). Awards were presented on October 29th at the Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn, New York.

Congratulations Margaret!

Quilts=Art=Quilts is the Schweinfurth Art Center's 31st annual juried quilt exhibition. The Art Center has long recognized the importance of quilts as a visual medium, and has been presenting quilts in an art gallery setting since 1981.

To see all the prize winning quilts from this year’s show, along with the artists and titles, visit Schweinfurth’s website:

http://www.schweinfurthartcenter.org/events/QAQPrizes.html

Opening Friday: “Fabulous Fiber” at the Farmington Valley Arts Center (Avon, CT)

2011-11-16T20:51:00.001-05:00

Women Against the Grain, a group of fiber artists including Diane Cadrain, will be participating in a new show called FABULOUS FIBER at the Farmington Valley Arts Center.

A candlelight Opening Reception will be held this Friday, November 18 from 6 – 9PM.

The exhibition will be on display at FVAC until December 31, 2011.

Gallery Hours:

Fridays 1 – 4PM

Saturdays 10 AM – 4PM

and by Appointment

(860) 678-1867

FVAC is located at 25 Arts Center Lane in Avon, CT. visit http://www.artsfvac.org for more information.

The Farmington Valley Arts Center in Avon, Connecticut, is dedicated to the belief that artistic expression and creativity are vital to daily life. FVAC connects the community to the creative process by offering arts education for people of all ages, supporting and encouraging working artists, and serving as a community resource for promoting the arts. The Arts Center is a vibrant arts community that enables visitors to experience the entire creative process, from seeing artists at work to viewing finished creations in a gallery to learning the skills necessary to create works of their own.

Shoreline Arts Trail 2011 Kicks Off with Reception at Guilford Art Center TONIGHT (Guilford, CT)

2011-11-04T10:55:00.001-04:00

Shoreline ArtsTrail Exhibition at Guilford Art Center

November 4, 2010 - January 9, 2011

ARTISTRY

Preview work of all 37 members of the Shoreline ArtsTrail in an exhibit with Artistry at the Guilford Art Center, November 4, 2010 through January 9, 2011, 411 Church Street, Guilford.

The two month exhibition will kick off with an opening reception on Friday Nov 4, from 5 to 8 PM.

Guilford Art Center Artistry hours:
Monday–Saturday 10 am–6 pm
Thursday 10 am–8 pm, Sunday 12–5 pm

ARTISTRY is the Center's annual holiday sale of fine art and crafts and includes artists from throughout the nation, and presents the perfect opportunity for purchasing distinctive and unusual holiday gifts.

Shoreline Arts Trail celebrates their 10th Anniversary with Open Studios Weekend

November 19 - 20, 2011 from 10AM - 4PM

Meet the artists, including SAQA-CT fiber artists Diane Wright and Vivika DeNegre. Discover the unique fine arts and crafts that the CT Shoreline has to offer.

Excerpt from their new blog http://shorelineartstrail.wordpress.com/:

The Shoreline ArtsTrail celebrates its 10th Anniversary with the annual Open Studios Weekend, November 19 and 20, 2011. In total, 43 artists from Branford, Guilford, and Madison are participating in this two-day event, presenting an array of mediums: cut paper, engraving, fiber, found objects, glass, goldsmithing, jewelry, metal, paint, pastels, photography, pottery, printmaking, sculpture, stained glass, and textiles.

This year, in lieu of an opening reception, the group of shoreline artists made a $1,000 donation to the Community Dining Room on November 1, 2011 at the Branford location on Harrison Avenue.

“The shoreline community has been so supportive of our efforts over the years,” says Shoreline ArtsTrail Coordinator Owen Sea Lucky. “We felt it was very important for us to give back, especially in this economy, especially this time of year.”

Open Studios Weekend is a community event, and a great way to learn about art and to meet shoreline artists. Along the way, enjoy refreshments while you watch demonstrations and ask questions, learn how and where artists produce their work, get a head start on your holiday shopping and much more! So, save the date and make it a weekend event with your friends or family!

During Open Studios Weekend, the distinctive yellow “Open Studio” signs will point you to all of these artists and studios. For specific locations and more information about events, participating artists, and discounts to local business and restaurants, pick up a copy of the Shoreline ArtsTrail map, available in libraries, town halls and visitors’ centers in Branford, Guilford and Madison, as well as at the Guilford Art Center and the various studios. For more information call the Branford Artist Cooperative at 203-589-6995 or visit www.shorelineartstrail.com.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A MAP

OR DOWNLOAD THE ARTS TRAIL BROCHURE

Kate Themel Will Represent CT in ArtQuilt Elements 2012 (Wayne, PA)

2011-11-01T11:57:00.001-04:00

SAQA-CT artist Kate Themel has been accepted into ArtQuilt Elements 2012. Her piece, Stars Not Included (image, left) depicts a mariner’s sextant. It was created using pieces of colored fabric which were layered and raw-edge appliquéd and then densely quilted with free motion machine stitching.

Jurors Elizabeth Barton, David Revere McFadden and Dr. Sandra Sider selected 48 pieces from over 660 entries. Exhibiting artists hail from 42 US States and 11 different countries. Kate is happy and proud to be one of 28 first-time exhibitors and the only artist from Connecticut in this year’s show.

From AQE’s website http://www.artquiltelements.com/:

ArtQuilt Elements 2012
March 30 - May 13, 2012 / Wayne Art Center / Wayne PA

Opening Reception will be held on Friday, March 30, 2011

The Wayne Art Center
413 Maplewood Ave, Wayne, PA
19087 / phone: 610-688-3553
email: info@wayneart.org

AQE 2012 is the 10th Exhibition of this internationally acclaimed show set in suburban Philadelphia. "One of the distinctions of our show is our professional presentation of art quilts. The exhibition has been widely praised by reviewers and artists not only for exhibiting the quilts in a gallery setting but also for promoting the art quilt as an art form."

Reception for CTFAC “Identity” Show and Demonstration by Mary Lachman at the Levi Coe Library (Middlefield, CT)

2011-10-28T08:18:00.001-04:00

Levi Coe Library Presents

(Images left to right: Pieces of my Heart by M.Lachman, Identity by K.Loprete, Self Indulgence by C.Eaton, I Dream in Color by C.Hurney, Sanctuary by D.Cadrain)

“IDENTITY” a collection of small art quilts created by the

Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective

November 3 – 30, 2011

i·den·ti·ty ~ (-dnt-t) The distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity; individuality.

The collection is unique and inspirational.

Special Event November 3^rd:

5:30 – 6:45 Artist Reception: We invite you to meet the artists for an opportunity to learn more about the design process and techniques used when creating their pieces.

6:00 – 6:45 Hands on quilting demonstration by nationally recognized fiber artist Mary Lachman and sale of hand dyed fabrics, hand painted silk scarves, and felted purses by artist Carol Eaton.

The CT Fiber Arts Collective is a recently-formed but very active group of artists from around Connecticut dedicated to promoting Fiber and Mixed Media Arts. “Identity” is their 3rd group show just this year. “Small Quilts for a Sacred Space” opened at the Unitarian Society of Hartford in May 2011 and “Fiber Harvest” at the Noah Webster Library in September.

Participating artists include: Diane Cadrain, Carol Eaton, Cher Hurney, Barbara Khachane, Mary Lachman, Karen Loprete, Rosalind Spann, Toni Torres, Diane Wright and Carol Vinick.

Visit the CTFAC blog: http://ctfac.blogspot.com/

The Identity Exhibition will be on display until November 30, 2011.

The Levi Coe Library is located at 414 Main Street, Middlefield, CT 06455 (phone 860-349-3857)

For directions and more information about the library, visit their website: http://www.leviecoe.com/Main/Home.html or find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Levi-E-Coe-Library/114156831968221

SAQA Trunk Show Pieces Chosen for Permanent Collection, Kresge Art Museum (Michigan State U.)

2011-10-27T07:46:00.001-04:00

SAQA-CT Artists Margaret Phillips, Mary Lachman, Kate Themel and Catherine Whall Smith are 4 of the 50 artists whose trunk show quilts will become part of the Kresge Art Museum’s permanent collection.

(Images: Jackie by M. Phillips; Untitled by M. Lachman, Luka’s Eyes by K. Themel; Hay Bale with Blue String by C. Whall Smith)

This is a Quilt! is SAQA’s second Trunk Show. Curated by Deb Cashatt and Kris Sazaki, it showcases SAQA’s diversity of talent and its mission to promote the art quilt through education, exhibitions, professional development, and documentation. 268 SAQA artists at every level of their careers answered the invitation to submit a quilt to the Trunk Show, in order to answer the question, “How do we as SAQA members explain what we do –- create quilts -- without people immediately thinking of a nine-patch that goes on your bed?”

Seven trunks, containing 30-50 art quilts, will travel the globe between 2011 and 2013. The pieces are in 12” square white mats with 8" openings, and are presented in clear envelopes with artists’ statements on the back. Some trunks also contain 3D pieces housed in acrylic boxes.

Michael Solomon, formerly of the Solomon Dubnik Gallery in Sacramento, California, chose 50 of the quilts to become part of the permanent collection of the Kresge Art Museum at Michigan State University after the trunks finish traveling.

The SAQA trunk show is a wonderful way for members and non-members alike to view and engage with quilts made using a wide variety of styles, techniques, and fibers. Some regions might want to organize special meetings around the trunk show and invite local quilt groups to view the works. Other regions might want to use the trunk show as the basis for a critique session while still more might consider exhibiting the trunk show in their local libraries or art centers.

Recently, Trunk Show “D” (including Catherine Smith’s and Margaret Phillip’s pieces) was exhibited at the Guilford Art Center.

See all 268 quilts! For more information about the 2011 SAQA Trunk Show visit http://www.saqa.com/about.php?ID=1904

Deadline October 31st for “Outside/Inside The Box” Fiber Philadelphia

2011-10-26T19:36:00.001-04:00

From Fiber Philadelphia:
OUTSIDE/INSIDE THE BOX, Call for entries. www.outsideinsideentry.com.
Apply Online May 1 - October 31, 2011.

Seeking innovative fiber/textile art that transcends disciplines; combines traditional with cutting edge technology and/or historic concepts with contemporary perspectives.

Artists working in any medium with a fiber/textile reference are encouraged to apply. Size, scope, materials and subject matter are open. Submissions may include surface design, 2D and 3D structures, quilts, stitching, body art, etc.

Jurors: Elisabeth Agro, Associate Curator of American Modern and Contemporary Crafts and Decorative Arts, Philadelphia Museum of Art; Bruce Hoffman, Independent Curator; Judith Weisman, Designer and Curator, Acquisitions Chair of the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery Support Group.

Outside/Inside the Box will take place March 2 -April 14, 2012 at the ICE Box Project Space, Crane Arts Building, the hub of Fiber Philadelphia 2012.

www.cranearts.com

Fiber Philadelphia is a biennial for fiber/textile art that takes place in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. The next Fiber Philadelphia will take place in Spring 2012 at major institutions and independent venues. It will include exhibitions by renowned international artists and a new generation of artists breaking into the field.

www.fiberphiladelphia.org

SAQA Artists Represent Connecticut at Quilts=Art=Quilts (Auburn, NY)

2011-10-21T16:19:00.001-04:00

Connecticut is represented well in this year’s “Quilts=Art=Quilts” exhibition at Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center!

Shown here, a detail of Margaret Phillip’s Pink Desert with Road Runners:

Margaret joins fellow SAQA-CT members Carolyn Cooney, Lisa Corson, Catherine Whall Smith and Debbie Bein along with 70 other fiber artists from around the United States.

The Q=A=Q Exhibition will run from October 30, 2011 – January 8, 2012

Preview Reception & Awards Presentation Saturday, Oct. 29 from 5 – 7 PM.

Other scheduled events include:

Quilters Brunch & Lecture by Elin Noble on Sunday, Oct. 30 from 10 AM – 12 PM
Walk-About Tour Sunday, Oct. 30 at 2PM
Director’s Tour Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 2PM
Trunk Shows/Talks by Regional Quilters – check Schweinfurth’s website for dates and artists
Mini Raffle and Fiber Arts Workshops

Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center

205 Genesee Street

Auburn, NY 13021

(315) 255-1553

www.myartcenter.org

Congratulations to all the participating artists!

Opening Oct. 8, 2011: Catherine Smith’s Art Quilts at Sun-Up Gallery (Westerly, RI)

2011-10-05T08:34:00.001-04:00

See art quilts by Catherine Whall Smith at the Sun-Up Gallery until November 7, 2011

(image: “Orange Swirls” by C.W.Smith)

Meet the artist at the Opening on Saturday October 8th from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Hope you get a chance to stop by the Opening – or visit during the month of October - the store has some amazing jewelry, art, clothing, etc. - you won’t be disappointed.

The Smith Stitch Studio Quilt Show show runs from October 5th thru November 7th.

Sun-Up Gallery

95 Watch Hill Road

Westerly, RI 02891

(401) 596-0800

Store Hours:

Mon – Sat. 10am – 6pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm

www.sunupgallery.com

New Classes & Events with SAQA–CT Members

2011-10-04T14:16:00.001-04:00

SAQA-Connecticut artists share their knowledge

Lisa Corson, whose art quilt "Bypass" (image, left) has been accepted into Quilts=Art=Quilts at the Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center, will be offering two classes this month:

On Friday October 7th, from 5 – 8 PM Lisa will be demonstrating my mixed media fiber art at First Fridays in Downtown Putnam, outside Glimpse of Gaia, 130 Main Street, Putnam, CT

And on October 20, Lisa will giving a talk and demonstration on her art quilts at the Northeastern CT Art Guild, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT (at the CT Audubon Society barn). There is a $5 cover charge for non-guild members.

Sally Brown will be teaching a fun 6 week sewing course for 4th and 5th graders at Renbrook School during October and November.

Sally will be using colorful Halloween fabric for the students to use. Renbrook is located at 2865 Albany Ave in Hartford, CT. Visit their website for more info and directions: http://www.renbrook.org/

And for Vivika DeNegre, it is Open Studio and Art Fair season! Join Vivika at these wonderful events. Meet the artist and see her latest work:

Killingworth Arts Trail Website

October 8-9
Madison Green
Madison, CT

Our Lady of Mercy Christmas Boutique

Nov. 4-5
149 Neck Rd.
Madison, CT

Shoreline Arts Trail Website

Nov. 19-20
Guilford Art Center Location
411 Church Street

Guilford, CT

Call for Artists: Deadline October 1st – Hartford Open Studio

2011-09-30T10:11:00.001-04:00

22nd Annual Open Studio Hartford 2011

November 12-13 from 11 AM – 5 PM

A creative showcase for artists to exhibit and sell their art just before the holidays. Open your own studio or join one of our popular Harford group locations!

CALL FOR ARTISTS

Brochure Deadline: October 1, 2011

Registration Starts at $75, New Artists Welcome!

Registration Includes:

FREE ART membership ($25 value)

FREE Artist Club discount at Jerry’s Artarama of CT

Listing in Hartford Advocate pull-out guide (deadline applies)

Listing on Open Studio website

For information or to participate, call (860) 560-1100

email Hartford OpenStudio@gmail.com

www.OpenStudioHartford.com

SAQA Benefit Auction Update – Moving on to the Last Phase

2011-09-25T13:40:00.001-04:00

Two weeks have gone by and SAQA has sold 178 pieces and raised over $34,000! There is only one week left, with quilts in Section 3 up for bid Monday, September 26th at 2PM:

http://www.saqa.com/news.php?ID=1791

On Monday September 26th, SAQA will open Section 3.

Quilts on pages 3a and 3b will be up for bid starting at $750. Section 3 includes Connecticut artist Betty Warner’s quilt “Two Shells” (image, upper right).

You will find artwork by well known fiber artists as well as SAQA’s new-comers. There is something for every taste and style to decorate your home or office.

Quilt National ‘11 award winners Katie Pasquini-Masopust and Catherine Kleeman have donated artwork to SAQA’s cause; this will be Katie’s and Catherine’s fifth year participating in the auction.

(upper left: “Sun Fire” by K. Masopust; middle right: “No Way Out” by C. Kleeman)

Nancy Turbitt has entered her first auction with a stunning expression of sunflowers (“Girasole”, lower left). Another first time participant Martha Hall donated the whimsical “Cheerily, Cheeriup, Cheerio” (lower right)

These are just a few examples of the beautiful work you’ll find, done by SAQA’s fiber artists.

Please take some time (and encourage your friends) to visit SAQA’s website and consider bidding on one of these lovely 12x12 quilts to help support fiber art.

http://www.saqa.com/news.php?ID=1791

Opening Reception Oct. 7th: Fiber Art by Karen Loprete at the Funky Monkey (Cheshire, CT)

2011-09-17T15:01:00.001-04:00

Connecticut fiber artist Karen Loprete will be the featured artist for the month of October at The Funky Monkey Cafe & Gallery in Cheshire, CT.

Opening Reception: Friday, October 7, 2011 7PM – 9PM

The Funky Monkey Cafe & Gallery

130 Elm Street, The Watch Factory Shoppes

Cheshire, CT 06410

(203) 439-9161

Open Mon,Sun 10am-4pm; Tue-Thu 10am-8pm; Fri 10am-10pm; Sat 9am-10pm

http://www.thefunkymonkeycafe.com

For more information about the artist, and to see more of her work on line, visit: http://www.karenloprete.com

2011 SAQA Benefit Auction – Pass the Word

2011-09-16T12:07:00.001-04:00

After one week, SAQA has sold 25 pieces and raised over $10,000!

Quilts in Section 1 have been selling fast but there are still some beautiful pieces left, including work by SAQA-CT members Ruth Anne Olson and Debbie Bein.

You have until Sunday night to buy one of the amazing works of fiber art in Section 1. (images, upper right: Token Art Quilt by D. Bein, Shades of Autumn by R. Olson)

http://www.saqa.com/news.php?ID=1791

Prices will drop to $150 at 2PM today and then to $75 at 2PM Saturday, but don’t wait too long or you may miss out on your favorite!

On Monday September 19th, SAQA will open Section 2. Quilts on pages 2a and 2b will be up for bid starting at $750. Section 2 includes work by Connecticut artists Gail Kotowski, Norma Schlager and Diane Wright.

(images left to right: Sunset by G. Kotowski, Technicolor Ginkos III by N. Schlager, and Shards of the Day by D. Wright)

Please take some time (and encourage your friends) to visit SAQA’s website and consider bidding on one of these lovely 12x12 quilts to help support fiber art. http://www.saqa.com/news.php?ID=1791

Arts and Crafts on Bedford This Weekend – Sept 17th, 18th (Stamford, CT)

2011-09-16T11:03:00.001-04:00

Arts & Crafts on Bedford

Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18, 2011

Stamford Downtown along Bedford Street will come alive with color, flavor and sound for Arts & Crafts on Bedford on Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18, 2011.

Over 75 Juried Craftsmen and women from throughout the Northeast will display and sell their juried American made works including Stained Glass, Photography, Embroidery, Pottery, Original Oil Paintings and Watercolors, Pen and Ink Drawings, Custom Quilts, Metal Sculpture, Fiber Arts, Candles, Country Woodcrafts, Blown Glass, Fine Jewelry, Wearable Art and more.

Festival hours are Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

Don’t miss the Imagination Station with “hands on” activities for kids presented by the Stamford Museum and Nature Center and the Bartlett Arboretum including farm animals and crafts.

The Fair is held rain or shine, handicap accessible and admission is free.

Directions: From Route 95 take Exit 8.

Arts & Crafts on Bedford is presented by Castleberry Fairs & Festivals, Stamford Downtown Special Services District and the City of Stamford and is sponsored by Stamford First Bank, Vinylume, Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa, Agora Spa, Hilton Stamford Hotel, The Advocate, Stamford Museum & Nature Center, Bartlett Arboretum, Crystal Rock, The Care of Trees, 95.9 The Fox, Star 99.9, WSTC/WNLK radio stations, Simply Signs and Happyhaha Photography.

For more information please visit www.stamford-downtown.com or email or call Annette Einhorn at 203-348-5285, annette@stamford-downtown.com

For more information about the exhibitors visit: http://www.castleberryfairs.com/exhibitors/show152011.php

For a list of FESTIVALS in CONNECTICUT visit: http://festivalnet.com/state/connecticut/ct.html

Sept 25, 2011: Deadline for Entries into ART QUILT ELEMENTS

2011-09-13T13:35:00.001-04:00

Art Quilt Elements - Call for Entry
Online Submissions
June 1 - September 25, 2011

Exhibition dates are March 30, 2012 to May 13, 2012 and will be held at the Wayne Art Center,
413 Maplewood Avenue, Wayne PA 19087.

AQE 2012 is the 10th Exhibition of this internationally acclaimed show set in suburban Philadelphia.
"One of the distinctions of our show is our professional presentation of art quilts. The exhibition has been widely praised by reviewers and artists not only for exhibiting the quilts in a gallery setting but also for promoting the art quilt as an art form."

Registration http://www.artquiltelementsentry.com/

To preview the forms, click here.

If you have questions about the exhibit, please contact artquiltelements@gmail.com.

If you have questions about the online system, contact Lisa Ellis at lisa@ellisquilts.com.

New Classes with Pat Ferguson (Ashford, CT)

2011-09-09T17:06:00.001-04:00

A message from SAQA-CT artist Pat Ferguson:

Tired of the same few quilting designs? Do you want more ideas and an easier approach to machine quilting your quilts or art quilts? Then join Pat Ferguson at her studio in Ashford, CT:

Zentangle® class on Saturday, September 24, 10am-12:30.

For those who want to broaden design skills or just want to relax and focus with a new way of drawing. This class is for anyone (age 12 and over) and crosses all occupations and skill levels. No prior experience necessary. Just come to class- all materials will be provided. Drawing only.

Zen Quilting class on Saturday, October 1 10am-3:30.

Helps build confidence in machine quilting skills, breaks quilters block, add new free motion quilting designs to your quilts or art quilts, relax your hand and become one with your machine. Class requires minimal basic machine quilting skills. Drawing and work on your machine.

Sign up online or email pat@patfergusonquilts.com for a snail mail registration form.
Pat is the author of "Zen Quilting Workbook" published by Design Originals

The Art Quilt Gallery NYC: “Explosions in Color” by Carol Taylor (New York, NY)

2011-09-09T10:18:00.001-04:00

Explosions in Color

by Carol Taylor

September 9 to October 29, 2011

Explosions in Color dramatically showcases the vibrant colors, striking contrasts, use of value, as well as dense quilting and embroidery that distinguish Carol Taylor’s quilts and make them visually stunning artworks. Internationally known, award-winning quilt artist, Carol Taylor, approaches her art with intensity and a seemingly boundless energy.
For more information, contact:
Dale Riehl: dale@artquiltgallerynyc.com

The ArtQuilt Gallery NYC 133 West 25th Street
New York, NY 10001
212-807-9451
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11 to 6 pm
Sunday & Monday by appointment only

New Class with Kendell Storm (Yonkers, NY)

2011-09-08T11:31:00.001-04:00

A message from CT/NY artist Kendell Storm:

Good News!

I have been hired as one of the new instructors at JoAnns on Central Ave in Yonkers, NY.
This Saturday, September 10, between the hours of 1 pm and 3 pm, I will be in the new JoAnn Fabrics store to introduce the quilting classes.

Anyone who registers on Saturday for the following classes will get 50% off the class fee.

Please invite the guild members to come to the classroom and see what we will be teaching at the new store.
The classes I will be teaching are:
Quilting 101 - Rotary cutting and accurate piecing - you will learn to make the Hole in the Barn Door block (free rotary cutter with registration fee)
ONE 2.5 HOUR SESSION - SEPT 20 9:30-12:00, OCT 1 9:00-11:30,
OCT 8 9:30-12:00, or OCT 28 6:00-8:30
Quilting 102 - In A Bind - learn how to accurately piece, quilt, and bind a potholder, all the things you need to know to make a quilt!
ONE 3 HOUR SESSION - SEPT 17 9:30-12:30 and OCT. 16 2:30-5:30
Quilting 202 - Playing with Blocks - learn to make a quilt using a quilt as you go, expanded block technique -
FOUR 3 HOUR SESSIONS -
SESSION 1 - Sept 16, 23, 30, Oct 7 - 6:00 - 9:00 pm
SESSION 2 Oct 9, 16, 23, 30 - 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ON SATURDAY BETWEEN 1 PM AND 3 PM AT THE NEW STORE!
Thanks,
Kendell

Presentation by Liz Alpert Fay at Farnsworth Art Museum, Sept 24th (Rockland, Maine)

2011-09-03T14:05:00.001-04:00

Contemporary Hooking: A Fine Art

Lecture by Fiber Artist Liz Alpert Fay

Saturday, September 24, 2 PM

To celebrate the opening of the exhibition Beyond Rugs! nationally recognized textile artist Liz Alpert Fay will give a presentation on the world of contemporary hooking.

Many people are familiar with antique hooked rugs, but few are aware of the new and innovative works being produced by contemporary hooking artists today. In this illustrated presentation, Fay will lead viewers on a journey through the world of artists hooking throughout the United States and Canada.

Liz Alpert Fay studied Textile Design at Boston University and later became intrigued with the technique of traditional rug hooking. Since then she has been creating colorful hand- hooked rugs of her own design. She currently co-curates an annual juried show called "Pushing the Limits: New Expressions in Hooked Art”

(image: "Spontaneous Stripe" 18" x 26" Liz Alpert Fay)

Location:

Farnsworth Art Museum
16 Museum Street
Rockland, Maine 04841
207.596.645

Seating: limited to 60 people

Cost: $10 members, $12 nonmembers

For Reservations: call 207-596-0949 or visit http://www.farnsworthmuseum.org/education/contemporary-hooking-fine-art-lecture-fiber-artist-liz-alpert-fay

BEYOND RUGS! will run from September 24, 2011 – February 05, 2012

The second textile show at the Farnsworth to feature the technique of rug hooking, Beyond Rugs!, curated by Mildred Cole Peladeau and Farnsworth Assistant Curator Jane Bianco, will examine the art of hooking in recent times. A design by the innovative modernist, Marguerite Zorach, will introduce selections of artists from throughout the country who set the pace today with hook and fiber.

SAQA’s 2011 Benefit Auction Begins Monday!

2011-09-01T11:02:00.001-04:00

The SAQA 2011 Benefit Auction will begin on Monday, September 12th at 2:00 PM (Eastern Time) and conclude on Sunday, October 2 at 2:00 PM Eastern. Last year's Benefit Auction raised $52,450. The funds raised through the Auction are critical to supporting SAQA's exhibitions, catalogs and outreach programs.

How the Auction works:
The Auction is run in three sections (Section 1 - Pages 1a and 1b; Section 2 - Pages 2a and 2b; Section 3 - Pages 3a and 3b).
On the first day of each section's auction, the price for all pieces in that section is $750. The next day (at 2:00 Eastern), the price drops to $550. The third day, it drops to $350, then $250, then $150, and finally $75.

Important Dates:
The first section will begin September 12th at 2:00 PM Eastern.
The second section will begin September 19th at 2:00 PM Eastern.
The third section will begin September 26th at 2:00 PM Eastern.

How You Bid: You bid by filling out the online bid form (which will be "live" when the auction begins). You can bid on up to 7 pieces at a time. First bid on each piece wins. We will then ship the artwork to the winning bidder by insured USPS Priority Mail.

VISIT SAQA.COM TO SEE ALL 309 AUCTION QUILTS:

http://www.saqa.com/saqa-u.php?ID=1791

Kate Themel’s “Dandelion” featured as the Jaw Dropper in MQU Magazine!

2011-08-31T11:56:00.001-04:00

CT artist Kate Themel’s fiber artwork Dandelion is featured on page 78 in this month’s issue of Machine Quilting Unlimited, in the section labeled “Jaw Dropper”!

The current (Sept/Oct 2011) issue of MQU magazine is available in select stores now. Look for the cover, showing a detail of Ann Horton’s quilt “Honoring Those Who Served”.

Sneak peak of the contents and Editor’s note here: http://www.mqumag.com/media/uploads/2011/08/15/files/TOC_Sept_.pdf

Check out the MQU website for information on how to order the current issue or subscribe: http://www.mqumag.com/home/

CT Fiber Arts Collective “Fiber Harvest” at the Noah Webster Library (W.Hartford, CT)

2011-08-30T10:47:00.001-04:00

Noah Webster Library of West Hartford

Presents

“Fiber Harvest”

A collection of unique art quilts Created by the Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective

September 1^st – October 15^th

(Image: “The Fruits of Our Labor” by Carol Eaton)
Please join the artists for a reception September 8^thfrom 6:30 – 8:30
Exhibiting Artists: Diane Cadrain, Carol Eaton, Mary Lachman, Karen Loprete, Carol Vinick, Diane Wright, Rosalind Spann and Jeanne Landry
Noah Webster Library | 20 South Main Street | West Hartford, CT 06107 | Ph: 860-561-6950
For directions and information please visit: http://westhartfordlibrary.org/about/howtofindus

Catherine Smith’s Purple Series #1 #2 in Art New England – September/October 2011 issue

2011-08-29T13:13:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Connecticut artist Catherine Whall Smith!

The upcoming September/October 2011 issue of Art New England magazine will feature two of Smith’s recent Purple Line series in their “Artist Directory” .

See more of Catherine Smith’s fiber art at http://catherinewhallsmith.com/

Art New England has been the premier contemporary arts publication for over a quarter century, engaging its readers with critical insight into the exhibitions, artists, trends, and controversies affecting the New England art scene today. Dedicated to providing coverage of regional artists working in both local and international settings, Art New England continues to enhance the ongoing discourse between those connected by their love of art and culture. To learn more, visit Art New England’s website: http://artnewengland.com/

Non-Juried Exhibition: First Church of Christ, Congregational 16th Annual Quilt and Needle Arts Show (East Haddam, CT)

2011-08-24T19:32:00.001-04:00

Attention Quilters and Fiber Artists of Connecticut:

You are invited to participate in the 16th Annual Quilt and Needle Arts Show, located in America's oldest Federal Meetinghouse, built in 1794 by architect Lavius Filmore.

When decorated with vibrant quilts and needlework, the church is transformed into a spectacular showcase and an inspiration to those of us who appreciate fine handwork. Please submit an exhibitor form to display your quilt, cross-stitch, needlepoint, hooked rugs, knitting or crochet work.

Exhibitor Forms are DUE SEPTEMBER 15th, 2011

Click here for a Copy of the exhibitor form

If your submission is for sale, please indicate your asking price on the application form. First Church reserves the right to collect a 20% commission for handling the sale.

Submissions are due at the church on Friday, October 7, between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and can be picked up immediately after the show (between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.) on Sunday, October 9.

Vendors will be selling quilt and needle arts related items. The raffle quilt, “Sedona through the pines” will be on display and the winning ticket will be drawn on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. Homemade soups, chili, desserts and refreshments will be available in the café.

Vendors and advertisers can find information and a form here

Please be assured that your submission will be cared for by members of First Church. (Volunteers will be sleeping in the church on Friday and Saturday nights just to keep an eye on everything!)

Show hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday, October 8th and

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Sunday, October 9th

Admission: $5.00 (Exhibitors are admitted free of charge)

The First Church of Christ Congregational is located at 499 Town St. (Route 151), East Haddam, CT.

Click here to Visit the church website

For more information contact Holly Coleman at 860-873-8567 or email ehquiltshow@sc43.org

Catherine Smith’s Work Selected for The MAC Regional All Media Show (Mystic, CT)

2011-08-09T13:27:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to CT Fiber Artist Catherine Whall Smith!

Smith’s Small Studies #3: BLACK, WHITE, RED ALL OVER has been selected to be shown at The MAC 55th Regional all media juried show.

Mystic Arts Center

9 Water Street

Mystic CT

August 5th – September 24th

Opening Reception, Thursday, August 11th 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Image: Catherine Smith’s Small Studies #3 - BLACK, WHITE, RED ALL OVER (26H X 26W inches)

Fiber Art Events in Lowell This Month (Lowell, MA)

2011-08-09T12:53:00.001-04:00

Quoted from “Fabric, Life, Art” blog by Linda Branch Dunn

http://lindabranchdunn.blogspot.com/2011/08/quilts-and-art-in-lowell-this-month.html

At the Brush Gallery: A rt Quilts: The Sea, a juried exhibit of work from Canadian and US artists. The show runs from August 11 - September 10, 2011, with a reception on Saturday, August 13, 3 - 5 pm.

At the Whistler House Museum, the juried exhibit Art Quilts 2011. The exhibit runs from August 10 through September 3, with special events including afternoon tea and sweets August 12, gallery night August 11, and a reception Saturday August 12.

Bulbs by Pamela Allen

For more traditional quilting, plus a raft of vendors and events, visit the Lowell Quilt Festival,tat the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. I especially recommend the lecture by Beatriz Grayson, a wonderful quilt artist.
At the National Quilt Museum, Maine's Quilt Heritage, an exhibit of quilts dating back to 1804.

At the American Textile Museum, two exhibits. Grace and Glamour: 1930 Fashion features the limpid, sensuous style and the modernism of that decade.

Marking Time: Voyage to Vietnam records how soldiers used marks, including graffiti and stitch, to mark their time on a US transport ship.

At 122 Western Avenue, in Western Avenue Studios, the Loading Dock Gallery is open Wednesday-Sunday, 11-4:30. Explore work by several artists from Western Avenue Studios, as well as the textile art show, Moment of Pure Seeing.

Trio: Tranquillo, Grazioso, Quieto by Linda Dunn

2011 SAQA Benefit Auction Begins September 12th

2011-08-08T09:15:00.001-04:00

Start Date: September 12, 2011 / 2PM Eastern, 11AM Pacific

Place: www.saqa.com

What: Reverse auction of 300 glorious small works of art created and donated by SAQA’s members to raise money to support SAQA’s exhibition, education and outreach programs

Auction will be run in 3 groups:

Group 1 starts Sept. 12

Group 2 starts Sept. 19

Group 3 starts Sept. 26

Great art at a great price! Add to your collection – bid on a beautiful work of art as a gift for yourself or for someone you love.

Preview Auction works at www.saqa.com

Artist Karen Maru Interviewed for “World of Threads Festival”

2011-08-02T13:14:00.001-04:00

Connecticut fiber artist Karen Maru is featured on www.worldofthreadsfestival.com this week.

Karen Maru is a fascinating person as well as a busy artist and teacher. This extensive interview reveals some of Maru’s artistic background, inspiration and influences on her past and current work and vision for the future.

Most of the article is in Karen Maru’s own words, accompanied by amazing color images. The photos of her work tell a story of travel and adventure, as well as a deep connection to Cambodian culture through textiles.

Image, left: “Aspara 6” by Karen Maru, made from textiles she collected during her travels and cloth that she created herself

Maru describes the Cambodian influence in her work (excerpt):

“Cambodia is my muse. I grew up in South East Asia and first saw the temples of Angkor Wat in 1957. As a child, lost civilizations, utopian Shangri Las and jungle shrouded mysteries were quite appealing. As an artist I am interested in cultural studies, Orientalism (and Occidentalism), international gender politics and global hegemonies. I have found that constraining these inquiries to just me and Cambodia gives my work a focus and depth I like. Always returning to Cambodia brings me to a jumping off place to explore new layers of meanings and connections that are personal and universal.”

Read the entire interview here: http://worldofthreadsfestival.com/artist_interviews/027_karen_maru_11.html

Interviews published by Gareth Bate & Dawne Rudman

Opening Reception at The Loading Dock Gallery this Friday Aug. 5 (Lowell, MA)

2011-08-01T13:19:00.001-04:00

Lowell was once the place for manufacturing textiles, but now it is a destination for textile art. Venues range from the American Textile History Museum to the New England Quilt Museum.

This summer, the list includes Moments of Pure Seeing, a mixed media textile art exhibit of work by artists Linda Branch Dunn and Sonja Lee‐Austin at the Loading Dock Gallery opening July 29.

Dunn and Lee‐Austin have been creating textile art in Lowell for many years. Lee‐Austin opened Friends Fabric Art with her mother, Ann Lee, in downtown Lowell in June 2002. Dunn was among the first artists to join Lowell’s Western Avenue Studios when it opened in 2005. Both artists continue to create their art in Lowell at their studios at Western Avenue Studios.

Moments of Pure Seeing
July 29 – August 28 2011
Reception for the Artists: August 5th 2011, 6–9 PM

The Loading Dock Gallery at Western Avenue Studios
122 Western Avenue
Lowell, MA 01851

Noriko Endo’s “Impressionist Quilts” at Art Quilt Gallery NYC until August 6, 2011

2011-07-30T10:10:00.001-04:00

Don’t miss your chance to see these stunning landscapes, on display in the Chelsea District in New York City.

“As an artist, Noriko Endo never takes a false step,” said renowned American quilter Paula Nadelstern. “Each composition, seamed from an abundance of detail and nuance, reveals new complexities, seducing the viewer to stay a long time and witness her miraculous, sleight of hand dexterity which turns minute slivers of fabric into masterful color compositions.”

“Impressionist Quilts,” will run from June 16 through August 6, 2011 at The Art Quilt Gallery NYC.

(image: “Autumn Splendor” 2010)

What inspires Ms. Endo to create her confetti naturescapes?:

I love to walk in the woods. I look for a place chased by the light, where pretty pink ﬂowers are blooming, small mushrooms are smiling, and wild birds are calling their partners. I feel nature keeps some of her secrets hidden. I can ﬁnd inspiration everywhere and then narrow down the ideas to the most compelling.

Gallery hours:

Tuesday to Saturday, 11 to 6 pm

Sunday & Monday by appointment only

Gallery web site:

www.artquiltgallerynyc.com

For more information, contact:

Dale Riehl

The ArtQuilt Gallery•NYC

133 West 25th Street

New York, NY 10001

212-807-9451

dale@artquiltgallerynyc.com

SAQA Members: Call for Entries “Seasonal Palette” Opens August 1st

2011-07-30T09:46:00.001-04:00

Seasonal Palette

Open to all SAQA members
Location:
Premier at the International Quilt Festival: Houston, November 1-4, 2012
International Quilt Festival/Cincinnati, April 2013
International Quilt Festival/Long Beach, July 2013
Additional venues may be added

This exhibit will showcase a series of 32 art quilts hung side by side, depicting the seasons of the year. Selected artists will be asked to create an art quilt 78" long and 32" wide for this exhibit. Artists will be asked to document their creative process, including inspiration, photo images, sketches, diagrams, journal entries, fabric swatches and the like. These will be displayed in booklet format along with the work.

Managing Curators Vicki Mangum vcmquilts@aol.com and Kathleen McCabe kathmccabe@gmail.com will select the artists.

The full prospectus is available in pdf format.
Entry is by digital images only, using SAQA’s online system. Preview the entry form atsaqacallforentries6.com

August 1, 2011 Online entry opens
August 31, 2011 Online Entry Final Day - Deadline at 11:59 pm EST

New Features on SAQA-CT Blog

2011-07-29T08:55:00.001-04:00

New features have been added to this blog, keeping you informed about opportunities to see and exhibit Art Quilts in Connecticut and around the New England/Metro NY area.

At the top of the page you’ll notice 3 tabs. (“Home” brings you here, to the latest blog postings.) Click on “Calendar” to see a calendar of quilting and fiber art events in CT and New England. “Calls for Entries” is a running list of fiber-friendly art shows & exhibitions in the New England/NY area which you may be eligible to enter.

Feel free to use the comments section to submit an addition to the list, provided it is quilting/fiber art related and located in the Northeastern USA. Make sure to include the title of the event, location, relevant start/end dates, times and contact information. Let’s keep each other up to date so we can support our fellow artists and take advantage of all Connecticut has to offer!

Notes from SAQA-CT Regional Meeting (Guilford, CT)

2011-07-26T11:29:00.001-04:00

Saturday, July 23rd marked the 3rd SAQA-CT Regional Meeting this year. Organized by CT Rep Diane Wright, we met at 10AM at the Guilford Art Center’s Mill Gallery in Guilford, CT. This month we’d also like to welcome our newest CT members: Timi Bronson, Mary Lyn Page and Marilyn Davidson. Welcome to SAQA!!

About 30 members and their guests gathered around to hear fiber artist Liz Alpert Fay talk about her background in fine art and quilting which developed into a passion for contemporary hooked art. Liz took us on a tour of the Guilford Art Center’s current exhibition “on Higher Ground”, which features hooked artwork by Fay and 3 other artists - Leslie Giuliani, Tracy Jamar and Constance Old.

During breaks, we admired the hooked art as well as the SAQA Trunk Show on display in the Mill Gallery.

Later Barb McKie presented her 3 year study on fabrics and fusible materials that have been exposed to direct sunlight. Members filled out surveys, evaluating the differences in color and softness of different fabrics.

SAQA business focused mainly on the potential for a CT regional exhibition of fiber art. Since this is just the idea phase, no specifics have been decided yet. The actual exhibition may take place one or two years from now. Those in attendance came up with some great ideas and suggestions on moving forward. It seemed like most people would prefer the exhibition to feature only CT members (and dual members who include CT). The hope is that we can get enough participation in-State to assure a high quality collection of work.

There are quite a few issues to resolve, but CT members are energetic and creative! Several people have already stepped forward to act as Chairpersons, to gather information on potential venues and develop an exhibition plan. We will continue the discussion at future meetings, keeping everyone in the loop as the plan takes shape.

A delicious lunch was provided by “La Cuisine” in nearby Branford, CT. Thank you Barb Adams for arranging that!

After lunch we had “Show & Tell”; almost every person who came brought along some work to share. The meeting adjourned at 2PM. Diane provided maps so members could head to other fiber-related attractions in the Guildford area.

Thank you EVERYONE who worked to organize this wonderful event and to all the members & friends who participated! We’re hoping to schedule the next regional meeting for September/October 2011, and would like members to share suggestions on where to meet. Please send your ideas and suggestions to your CT Reps, Diane Wright or Kate Themel.

A review and photos from the SAQA-CT meeting can also be found on Diane Wright’s blog: http://dianewrightquilts.blogspot.com/2011/07/saqact-summer-meeting.html

Greater Hartford Quilt Guild Show, Aug 6-7, 2011 (East Windsor, CT)

2011-07-17T12:06:00.001-04:00

Don’t miss the 2011 Greater Hartford Quilt Guild Show

This year's Quilt Show Challenge: “Chapter & Verse”
Each Chapter will choose a quilt-related saying or a “rule” of quilting and interpret it through quilts. Some examples include:

Glastonbury Piecemakers- "When life hands you scraps, make a quilt"
Heritage Quilters- "When I bought this fabric, what was I thinking?"
Apple Valley Quilters- "We don't exaggerate, we embellish!"
West Hartford Quilters- "I'm a Quilter and my house is in pieces".
Vernon Nutmeg Quilters- "I cannot count my day complete, 'til needle, thread and fabric meet".

The GHQG Show will take place at the Clarion Inn, 161 Bridge Street in East Windsor, CT.

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday
Admission: $8 (under 12 free)

Teachers

Classes

Vendors

For More Information: http://www.hartfordquiltshow.com/

Mystic Arts Center (Mystic, CT): Call For Entries “Form and Fantasy” – Deadline August 19

2011-07-15T16:58:00.001-04:00

Mystic Arts Center presents:

FORM & FANTASY: A CONTEMPORARY TWIST ON FIBER ART

September 30 – November 12, 2011

Opening Reception: Thursday, October 6, 2011 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Call For Entries

Form & Fantasy – A Contemporary Twist on Fiber Art is a juried exhibition open to all fiber
artists.

For purposes of this exhibit, Fiber Art is defined as a fine art using traditional natural
fibers made from plants or animals such as fabric, yarn and hemp, as well as non-traditional
synthetic and recycled materials. The essence of the piece(s) submitted should utilize some
type of fiber and be works of art that communicate a message, emotion or meaning that goes
beyond the literal meaning of the materials.

During this exhibit we plan to include other events such as guest speakers and workshops that
will serve to expand understanding and promote the appreciation for this art form.

The Mystic Arts Center is located in historic downtown Mystic, Connecticut. The mission of the
Arts Center is to foster the creation, understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the visual
arts through exhibitions and educational programs and this particular show will take place in
their beautiful Davis Gallery.

Deadline for Entries: August 19, 2011

Click here for full prospectus: http://www.mysticarts.org/PDF/2011FiberArtProspectus.pdf

For more information about Mystic Arts Center, visit: www.mysticarts.org

Mystic Art Center
9 Water Street
Mystic, CT 06355
860-536-7601

Gallery Hours:
11am to 5pm daily

“On Higher Ground” and SAQA Trunk Show Highlighted in the Guilford Courier Newspaper

2011-07-13T13:57:00.001-04:00

Colorful images of quilts and contemporary hooked artwork by Liz Alpert Fay, Ruan Robertson, Loris Bogue, and Constance Old are featured in the current issue of The Guilford Courier. The artists are part of two shows going on right now at the Guilford Art Center’s Mill Gallery.

“On Higher Ground” presents work by four artists who create contemporary hooked art: Liz Alpert Fay, Leslie Giuliani, Tracy Jamar, and Constance Old. These four artists, all affiliated with Newtown Hooked Art Shows, exemplify a 21st-century approach to working within the highly traditional medium of rug hooking.

Running concurrently with the hooked rug show is SAQA’s 2011/2012 Trunk Show “This is a Quilt!” An excerpt from the Courier article reads “The plethora of quilts in the trunk show represent a huge variety of style, technique, and compositional approaches to the medium.”

The trunk show is comprised of thirty 8x8 quilts in 12x12 white matte frames. These unique and colorful designs are displayed around the room, along with the hooked artwork. The result is a wonderful interaction of fiber media.

Both exhibitions will be on display at the Mill Gallery until August 8, 2011

If you don’t get the Courier newspaper, you may read the online version here: http://www.theday.com/article/20110706/ENT16/307079778/-1/zip06details&town=Guilford&template=zip06art

Our Next SAQA-CT Regional Meeting: Saturday July 23rd at Guilford Art Center

2011-07-12T12:03:00.001-04:00

Attention SAQA Members and Friends: You are Invited to our upcoming SAQA-CT Regional Meeting!

Saturday July 23, 2011

Guilford Art Center in Guilford, CT

10AM – 2PM

Guilford Art Center – Mill Gallery

411 Church Street

Guilford, CT 06437

(203) 453-5947

http://www.guilfordartcenter.org/

(Images left to right: Trunk Show pieces by Catherine Smith and Margaret Phillips, Detail of “Tree Shadow” by Liz Alpert Fay)

Highlights Include:

Meet & Greet
Show & Tell
SAQA 2011 Trunk show “This is a Quilt!”
Current Exhibition at GAC’s Mill Gallery: "On Higher Ground" presents work by four artists who create contemporary hooked art: Liz Alpert Fay, Leslie Giuliani, Tracy Jamar and Constance Old.
Artist Talk by Liz Alpert Fay
Catered Lunch @ $8–10 per person
Nearby Exhibits (Maps will be available):
- Sisters in Cloth present “Double Take: Photo & Fiber” at the Guilford Free Library
- All American Fine Craft at Evergreen Gallery
- M!X design store – Innovative designs and gifts
- BSK Glass Gallery – Original glass works by Barbara Shulman-Kirwin
- Fine Art at The Greene Art Gallery

Hope you can make it!

Please RSVP by July 21st so we can get an accurate head count for lunch.

Thanks and hope to see you soon,

~Kate and Diane, your SAQA-CT Reps

SAQA 2011 Benefit Auction – Preview

2011-07-11T10:47:00.001-04:00

The quilts are in! July 2, 2011 marked the deadline for sending donations into SAQA’s 2011 Benefit Auction. Our members came through with over 300 unique and beautiful quilts!

Featured here are 8 quilts by SAQA-Connecticut members (shown left to right): Gail Kotowski, Norma Schlager, Diane Wright, Betty Warner, Debbie Bein, Karen Loprete, Catherine Whall Smith, Kate Themel and Ruth Anne Olson. You can view all the available quilts on SAQA’s main website: http://www.saqa.com/saqa-u.php?ID=1791 or check out the running slide show on this blog (upper right).

The funds raised through the Auction are critical to supporting SAQA's exhibitions, catalogs and outreach programs. All of 2010's auction quilts will remain on our website for viewing only, until the 2011 auction is underway.

This year's Auction will begin on Monday, September 12th at 2:00 pm Eastern and conclude on Sunday, October 2 at 2:00 pm Eastern. Price points will again be: $750, $550, $350, $250, $150 and $75.
Click here for more details on How the Auction Works

Take a look and choose your favorites!

Sisters in Cloth Exhibit “Double Take: Photo & Fiber” at Guilford Library (Guilford, CT)

2011-07-10T11:18:00.001-04:00

Sisters in Cloth, a group of Connecticut fiber artists, are pleased to announce the opening of their mixed media exhibition “Double Take: Photo & Fiber” at the Guilford Free Library.

This show, which was recently exhibited at the Gallery at Haskins Laboratory in New Haven, includes original photographs by DeLucco-Alpert paired with art quilts by Sisters in Cloth members.

Members were challenged to interpret a photograph into fabric. Each artist created two art quilts: an 18"x24" full view and an 8" detail. The art quilts are matted and framed to hang along side the photos that inspired them, creating a wonderfully cohesive visual display.

Read a review of the July 7th Opening Reception on Diane Wright’s blog: http://dianewrightquilts.blogspot.com/2011/07/double-take-photo-and-fiberreinstalled.html

The show will be on display at the Guilford Library until July 30, 2011.

Attention SAQA Members: If you are coming to our CT Regional Meeting at the Guilford Art Center on July 23rd, please set aside some time to visit the nearby Guilford Library to see this beautiful exhibit.

Participating artists include: Barbara C Adams, Janine Anderson-Bays, Debra Bento, Rosemary DeLucco-Alpert, Vivika DeNegre, Yvette Howard, Evelyn Judson, Gail Kotowski, Carol Ludington, Ruth Anne Olson, Linda Sexton-Patrick, Marie Shepherd, Robin Wolek, Martha Wolfe, Diane Wright and Linda Zimmerman.

The Guilford Free Library is located at 67 Park Street, Guilford CT 06437. Call 203-453-8282 or visit www.guilfordfreelibrary.org for hours and directions.

Vivika DeNegre Announces New Blog and Invitation to Join “The Prayer Flag Project”

2011-07-01T12:40:00.001-04:00

A message from SAQA-CT artist Vivika DeNegre":

I am pleased to announce the formation of a new blog and online presence to document "The Prayer Flag Project" which was introduced on the SAQA group message board a few weeks ago. As of July 1, more than 40 artists from four different countries have contacted me to be a part of this online exhibition of prayer flags, and I have begun to post the results to the new blog theprayerflagproject.blogspot.com.

The ultimate goal of the project is to engage the public while promoting the spread of Peace, Happiness, Good Will, and kindness though art in our collective communities.

Today's post is from the prolific Jane LaFazio, whose first flag was a prayer for fellow fiber artist Melly Testa as she underwent surgery for breast cancer. You will recognize the beautiful artistry and touching stories and prayers from many of the artists who have pledged participation. I plan to post new flags as they are submitted, and have artwork from 10 additional artists whose flags will be posted over the next two weeks.

I have attached 3 photos (some of my flags, Jane LaFazio's, and Nina Lisa Moen's)

Please visit the site and join your flags to ours. On the blog you will find easy instructions of how to join, information about submission, a mini tutorial, and a growing list of participants whose flags have been posted. Please join us in this spiritual and artistic journey. I look forward to hearing from many more SAQA members.

Pray on,

Vivika Hansen DeNegre

Corson, Schlager and Wright Accepted into Art Quilts Lowell 2011: “The Sea” (Lowell, MA)

2011-06-25T12:05:00.001-04:00

Connecticut fiber artists Lisa Corson, Norma Schlager and Diane Wright will participate in this year’s Art Quilts Lowell at the Brush Gallery. Thirty artists offer their own interpretation of this year’s theme, “The Sea”.

(images: from left “Poseidon” by Lisa Corson, “Ocean Treasures” by Norma Schlager, “Boats at Slack Tide“ by Diane Wright)

The show will run from August 11 – September 10, 2011.

Opening Reception: Saturday, August 13, 3 - 5 pm, during the Lowell Quilt Festival.

The Brush Gallery

256 Market Street

Lowell, MA 01852

Congratulations to All Participating Artists!

Betty Busby, Victoria Carr, Gerrie Congdon, Lisa Corson, Nancy Crasco, Grace Errea, Diane Franklin, Sandy Gregg, Carol Anne Grotrian, Beverly Hertler, Rosemary Hoffenberg, Lauren Horowitz, Janice Jones, Deborah Lacativa, Susan Lenz, Ingrid Lincoln, Valerie Maser-Flanagan, Jeanelle McCall, Lorie McCown, Penny Prudden Myles, Suzanne R. Neusner, Gay Ousley, Gladys A. Perkins, Wen Redmond, Susan M. Rouleau, Norma Schlager, Carolyn Spiegel, Pamela A Stanton, Carol Ann Waugh and Diane Wright

Ed Johnetta Miller to Lead a Workshop at Norwalk Historical Society June 25, 2011 (Norwalk, CT)

2011-06-20T11:17:00.001-04:00

Ed Johnetta Miller will lead “Color in Quilting” at the Norwalk Historical Society, one of the stops along the Norwalk Quilt Trail

Miller, a fiber artist, quilter, teacher, curator and lecturer has this to say about her approach:

“Shapes, color, texture, movement, the natural world inspire me. My approach is one of improvisation, much like the idiosyncratic rifts played in the jazz music I constantly listen to. While working, I deftly move from one piece to another, placing a color here, and a color there. I arrange pieces of brightly colored fabrics with those that are textured and patterned. My designs are never predetermined; they develop as I go along. My quilt approach often begins with a theme or concept inspired by a cultural or spiritual experience. As an artist and a woman of color, I am always cognizant of what I believe to be my role and responsibility to my cultural inheritance and community. I try to successfully integrate a multitude of culturally-charged expressions and concerns into my work."

COLOR IN QUILTING

June 25, 2011

10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Admission:
$50.

Phone:
(203) 846-0525

Website:
http://www.norwalkquilttrail.org

Norwalk Historical Society

Mill Hill Historic Park, 2 East Wall St.

Norwalk, CT 06851

Call for Submissions: “Art Quilt Portfolio: People and Portraits” by Lark Crafts

2011-06-13T09:20:00.001-04:00

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Art Quilt Portfolio: People and Portraits

An Inspiring Collection of Art Quilts
By Martha Sielman

Lark Crafts is pleased to announce that Martha Sielman will be authoring the second volume in a new series of art quilt books. This book will focus on works that feature people and portraits—individuals or groups—that explore the human condition.

Each volume in the Art Quilt Portfolio series will include a Feature section, focusing on 15 to 20 artists in depth; this section will include an interview with each artist, several images of works by the featured artist, and a glimpse into each artist’s working methods. The books will also include a Gallery of works by 70 to 80 selected artists. Both Feature and Gallery artists will be chosen from this Call for Consideration. Artists who are selected for inclusion in Art Quilt Portfolio: People and Portraits will receive full acknowledgement, a complimentary copy of the book, and the option to purchase additional copies from Lark at a discount.

ELIGIBILITY
This opportunity is open to all quilt artists. Complete entry instructions are included on the form.

Lark Crafts accepts only digital images for submissions, submitted on a CD.
Artists may submit up to 3 entries.
Artists must also complete and submit an Entry Form and a Photo License Agreement.
There is no fee for submission.

CALENDAR
June 15, 2011                        Call for Consideration OPENS
August 15, 2011                    Call for Consideration DEADLINE
Early Fall 2011                        Notification of acceptance via email

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION
Please use the entry forms (download entry form here) for consideration as either as Feature or Gallery artist. Please read the digital photography requirements carefully and adhere to them strictly.

You’re Invited to Meet the Artist: Jayne Gaskins at Tappan Z Gallery (Tarrytown, NY)

2011-06-10T17:21:00.001-04:00

Jayne Gaskins will be at Tappan Z Gallery Friday, June 17th

Special Reception from 5-9pm.

(image: Tortoise by Jayne Gaskins)

A message from the artist:

All SAQA members and your friends in the area are most warmly invited to drop by. Even if you can't make the "meet-the-artist" evening I do hope you'll come see my art and the other fiber artists work at the gallery.

This has been a very good year for me: Infinity Fiber Art exhibit, Volusia Wrapped in Fiber, Extraordinary Things exhibit in Atlanta (3rd place), and the highlight - Quilt National. The thing that keeps me going is the warmth, support, and encouragement of my art-quilt friends. I wouldn't have the courage do this without you!!!

I do hope you can visit the Tappan Z Gallery at 51 Main Street Tarrytown, New York on the 17th. I want to meet ALL of you wonderful artists!!!

Cheers!
Jayne Gaskins
http://jaynegaskins.com

Fiber Art Events This Week – Don’t Miss!

2011-06-02T10:14:00.001-04:00

Please Support your fellow SAQA-CT Artists at the Opening Reception for “Small Quilts for a Sacred Space”

This Sunday, June 5th from 12 - 3PM

“Small Quilts for a Sacred Space” is a collection of unique art quilts created by Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective

Participants include Mary Lachman, Diane Cadrain, Carol Eaton, Jeanne Landry, Rosalind Spann, Toni Torres, Cher Hurney, Karen Loprete, Diane Wright, Carol Vinick and Carine Greene.

Exhibition runs May 22 - June 19, 2011

Unitarian Society of Hartford

50 Bloomfield Avenue

Hartford, CT 06105

-------------------------------------------

ALSO SUNDAY, JUNE 5!!
Part of For the Birds Exhibition and Programming at the Brush Gallery in Lowell, MA

CT Artists Vivika DeNegre and Diane Wright have artwork included in this mixed media show.(Image: “Quail Family” by Vivika DeNegre)

Presentation by Massachusetts Audubon Society of live, wild native birds from Drumlin Farm, Sunday, June 5, noon to 2 pm. Meet a Great Horned Owl, Screech Owl, Broad-winged Hawk, American Kestrel and a friendly pigeon.

Bird rehabilitation presentation and slide show by Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of America, Sunday, June 5, 2 - 4 pm. Learn about how these wonderful folks take in sick and injured birds, nurse them back to health and release them.

These events are free, but donations are welcome. All donations will be given directly to the Wildlife Rehabilitators' Association of America to help them purchase food and medicine for the birds they rehabilitate.

The Brush Gallery & Artists Studios
256 Market St., Lowell, MA 01852
978-459-7819
info@thebrush.org

------------------------------------------

Reception and Awards on Thursday June 9th, 6 – 8PM for the 100th Exhibition of the CT Academy of Fine Arts (Mystic, CT)

Included in the mixed media show is Diane Cadrain’s art quilt “Entrance” (image, right)

The Exhibition will run from May 27 – June 16, 2011

Mystic Arts Center

9 Water Street

Mystic, CT 06355

Hours: 11AM – 5PM daily

Quilts by Margaret Phillips and Diane Wright Coming to Whistler House Museum of Art (Lowell, MA)

2011-06-01T19:31:00.001-04:00

Art Quilts at WHMA - Aug 10 to Sept 3, 2011

Connecticut artists Margaret Phillips and Diane Wright will each have 2 quilts on display at the Whistler House Museum of Art (WHMA) this summer. Included in the show are Margaret Phillips’ Mom on Vacation, pictured here on left, and Boxes. Diane Wright will exhibit Diaspora and Dusk.

According to Gallery Manager James Dyment, “The jury process was indeed challenging due to the superb quality of the art quilts submitted. The quilts were chosen based on technique, quality of workmanship, relation to theme, and visual appeal.”

Jurors were Mary Walter and Karen Pulaski.

The show opens August 10, 2011 and Special Weekend Events include:

Fri, Aug 12: Tea & Dessert 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM $7.00 per person

Fri & Sat: Art Quilts in Bloom (In conjunction with the quilt exhibit)

Sat, Aug 13: Artist Reception 2:00 to 4:00 PM

Sat, Aug 20, Quilt making class with Mary Walter: Re-interpreting a Whistler landscape. 10 am to 5

Whistler House Museum of Art

243 Worthen Street

Lowell, MA 01852

978-452-7641

http://www.whistlerhouse.org/

Hours: Wed through Sat 11 am to 4 pm

CT Artists Diane Wright and Karen Loprete Accepted into “Deep Spaces” Traveling Exhibition

2011-05-31T14:38:00.001-04:00

The jury process is complete, and 44 artists – including Connecticut’s Karen Loprete and Diane Wright - have been chosen to exhibit their work in “Deep Spaces”. This show, curated by Larkin Jean Van Horn, will show textile works of a common size, 18” wide by 45” tall. The exhibit will travel to multiple venues over the next year.

The exhibition begins in 2 separate venues from Sept 5 – Nov 6, 2011: 28 quilts will be in Tillamook, Oregon at the Latimer Quilt & Textile Center and 22 quilts will be in Edmonds, Washington at the Edmonds Conference Center.

From January 10 – March 12, 2012 the unified collection of 50 pieces will be on display at The Sam Houston University Museum in Huntsville, Texas.

Finally from March 28 – June 24, 2012 the full collection will again be on view, this time at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum in La Conner, Washington.

Participating Artists include: Arlene Anderson, Brooke Atherton, Madeleine Bajracharya, Karen Bates, Diane Becka, Deborah J. Bein, Liz Berg, Betty Busby, Denise Coote, Lisa Flowers Ross, Terry Grant, Kathryn Haeger, Shirley Hammar, Ayn Hanna, Ginnie Behert, Lois Jarvis, Nancy E. Kimpel, Cheryl Kosarek, Lynn Kunz, Karen Loprete, Valerie Maser-Flanagan, Linda McLaughlin, Karen Miller, Pamela Morris, Pat Morse, Madalene Axford Murphy, Bobbe Shapiro Nolan, Barbara Pozek, Joan Schlichting, Toni Furst Smith, Patrice Smith, Sherrie Spangler, Cynthia St. Charles, Karen Stiehl Osborn, Merrilee Tieche, Barbara N. Tinsman, Jean Van Bockel, Els Vereycken, Deborah Weir, Jean Wells Keenan, Marianne Williamson, Hope Wilmarth, Martha Wolfe and Diane Wright (Wright’s “Urban Canyon” pictured on left).

Kate Themel Brings Home the Young Emerging Artist Award from Quilt National ‘11

2011-05-30T12:37:00.001-04:00

Connecticut artist Kate Themel has earned the "Young Emerging Artist" (YEA) Award at Quilt National ‘11 with her exhibition piece “Dandelion” (image, left).

The YEA Award was created and sponsored by Katie & Bobby Masopust, to encourage young people to enter Quilt National. It was originally intended for an artist under age 30. This year there were no artists under age 30 accepted into QN, so eligibility was expanded to entrants in the ‘30-something’ age group.

“Lucky me!” says Themel, “It is with a sense of humility that I accept the recognition, knowing that the sponsors may have liked to give it to a younger person. But I will always cherish the YEA award and my QN experience, and I will definitely encourage young people to explore fiber as an artistic medium.”

The Quilt National exhibition will go on tour for about 2 years, beginning in Athens, Ohio at the Dairy Barn Arts Center May 28 – Sept 5, 2011. At the end of the tour, Kate’s quilt will go home with a new owner. “Dandelion” was sold during QN’s Opening Weekend.

Check out the “Quilt National ‘11” Photo Album on Dairy Barn Arts Center’s Facebook page to see more photos from the show and all the award winning quilts. A complete list of QN exhibitors can be found on the Dairy Barn’s website: http://www.dairybarn.org/quilt/index.php?section=226&page=362

CT Artists McKie and Themel at Morris Museum (Morristown, NJ) June 23 – October 16

2011-05-20T10:34:00.001-04:00

Connecticut artists Barbara Barrick McKie and Kate Themel are among 19 artists chosen to participate in “Visual Thoughts: The Art Quilts of Fiber Revolution”, curated by SAQA member and Fiber Revolution artist Kevan Rupp Lunney

The show will run from June 23 – October 16, 2011

Opening Reception: Wednesday, June 29th 6:30 – 9:00 PM

Tour the exhibition, meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments.

Pre-registration is required for the Opening Reception. To purchase tickets, please call the box office at 973-971-3706. Members $7, Non-members $10

Participating artists include: Virginia Abrams, Natalya Aikens, Deborah Bein, Benedicte Caneill, Lisa Chipetine, Melissa Fowler, Cindy Friedman, Martha C. Hall, Gloria Hansen, Eileen Lauterborn, Kevan Rupp Lunney, Barbara McKie, Judith Plotner, Wen Redmond, Carol Sara Schepps, Deborah Schwartzman, Kate Themel, Melitta Vanderbrooke and Carolyn Lee Vehslage.

For more information about Fiber Revolution visit their website: www.fiberrevolution.com

or find them on Facebook: Fiber Revolution The Quilt as Art

The Morris Museum

6 Normandy Road

Morristown, NJ 07960

www.morrismuseum.org

Call for Entries: “Crossing Lines: The Many Faces of Fiber” – Deadline June 17, 2011

2011-05-20T09:57:00.001-04:00

CROSSING LINES: THE MANY FACES OF FIBER

Sponsored by the Textile Study Group of New York (TSGNY)

TSGNY will celebrate its 35^th Anniversary season (2011–2012) by sponsoring two juried fiber art exhibitions at prestigious locations in New York City. All Full, Donor, Benefactor, and Student members of TSGNY are eligible to participate.

Download a copy of the TSGNY Membership Form here: http://www.tsgny.org/2010-2011.pdf

Crossing Lines: the Many Faces of Fiber will be installed in the Courtyard Gallery of the World Financial Center, a Brookfield Office Properties building complex at 200 Vesey Street in lower Manhattan.

The exhibition dates: Nov. 3 - Dec. 30, 2011 or Jan. 7, 2012 (exact closing date to be determined by the venue).

Crossing Lines: the Many Faces of Fiber will be a broad survey of fiber art styles, concepts, and materializations. Members may submit images of up to five (5) works—large or small, two- or three-dimensional, either recent or created in the past.

No entry fee

Juror: Rebecca Stevens, Consulting Curator of Contemporary Textiles at the Textile Museum, Washington, DC.

Entry deadline: Postmarked no later than Friday, June 17, 2011.

Download the prospectus/entry form

Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective’s First Group Show!

2011-05-18T11:02:00.001-04:00

The Unitarian Society of Hartford Presents:

“Small Quilts for a Sacred Space”

A collection of unique art quilts created by Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective

May 22 - June 19, 2011

Please join the artists for a reception June 5^th, 12 – 3PM

You’ll have a chance to meet the artists and find out how the work is created.

Unitarian Society of Hartford

50 Bloomfield Avenue

Hartford, CT 06105

The Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective includes:

Mary Lachman, Diane Cadrain, Carol Eaton, Jeanne Landry, Rosalind Spann, Toni Torres, Cher Hurney, Karen Loprete, Diane Wright, Carol Vinick and Carine Greene.

For directions to the Unitarian Society, visit: http://www.ushartford.com/phototour.html

Online Entry Opens Today: SAQA “Layers of Memory”

2011-05-15T10:08:00.001-04:00

"Layers of Memory"

(Open to ALL SAQA members)

This will be a traveling exhibition, going to each venue on the Mancuso World Quilt Show circuit, premiering in August 2011 and concluding with the Denver National Quilt Festival in May of 2012. Additional venues may be added.

Online Entry Submissions: May 15, 2011 - June 15, 2011

Curator: Doria Anne Goocher, designsbydoria3@gmail.com

Information is on the Exhibition entry forms page.

Self Portrait by Diane Wright juried into “Poser” Exhibition – Guilford Art Center (Guilford, CT)

2011-05-09T11:17:00.001-04:00

Poser Exhibit at Guilford Art Center – Opening Reception Friday, May 13, 5 – 7 PM

Guilford Art Center announces its latest exhibit, Poser, a juried group exhibit, on view May 13-June 26, 2011 in the Center's Mill Gallery.

Poser presents art works in all media that explore various notions of posing for an image, as it relates to artist, subject and/or viewer. Works explore such aspects as: a subject's self-presentation; an artist's own presentation of a self-conscious image to the viewer; a sitter or artist deliberately confounding their own identity; or the relationship between artist and model. The exhibit attempts to present a gamut of ways that artists might choose to present/interpret themselves and others in their work.

Poser includes paintings, photographs, drawings, and mixed media works by twenty-one artists: Hannah Baldwin, Irwin Block, Donna Brumbergs, Helen Cantrell, Christine Chiocchio, Nils Dailey, Richard Davis, Mark Dixon, Pam Erickson John Fallon, David Harlan, Dolores Marchese, Donna Masotti, Lady McCrady, William Meddick, Lawrence Russ, Alan Shulik, Steph Slater, Vin Verillo, Diane Wright , and Yee-Fun Yin.

The opening reception for Poser is Friday, May 13, 5-7pm.

The opening is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Sunday, 10-4pm.

For more information, contact Guilford Art Center at(203) 453-5947.

On Line Entries OPEN June 1, 2011 for Art Quilt Elements

2011-05-06T09:32:00.001-04:00

The Art Quilt Elements (AQE) exhibition dates are March 30, 2012 to May 13, 2012 and will be held at the Wayne Art Center, located at 413 Maplewood Avenue, Wayne PA 19087.

AQE 2012 is the 10th Exhibition of this internationally acclaimed show set in suburban Philadelphia.
"One of the distinctions of our show is our professional presentation of art quilts. The exhibition has been widely praised by reviewers and artists not only for exhibiting the quilts in a gallery setting but also for promoting the art quilt as an art form."

http://www.artquiltelementsentry.com/

AQE Committee:

Margo Clyma
Cindy Friedman
Suzan Hirsch
Deborah Schwartzman
Shawn Towey
Carolyn Vehslage

Questions? E-mail to: artquiltelements@gmail.com

Requirements

Work submitted must be innovative and original in design. Work derivative of other quilt artists or work created in a workshop with the aid of an instructor is not acceptable.
Work must be a personal expression of the artist’s intent.
Quilts submitted must have been completed after January 1, 2009.
If this quilt is framed, that information and the finished size including the frame must be listed on the application.
There is no size restriction for 2012.
Art quilts must be available for sale.

On line entry system Opens June 1, 2011

DEADLINE for entries: September 25, 2011

Fiber Art Show & Sale at The Art Bazaar (NYC) – Reception Friday, May 6

2011-04-29T10:01:00.001-04:00

SAQA Artists Kevan Rupp Lunney, Natalya Aikens and CT Rep Kate Themel will display their fiber artwork in a group show at The Art Bazaar in New York City. The art show & sale features a variety of media, including screen prints, photography and paintings.

Artists' Reception:
Fri. May 6th: 6 – 9pm

The show & sale will run from May 5 – 30, 2011

.http://www.artprwire.com/post/4866440915/may-art-bazaar-artists-reception-may-6th

Several participating artists will be at the gallery on Friday night and some will also be there on Saturday and Sunday. Please stop by!

General Hours:
Tues - Sat: 11am - 7pm
Sunday: Noon - 6pm

The ART BAZAAR is located at:

175 Seventh Avenue (@ West 20th St)
New York, NY 10011
Tel: +1 646 588 5252

Why not make a day of it? While you’re in the Chelsea area, take a walking tour of the garment/fashion district, stop by the City Quilter 4000 square foot quilting/fabric store, see the only gallery in the city dedicated to fiber art - Art Quilt Gallery NYC, or visit the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Museum.

Taiwan Art Quilt Society Announces Call for Entries – “Moving Water and Rivers” 2012 Show

2011-04-27T13:12:00.001-04:00

Here is an opportunity for SAQA members to have their work in an exceptional exhibition in Taiwan in 2012. Taiwan Representative, Hsin-Chen Lin, is also the president of TIQE and the first festival she organized in 2009 was wonderful. The exhibition was very well received and the catalog is gorgeous.

The 2012 exhibition will be from August to July and the theme is Moving Water and Rivers, with an emphasis on the life-giving and precious nature of water on the earth and the crucial environmental relationship we have with water.

Water and river are full of life and nutrient: novelty, freshness, and sustainability symbolize a source of vitality, expecting to convey an energetic, broad, and microcosmic angle of view, as well as each kind of life and existence that water and river embrace.

There is plenty of time to come up with a wonderful and creative art quilt for this show, so do not miss the opportunity!

Entry Deadline is February 2012.

More information is available on SAQA’s website: http://www.saqa.com/calendar-detail.php?ID=2850

Deadline June 1st for Entries into The Hebron Harvest Fair (Hebron, CT)

2011-04-26T18:52:00.001-04:00

September 8-11, 2011

Hebron Harvest Fair is a country agricultural fair featuring animal displays, various food, animal pulls, truck pulls, country music, carnival midway, and something to do for the entire family. With such performers from Nashville, TN as; Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney, Michelle Wright, Pirates Of The Mississippi, Shenandoh, Aaron Tippin, Craig Morgan and Ricky Skaggs the Hebron Harvest Fair grew to be one of the largest fairs in Connecticut.

The Hebron Harvest Fair draws over 250,000 people from the greater Hartford area. This will be the fourth year the Hebron Lions Club has raised the bar for fine arts and crafts at their long running event. We have exclusive space for 40 juried exhibitors. You must make what you sell. Buy-Sell is strictly prohibited.

Please click the "Vendor Information" link or click the link below to apply. Booth space will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Vendor Applications

Applications for the Arts & Craft juried show are due June 1, 2011

Go to the Hebron Harvest Fair website to learn more: http://www.hebronharvestfair.org/pages/aboutthefair.html

Diane Cadrain’s Art Quilt Juried into 100th Exhibition CT Academy of Fine Arts (Mystic, CT)

2011-04-23T12:59:00.001-04:00

Connecticut fiber artist Diane Cadrain has been chosen to exhibit her art quilt “Entrance” (image, right) in the 100th Exhibition of the CT Academy of Fine Arts.

According to the Academy, “The quality of the works submitted was very high, and challenging for the jurors. The diversity of style and media were equally impressive and a wonderful tribute to the vitality of our artistic community.”

A complete list of participants can be found here: http://www.ctacademy.org/Application%202011/100thjury-results.html

The Exhibition will run from May 27 – June 16, 2011

Reception and Awards on Thursday June 9th, 6 - 8PM

Mystic Arts Center

9 Water Street

Mystic, CT 06355

Hours: 11AM – 5PM daily

Congratulations, Diane!

Artists’ Reception: “For the Birds” May 14th at The Brush Gallery (Lowell, MA)

2011-04-20T20:08:00.001-04:00

SAQA CT artists Diane Wright and Vivika DeNegre are 2 of the artists participating in:

FOR THE BIRDS

May 7 - June 18, 2011
Brush Gallery & Artists Studios
256 Market Street, Lowell, MA
978-459-7819 . www.thebrush.org

This juried exhibition of beautiful paintings, photographs, fiber art, mixed media and sculpture, celebrates birds and their habitats and raises funds for the dedicated volunteers who care for and rehabilitate the many sick and injured birds in our area. Presented in collaboration with the Massachusetts Audubon Society and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Association of Massachusetts.

Artists' Reception: Saturday May 14th, 2 - 4 pm

Juror: David Allen Sibley, author, illustrator and ornithologist. Click here to read about David Allen Sibley and his books.

Additional Programming:

Saturday, May 14, 7 - 9 am. Bird Watching Walk with the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust, You’ll explore the Lowell Cemetery and the Concord River Greenway Park. Meet at the Lowell Cemetery entrance off Lawrence St. and bring binoculars. Please RSVP to jcalvin@lowelllandtrust.org so we have an accurate count!
Sunday, June 5, noon to 2 pm. Presentation by Sally Farrow of the Massachusetts Audubon Society of live, wild native birds from Drumlin Farm..
Sunday, June 5, 2 - 4 pm. Bird rehabilitation presentation and slide show by Alison Weber of the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of America. Hear about some of the birds Alison has taken in, cared for and released over the years.
MORE - check www.thebrush.org for the latest events

Collectors’ Forum: Quilts in New England April 30th at Old Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge, MA)

2011-04-20T11:30:00.001-04:00

The Collectors' Forum at Old Sturbridge Village brings together leading scholars and collectors around items from the Museum's extensive collection of early American artifacts.

The Spring 2011 Collectors' Forum, Quilts in New England, will highlight the Village's well-known and historically-important collection of over 250 quilts and coverlets and the current exhibit, More Beautiful Than Any Other: Quilts from the Old Sturbridge Village Collection, 1790-1850.

In addition to four formal presentations, a significant portion of the Old Sturbridge Village quilt collection will be on display and staffed for exploration.

Reservations are required; register online below or by calling 508-347-3362.

You may also send The Museum a message with any questions or for more information.

Forum Date & Time: Saturday, April 30, 2011 / 9AM - 5PM

Click Here for REGISTRATION PAGE

$80 per person, non-members

$65 for Members

Program Fee Includes:

Museum Admission
All Forum Programs/Presentations
Morning Coffee & Tea Reception
10% discount at the Museum Gift Shop and New England Book Store on day of event
Optional Lunch Buffet at Oliver Wright Tavern ($20 per person)

Meeting Notes: CT Regional Meeting at Brookfield Craft Center

2011-04-15T11:29:00.001-04:00

This past Saturday a lively group of our members met at Brookfield Craft Center. For those of you who have never been, it's a complex of several "colonial" buildings on a gorgeous river side setting.

THANK YOU Mayann Weinberg for arranging our meeting at Brookfield, providing drinks & veggie appetizers, and even volunteering to pick up our lunch order!

The day began with a few announcements and reminders:

Portfolio 18 for PAM (Professional) members – Deadline for Digital Entries 4/30/11
And to ALL SAQA members:
Submissions of images for “Blue” theme in SAQA Journal – Deadline 4/30/11
SAQA:Structures in Cloth Exhibition – Deadline 4/30/11
SAQA:Layers of Memory Exhibition – Deadline 6/15/11

SHOW & TELL: Some unusual items included a lovely “Fish Purse” (a gift made by a friend) shared by Cynthia Butts, and a quilt with matching tote bag made out of fabric selvages, created by Debbie Bein. Debbie is still collecting selvages if you have some to donate; strips should include the machine edge plus about 1” width of the fabric itself.

After Show & Tell, we were treated to a visual buffet of hand-dyed fabric and thread by Laura Wasilowski ARTFABRIK. There were plenty of “Ooohs” and “Aaaahs” as people enjoyed the rich colors and picked their favorites to purchase. After a while we had to put them away since the food was about to arrive. We enjoyed a delicious Panini lunch from nearby restaurant, Casablanca.

NEW FRIENDS: Executive Director Richard Herrmann, Director of Marketing Betsy Halliday and a photographer from the Craft Center dropped by to meet us and take a look at our work. BCC is a very fiber-friendly place, and the staff is interested in offering even more opportunities for fiber/textile artists. Anyone interested in offering classes...or taking classes...please get in touch with the Center (www.brookfieldcraft.org).

SAQA-NY artist Kendell Storm made the trip from White Plains to Brookfield for our meeting, and has joined us as a dual NY/CT member. Welcome to the group, Kendell!

FOLLOW UP INFO: During the meeting, Diane Wright talked about the needles she uses in her work, and some people were wondering where to get them. Per Diane, “I use Organ Needles for Sewing Machines. I purchased mine from Marathon Thread at a quilt show. www.marathonthread.com is located in PA. They have both regular (of all sorts) and titanium (of all sorts).”

NEXT MEETING: Co-Rep Diane Wright has volunteered explore the possibility of hosting the next regional meeting at the Guilford Art Center during July while a textile/fiber exhibit is featured. The upcoming exhibit will be a four person invitational show of hooked rug work, including SAQA-CT member Liz Alpert Fay.

The meeting will most likely be on a Saturday in late July or early August. After a date is confirmed, Diane will approach the featured hooked rug artists and see if they are available for an artist talk and Kate will arrange to have the 2011/2012 SAQA Trunk Show on display.

MINI-WORKSHOP: We ended the meeting with the first of hopefully continuing mini-workshops. Kate Themel offered a basic overview of Art Elements and Art Principles. Art Elements: specific building blocks we use to create 2D compositions (Line, Value, Color, Shape, Texture); Art Principles: more loosely-defined theories, how viewers perceive visual information (Figure/Ground, Balance, Emphasis, Gestalt) – How can we use these ideas to improve our own compositions?

If you missed the discussion or if you’d like more information about these terms and concepts, here are two excellent sources:

FUTURE WORKSHOPS: Each meeting will feature one of our SAQA members giving an informal lecture/demo on one subject. They are called “mini” for a reason – just 15-20 minutes of your time to give an overview on a something you are comfortable talking about, and answer some questions from other members. Very low pressure! Contact Diane or Kate if you have an idea for a mini-workshop, or if you’d like to volunteer to lead one.

Volunteers for future mini-workshops include Carol Eaton: Dyeing with Natural Ingredients; Betty Warner: Tips on using Photoshop; Barb McKie: Effects of Fusible Products on Fabric. The mini-workshop topics will depend on our guest speakers’ availability and the date/location of each meeting. Stay tuned for more details!

Thank you to everyone who participated and made our Regional Meeting so much fun.

ART, Music, Food and Fun: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Brush Gallery May 7, 2011 (Lowell, MA)

2011-04-14T09:14:00.001-04:00

You are invited to the Brush Gallery and Artists Studios

Cinco de Mayo Annual Fundraiser
Saturday, May 7, 6 - 10 pm

Cocktails, 6 - 7 PM at the Gallery
Catered dinner by Mambo Grill of Lowell
Music, Dancing, Art Auction, Great Gift Raffles, Salsa Lessons, Fun to follow.

Tickets purchased in advance:
$50.00 ($40.00 for paid members. Not a member? Click here.)
Purchase tickets on-line securely: Click here.

Tickets purchased at door:
$55.00 ($45.00 for paid members. Not a member? Click here.)

The Brush Gallery & Artists Studios
256 Market Street
Lowell, MA 01852
978-454-7819
www.thebrush.org

When you visit the Brush Gallery, don’t forget to check out “FOR THE BIRDS” – An All Media Art Exhibition, featuring SAQA-CT members Vivika DeNegre and Diane Wright

Call to Artists: Decorate City Hall Plaza (Montpelier, Vermont)

2011-04-13T20:17:00.001-04:00

Montpelier Alive seeks proposals for a set of banners or banner-like works of art to be hung on the light poles in front of Montpelier City Hall from June 1 through October 15, 2011. City Hall Plaza is a highly visible location in the heart of Vermont’s bustling capital city that has displayed a variety of solid color and photographic banners over the past eight years. The successful new design will be a creative response to the plaza, the city and its surroundings. Designs will be judged on their creativity, visual impact from the street, and durability.

DETAILS:
The plaza has six light posts, each with two sets of horizontal banner arms. The twelve pairs of arms are 43.5” from the top of each arm to the bottom of each arm and are each 18” wide. The new work of art should fill the available space on all six light poles (individual arms may be removed) and must be able to withstand summer weather conditions for five months. It may be mechanically reproduced or hand-crafted. The design must not include any words or graphic references that can be construed as advertising and must be appropriate for a public place. Montpelier Alive can provide information on dimensions of past banners and on past mechanical reproduction methods upon request.

PRIZE:
One winning artist will receive:
$800 fee for materials and honoraria
One month to complete and install the new work
Completed project will be on display from June through October 2011

More details and submission guidelines: http://www.montpelieralive.org/cityhallplaza

Deadline: Friday, April 29, 2011

Diane Wright and Vivika DeNegre Juried into “For the Birds” (Brush Gallery, Lowell, MA)

2011-04-11T19:37:00.001-04:00

Connecticut artists Diane Wright and Vivika Hansen DeNegre will have work on display at the Brush Gallery in Lowell, Massachusetts from May 7 through June 18, 2011.

This juried exhibition is part of the Brush Gallery's Art of Nature Exhibition Series and will be a mix of paintings, collage, fiber, photography, drawings and sculpture. It will be hung in time for the Brush's popular annual fundraiser on May 7th.

FOR THE BIRDS is a collaboration between the Brush Gallery and the Massachusetts Audubon Society to focus attention on birds and their habitats and to raise funds for the volunteers who care for injured birds until they are able to be returned to the wild. http://www.thebrush.org/exhibitions.htm

The show runs May 7 - June 18, 2011
Artists’ Reception: Saturday May 14, 2011 from 2 – 4 PM

Educational Programming:
The following talks and lectures are being planned in conjunction with the exhibition; more details will be posted when available:

Bird Watching Walk with the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust,Saturday, May 14, 7 - 9 am. You’ll explore the Lowell Cemetery and the Concord River Greenway Park. Meet at the Lowell Cemetery entrance off Lawrence St. and bring binoculars. Please RSVP to jcalvin@lowelllandtrust.org so we have an accurate count!
Presentation by Massachusetts Audubon Society of live, wild native birds from Drumlin Farm, Sunday, June 5, noon to 2 pm.
Bird rehabilitation presentation and slide show by Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of America, Sunday, June 5, 2 - 4 pm.
Making Birdhouses, date TBA

(Images: upper right “Quail Family” by Vivika DeNegre; lower left: “Redwing Chorus: Ode to Charley Harper” by Diane Wright)

Fiber Art Events this Week – Don’t Miss Out!

2011-04-05T11:49:00.001-04:00

Thursday, April 7th, 5 – 7 PM

Opening Reception for “Home Grown: 30 Years of Artistic Community”

Includes fiber art by Catherine Whall Smith

Akus Gallery at Eastern CT State University

83 Windham Street

Willimantic, CT

Friday, April 8th, 6 – 8 PM

Opening Reception for “Ver Luminarium”

Includes fiber art by Mayann Weinberg

Gertrude G. White Gallery at the Greenwich YWCA

259 Putnam Avenue

Greenwich, CT

Saturday, April 9th, 10 AM – 2:30 PM

SAQA CT Regional Meeting

Brookfield Craft Center

286 Whisconier Road

Brookfield, CT

Sunday, April 10th, 12 – 4 PM

LAST DAY to see “Object d’Art” at the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery

Includes fiber art by Barbara McKie, Rayna Gillman and Judith Larzelere

Branford House Mansion at UConn Avery Point

1084 Shennecossett Rd.

Groton, CT

Call for Entries Opens May 1st: “Outside/Inside the Box” Fiber Philadelphia

2011-04-05T10:47:00.001-04:00

From Fiber Philadelphia:
OUTSIDE/INSIDE THE BOX, Call for entries. www.outsideinsideentry.com.
Apply Online May 1 - October 31, 2011.

Outside/Inside the Box will take place March 2 -April 14, 2012 at the ICE Box Project Space, Crane Arts Building, the hub of Fiber Philadelphia 2012.

www.cranearts.com

Outside/Inside the Box
ICE Box Project Space,
Crane Arts Building
March 2 - April 15, 2012
Receptions: Saturday, March 3 and 31 2012
1400 North American St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
www.fiberphiladelphia.org

It’s like Christmas in April – Laura Wasilowski’s hand-dyed fabric & thread

2011-03-31T13:27:00.001-04:00

I received an exciting package in the mail today… Laura Wasilowski’s ARTFABRIK trunk show! Photos cannot do justice to the richly saturated colors of these fabrics and embroidery threads. Amazing!

There are 25 yards of beautiful hand dyed cotton fabric, some monochrome, others with 2 or more color variations, and dozens of threads in sizes 3, 5, 8 and 12 pearl cotton.

Come see them for yourself and buy a few to take home (cash or check only).

We will have the trunk show at our next SAQA CT Regional meeting on April 9th in Brookfield. See previous post for details: http://saqact.blogspot.com/2011/03/our-next-saqa-ct-regional-meeting.html

Lucky me, I get first pick! But I promise to bring enough to share with the group. :-)

Hope to see you at the next meeting,

~Kate Themel

SAQA-CT Co-Rep

March 31, 2011 - LAST Day to Enter SAQA:Showcase or Sense of Adventure

2011-03-30T09:57:00.001-04:00

Attention ALL SAQA members:

Don’t miss the opportunity to enter one or both of these upcoming SAQA exhibitions.

SAQA: SHOWCASE
A special in-depth exhibition of the work of 4-6 artists at the museum of the International Quilt Study Center at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln from July - October 2012.

Chosen artists will each exhibit several works, which may be considered for permanent acquisition by the museum. Artists will also be invited to participate in a special symposium in September 2012.

Information is on the Exhibition entry forms page.
Jurors: Judith Content and Carolyn Ducey
Entry is by submission of a mini-portfolio of four (4) works.

The works that are submitted do not have to be the works chosen for exhibition: http://saqacallforentries.com/.

DEADLINE March 31, 2011.

---------------------------------------------------------

Theme: A Sense of Adventure asks you to expand your personal comfort zone. Beyond the five senses of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch is the sense of adventure. Webster's defines "adventure" as:

1 a : an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks

b : the encountering of risks (the spirit of adventure)

2 : an exciting or remarkable experience (an adventure in exotic dining)

Use techniques you've never used before. Plumb deep within yourself for a personal sense of adventure. Share your adventures through this exhibit.

Juror: Dr. Jacqueline Atkins

Managing Curator: Nancy Bavor (nbavor@gmail.com)

The full prospectus: http://saqacallforentries4.com/

DEADLINE for online entry is now March 31, 2011.

See Fiber Art by Karen Loprete at the Left Bank Gallery (Essex, CT)

2011-03-29T15:16:00.001-04:00

Check out Karen Loprete’s vibrant art quilts at the Left Bank Gallery in Essex.

Left Bank Gallery Essex is a 5,000 square foot art space offering work by over 50 renowned and emerging contemporary artists. The space features painting, photography, sculpture and more including an extensive array of handmade jewelry by area artists and silversmiths. From traditional landscapes or maritime scenes to contemporary abstracts and graphic art, Left Bank Gallery Essex is dedicated to offering a balance of high quality original artwork and affordable pricing.

The Gallery was established in May 2008 as a destination for art and design in Connecticut and New England, exhibiting work by over 60 artists and artisans from the local area and beyond. “We have a very diverse group of fresh, new art,” says Laurie McGinley, co-owner.

Here’s what they’re saying about Karen: “Known for her extensive handwork and color choices, contemporary fiber artist, Karen Loprete, creates one-of-a kind artworks to hang or to hang out with. Using a mix of vintage, modern and hand-dyed fabrics, beading or appliqué, Karen layers texture, color and pattern to create wonderful and imaginative artwork.” (Image: “Sky” by Karen Loprete)

For directions and additional information go to The Left Bank Gallery website: http://www.leftbankgalleryessex.com/site/

Our Next SAQA-CT Regional Meeting: Saturday April 9th at Brookfield Craft Center (Brookfield, CT)

2011-03-28T10:54:00.001-04:00

Attention SAQA Members and Invited Guests:

Please Join us for our next SAQA-CT Regional Meeting.

Saturday April 9, 2011

Brookfield Craft Center in Brookfield, CT

10AM – 2:30PM

Brookfield Craft Center

286 Whisconier Rd

Brookfield, CT 06804

(203) 775-4526

http://www.brookfieldcraft.org/

Highlights Include:

Meet & Greet
Show & Tell
Trunk show of Laura Wasilowski’s ARTFABRIK hand dyed fabrics and threads, available for sale
(Optional) 2:00 pm Mini-Workshop: Overview of Art Principles & Art Elements with Kate Themel – We’ll cover the definitions of these terms and discuss how they apply to our work in fiber art.

Hope you can make it!

Take care,

~Kate and Diane, your SAQA-CT Reps

Don’t Miss “Objects d’Art” at the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery (Groton, CT) – Closing April 10th

2011-03-25T10:11:00.001-04:00

(images top left to lower right: Afternoon of a Fawn by Barb McKie, Skateboard by William Shockey, Red Zone by Rayna Gillman, Teapot by Hayne Bayless, Fish Pin by Bruce Campbell, Cutting into Spring by Judith Larzelere and Neptune’s Daughter by Kathryne Wright)

Connecticut artist Barbara Barrick McKie has 5 of her best quilts on display in Objects d’Art: form and function at the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art in Groton. SAQA artists Rayna Gillman and Judith Larzelere have 5 quilts in the same exhibition, which features art by 16 artists working in variety of media.

Come to the UCONN Avery Point campus to see functional fine art including stoneware, woodwork, furniture, jewelry, glass works and fiber art.

The exhibition will come to a close on Sunday April 10, 2011

Don’t miss this extraordinary exhibition!!!

Julia M. Pavone, Curator/Director

Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art

Branford House Mansion at UConn Avery Point

1084 Shennecossett Rd.

Groton, CT 06340

860-405-9052

www.averypointarts.uconn.edu

Gallery hours: wed. – Sun. 12-4 pm

Fiber Art by Catherine Whall Smith: On Display in Willimantic, CT

2011-03-24T10:16:00.001-04:00

Fiber art by SAQA-CT artist Catherine Whall Smith is on display in two locations in Willimantic, CT.

See Smith’s work “Pearly Whites” at the Akus Gallery in Home Grown :Celebrating 30 Years of Artistic Community from March 24 – May 5, 2011.

Akus Gallery

83 Windham St.

Willimantic, CT

Reception Thursday - April 7th, 5-7 p.m.

(image: My Turn, Me First by Catherine Smith)

Several other pieces including “My Turn, Me First”, “Hay Bale with Blue Twine” and “Rolling in the Hay” are on display in the Burton Leavitt Theatre, part of the Windham Theater Guild.

WINDHAM THEATER GUILD -“The Butler did it” Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy this spoof of an English mystery.

- Show times 8:00 p.m. – March 25, 26, April 1, 2 ,7 ,8

- Matinee 2:00 p.m. - Sunday, April 3rd

Burton Leavitt Theatre

779 Main St.

Willimantic, CT

Tickets call (860) 423-2245

www.windhamtheatreguild.org

A portion of the sale of the art work will be donated to the Windham Theater Guild.

Mayann Weinberg in “Ver Luminarium” Exhibition of Art – Opening April 8, 2011 (Greenwich, CT)

2011-03-23T15:26:00.001-04:00

Ver Luminarium is an exhibition of original painted and stitched works of art by Mayann Weinberg, Roisin Reilly and Gay Lynette Morris.

Opening Reception Friday April 8, 2011

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Gertrude G. White Gallery

Greenwich YWCA

259 Putnam Avenue

Greenwich, CT 06830

The show will run from April 8 – 28, 2011

(Image: “Untitled” by Mayann Weinberg)

Sign Up for SAQA’s Visioning Conference in Denver – May 19-21, 2011

2011-03-21T15:56:00.001-04:00

Sign up NOW for SAQA's Visioning Conference - ONLY 38 spots left!

The conference will take place in Denver's historic Brown Palace Hotel from
May 19-21, 2011. Affordable housing and parking are available at the Comfort Inn across the street.
Information and a registration form are on the SAQA website.

Plan on joining us for a great conference in May!

SAQA New England: Special Events Planned for March 25 - 27, 2011 (Colchester, VT)

2011-03-11T13:49:00.001-05:00

SAQA members and fiber art enthusiasts are invited to Colchester, Vermont to take part in a weekend of Workshops, Show & Tell and Studio Tours.

The weekend begins with dinner on Friday evening, March 25, 2011 at 6:30 PM. Three Tomatoes Trattoria hosts the weekend “kick-off” dinner. Three Tomatoes is located at 192 Boxwood Street in Williston, VT. RSVP by March 17th to msartquilts@gmail.com to reserve your seat!

On Saturday, March 26 go to the Residence Inn by Marriot for workshops and Show & Tell. Residence Inn by Marriot Burlington/Colchester is located at 17 Rathe Road in Colchester, VT.

Featured Workshops:
“Approaching Galleries” with Rae Harrell, Saturday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM including a 1 hour break for lunch/ $25.00 pay at the door

“From a Juror’s Perspective” with Valarie Poitier, Saturday 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM/ Bring a list of potential Calls for Entries to discuss/ $15.00 pay at the door

SAQA Show & Tell Saturday evening from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Sunday, March 27 Studio Tours: Diane Schullenberger studio in “Snowflake” Bentley’s House www.dianeschullenberger.com and Sandy Jefferis’ Studio www.sandyjefferis.com

The New “Art Quilt Gallery NYC” – Only Gallery in NYC Devoted to Contemporary Quilts

2011-03-10T12:27:00.001-05:00

From “The Art Quilt Gallery NYC” website:

The Art Quilt Gallery • NYC is exclusively focused on a single art form: quilts, whose aesthetic range, creative spirit, execution, and sheer beauty make this a compelling art, yet one that is rarely displayed in New York.

We believe our patrons will be impressed with the range and quality of work. Opening on April 5, 2011, The Art Quilt Gallery•NYC will feature the best quilts from around the world, starting with quilt artist Daphne Taylor.

(Image, right: Composition in Markings and Movement by Daphne Taylor)

Visit us in Chelsea at 133 West 25th Street Click for hours & contact information

Email or call us at 212-807-9451 to add your name to our show announcements list, or to ask about our art quilts.

Muriel Stockdale’s “e Pluribus” Flags on Display at Charlotte’s Place (NYC)

2011-03-08T17:09:00.001-05:00

A message from SAQA-CT artist Muriel Stockdale:

I know it's very short notice but I want to invite you to a Mardi Gras party at Charlotte's Place 109 Greenwich Street, between Rector and Carlisle streets tonight between 6 - 8:30 PM.

If you have not had a chance to see any of my E Pluribus flags yet live, 15 of them are on display there for the next week at least.

But come down and eat, dance and mix and mingle tonight.

Hope to see you,

Muriel

New Opportunity for SAQA Members in the USA

2011-02-28T16:15:00.001-05:00

Structures in Cloth
Open to all USA SAQA members

Exhibition Dates: June 9, 2011 - January 21, 2012
Exhibition Venues: The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities in Denver, Colorado and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center in Pueblo, Colorado, with the possibility of a third venue in northern Colorado.

Theme:

Architecture surrounds us in both our natural and human created world. It is not simply the end product of creation and construction but the very structure which our life, society, world, and universe are made of. In this show we envision explorations of both the micro and macro architectures that surround us.

Jurors: Sandra Sider (SAQA) and Bebe Alexander (Arvada Center for the Arts)

Curator: Christi Beckmann

christibeckmann@yahoo.com
Online entry will be open April 1-30, 2011

http://saqacallforentries3.com/

Open Studio with CT Artist Lisa Corson – Saturday March 5, 2011 (Wolcott, CT)

2011-02-23T15:19:00.001-05:00

Winter doldrums? Starved for sunlight?

Catch the creative wind that's blowing, celebrate the coming spring weather and join me at the next Open Studio, Saturday, March 5th, 12-4PM!

Bring something to show us, or just hang out and shoot the breeze. Hope to see you there!

– Lisa Corson, Homespun Heritage blog

Lisa Corson’s studio is located in the Red Barn at Pillwillip Farm, 1089 Woodtick Road in Wolcott, CT.

To find out more about Corson’s open studio events, visit her blog “Homespun Heritage”. You’ll see examples of Lisa’s beautiful collage postcards. Just try to keep up. Lisa posts new artwork almost every day!http://homespunheritage.com/

SAQA-CT Artist Vivika DeNegre Featured on Quilting Arts TV

2011-02-20T15:20:00.001-05:00

Connecticut artist Vivika DeNegre recently returned from Cleveland after taping several segments for PBS show Quilting Arts TV with Pokey Bolton. Vivika’s signature birds will be featured, as well as a table runner project and Pet Futon. The series should air sometime in July. Check Quilting Arts’ website for program updates. http://www.quiltingdaily.com/content/QuiltingArtsTV.aspx

To find out more about Vivika and her fiber art, and behind-the-scenes details about her visit to Quilting Arts studios, visit her blog: http://vdenegrequilts.blogspot.com/

Reminder: “SAQA: A Sense of Adventure” Deadline for Entries Feb 28, 2011

2011-02-19T17:10:00.001-05:00

Traveling November, 01 2011 to July, 31 2012
A Sense of Adventure

Open to all SAQA and SDA members

Premiere Location: International Quilt Festivals:
Houston, TX November 2011
Cincinnati, OH April 2012
Long Beach, CA July 2012
Additional venue locations to be determined.

Theme: A Sense of Adventure asks you to expand your personal comfort zone. Beyond the five senses of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch is the sense of adventure. Webster's defines "adventure" as:
1 a : an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks
b : the encountering of risks (the spirit of adventure)
2 : an exciting or remarkable experience (an adventure in exotic dining)
Use techniques you've never used before. Plumb deep within yourself for a personal sense of adventure. Share your adventures through this exhibit.

Juror: Jacqueline M. Atkins
Curator: Nancy Bavor nbavor@gmail.com

Entry is by digital images only, using SAQA’s online system.

February 1, 2011 Online entry opens
February 28, 2011 Online Entry Final Day - Deadline at 11:59 pm EST

To read the full prospectus login to the Members' Home Page.

Diane Cadrain Represents Connecticut in "Volusia: Wrapped in Fiber"

2011-02-14T17:20:00.001-05:00

Juror Pamela Allen has chosen a variety of wall hangings and sculptural fiber art of all shapes and sizes which will be exhibited at one museum, one art center and three galleries in Volusia County, Florida. Entries came from all over the US and abroad by members of SAQA and Surface Design Association (SDA).

Congratulations to our sole representative from Connecticut, Diane Cadrain of West Hartford, who will exhibit her piece “Many-Colored Polypores” (see image, right) at the Peabody Auditorium Rose Room Gallery.

Cadrain describes the inspiration behind her work:

“The natural world inspires my work by offering constantly-refreshed images of arresting loveliness.

Tolstoy said, ‘Love all creation…love every leaf.’ In that spirit, I’ve attempted to replicate the intricate striations and colorations of the many-colored polypore, a lowly fungus which grows on rotting logs.

This image combines embroidery, hand-sewing, machine quilting, and knitting.”

A complete list of participating artists and titles along with a list of where they will be displayed can be found on SAQA’s website: http://www.saqa.com/hotnews.php?ID=254

The exhibition at the Rose Room Gallery, Peabody Auditorium will run from March 10 – April 27

Peabody Auditorium

600 Auditorium Boulevard

Daytona Beach, FL 32118-4247

(386) 671-3460

Open Mon-Sat 10am-2pm

Art Talk: Friday, March 25, 2 – 4 PM

To find out more about Volusia: Wrapped in Fiber, visit their blog: http://volusiawrappedinfiber.wordpress.com/

Meeting Notes: SAQA Regional Meeting at Windsor Art Center (Windsor, CT)

2011-02-12T22:36:00.001-05:00

Roughly 40-45 fiber art enthusiasts came from all over Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts (including SAQA-MA/RI Rep Jeanne Marklin) to participate in an open SAQA meeting at the Windsor Art Center on Saturday February 12 .

It seems like the crowd increases at each regional meeting; you can’t help but be inspired by the diversity, enthusiasm and creativity of this group!
Everyone found a seat in the art center’s spacious main gallery, with walls covered by quilts from the “Identity in Fiber” exhibition. We began with a warm welcome from Marcia Hinckley of the Windsor Art Center, then CT Co-Rep Kate Themel took the lead as we moved onto routine business and a few reminders. SAQA Members Please Note: Entry Deadline for SAQA’s “Sense of Adventure” is February 28 and “SAQA Showcase” entry deadline is March 31, 2011.
We talked about the future of our CT Region and SAQA in general: What do members want from SAQA? An informal survey showed that about half the crowd is interested in exhibitions and finding venues to show their artwork. Roughly the same number of people would like to have more workshops and classes – especially those who might have a background in sewing garments or quilts, but are new to creating Fiber Art. Many people were interested in workshops focused on the “business side” of art (marketing, financial planning, insuring artwork, taxes for artists etc) and would like more hands-on instruction rather than finding information on line. We’ll try to incorporate these suggestions into future regional meetings.
We heard some great ideas to take back to SAQA’s planning committee as well. For example, Cathy Smith shared calendars featuring images of her quilts which can also be customized to include special events & dates; perhaps this is something SAQA might look into doing?
If you were not able to attend, please feel free to leave a comment about what you’d like to see and do at future regional meetings. As always, you can contact your SAQA-CT Reps, Kate Themel or Diane Wright, with any ideas & suggestions.
“Show & Tell” was a revelation of creativity and invention. Long-term members, first timers and visitors brought items ranging from meticulously pieced and beaded wall hangings to a 3D fiber art Mobius Strip, Sandi Schrader’s interactive therapy quilt, Ruth Anne Olson’s snow-dyed fabrics, Debbie Bein’s “Token Art Quilt” embellished with antique subway tokens, and so much more!
Artists also shared their ideas and projects using leftover fabric scraps, like Barb McKie’s coasters made from clothesline wrapped in fabric and coiled into circles and Diane Cadrain’s single seam garments. Since there were so many artists with work to show, we had to keep the comments brief. Yvette Howard did the world’s fastest demonstration on making fabric-covered books. We may need to have her back for a more in-depth demonstration.
Marcia Hinckley and the volunteers at Windsor Art Center were extremely friendly and helpful - moving tables and chairs and making all the arrangements for lunch. As we enjoyed sandwiches from The Beanery at Bart’s, people were able to chat and mingle, meet new friends and catch up with their old fiber art buddies. People loved flipping through the SAQA show catalogs and Portfolio books; some even skimmed the articles in the latest SAQA Journal.
More people arrived after lunch to catch the “Identity in Fiber” Gallery Talk. We were lucky to have 13 “Identity” artists there to talk about their piece in the show, including: Natalya Aikens, Deirdre Abbotts, Debbie Bento, Debbie Bein, Sally Brown, Carol Eaton, Gail Kotowski, Karen Loprete, Barbara McKie, Ruth Anne Olson, Kate Themel, Carol Vinick and Diane Wright. Artists answered questions about their work and talked about why they are drawn to fiber versus other artistic media.
Sally Brown’s presentation “Forever Sisters” was unfortunately cut short due to time constraints. We got to hear only part of the complex and emotional story behind Sally’s beautiful book. Hopefully we can reschedule her full presentation for another meeting or as a separate event through Windsor Art Center. Stay tuned for news on that; dates & times will be posted on this blog as soon as they are available.
You can see Sally’s quilted book in person, as part of the “Identity in Fiber” show at Windsor Art Center from now until March 5, 2011.
Thank you to everyone who came to Windsor on Saturday! WAC staff, Visitors and SAQA artists – you made it a wonderful experience. We’re looking forward to seeing many you at the next meeting!
Until then, be well and find time to do what you most enjoy,
~Your SAQA Reps, Kate Themel and Diane Wright
(Images from top: The group gathers at WAC main gallery; SAQA-MA/RI Rep Jeanne Marklin talks about her series on racism; Hiroko Fukawa shows off her amazing pieced design; Sally Brown’s quilted book “Forever Sisters”)

February 19th – Celeste Janey at the New England Quilt Museum (Lowell, MA)

2011-02-09T10:01:00.001-05:00

“My Art Quilting Journey”

by Celeste Janey

Saturday, February 19th at 1:00 PM

As an elementary school educator for 34 years, I find that in my pieces, I need to continue teaching. All my pieces teach, whether through the written word, or orally through the story in which the piece was inspired. Continuing the African-American culture of which I was born, my pieces are usually vibrant in color and life. All my pieces share a story with the observer. --Celeste Janey

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New England has been hit by multiple snow & ice storms over the past few months, interrupting scheduled events and forcing cancellations. But the “SAQA: No Holds Barred” Exhibition at NEQM is now open and will continue their special events during February and March.

Check the NEQM website for more details: http://www.nequiltmuseum.org/events/special-events.html

New England Quilt Museum

18 Shattuck Street

Lowell, Massachusetts 01852

http://www.nequiltmuseum.org

WINTER WEATHER CLOSURES: The Museum will be closed due to inclement weather on any day that the Lowell public school system is closed. Check "Lowell" on the School Closing List before heading out to the Museum.

New Rules for SAQA Auction Donations

2011-02-08T17:20:00.001-05:00

Auction Donors – Please use New Auction Form on SAQA’s main website: http://www.saqa.com/auction-submit.php

SAQA's Benefit Auction is our largest fundraiser. In 2010 we received 288 donations for the SAQA Benefit Auction. It was a fantastic auction and we raised $52,450. This was SAQA's biggest income source after membership dues.
With your help, we're hoping to do even better in 2011. We hope that each of you will create and donate a wonderful piece of art for the 2011 Benefit Auction, but in order to make the process go as smoothly as possible, we need to ask you to follow the guidelines below.

To facilitate entry of your information, please use the new online submission form, available through a link under SUPPORT SAQA at saqa.com.

REMEMBER:
1.    Donations must be only 10 - 12 inches (25 - 30 cm) in either direction. 12 inches will be the maximum accepted so that we can use standard Priority shipping boxes to save time and money.
2.    Only ONE work per artist will be accepted.
3.    Works on stretchers will be accepted but they may not be any larger than 12 inches and should be no deeper than 1 inch (2.5 cm).
4.    ALL artwork donated must be ready to hang. If artwork not otherwise mounted, a sleeve or other method of hanging must be attached. Artwork on stretchers should have hooks and wire attached.
5.    All donations must have label with title (or "untitled") and artist's name clearly written.
6.    There will be a space on the online submission to put a 25 word description of your work that should include materials/techniques to help bidders understand what the image on the website represents.
7.    Images will not be posted until the work is received.
8.    Please do not use peanuts, confetti, shredded paper, or padded envelopes filled with linty fuzz - all these things make a mess when opening the package and the confetti and fuzzy stuff sticks to the quilts.
9.    Please mail your donation with a tracking number or pre-stamped/ addressed postcard to let you know it arrived. Auction coordinator will not email donor when work arrives.
10.    International donations should be sent early enough to arrive by the deadline after clearing Customs. Be advised that it can take up to 3 weeks for boxes to clear customs.

PLEASE ship to:
Pat Gould
12620 Towner Avenue NE
Albuquerque, NM 87112
USA

For questions about the auction and the procedures: email: patriciacgould@gmail.com.

Early Bird Deadline: March 15th

This will make your piece eligible for inclusion in Auction advertising, Auction postcards, and display at IQF-Cincinnati, April 8 - 11, 2011.

Final Deadline: July 2nd

This is a receive-by date

Opening Reception this Friday: “LIFE… So Far” Fiber Art by Kate Themel (Cheshire, CT)

2011-02-07T09:36:00.001-05:00

Meet the artist and enjoy complimentary wine & appetizers at the Funky Monkey this Friday!

Opening Reception: Friday, February 11, 2011 from 7 – 9 PM

The Funky Monkey Cafe & Gallery

130 Elm Street/ Watch Factory Shoppes

Cheshire, CT 06410

www.thefunkymonkeycafe.com

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More About the Artist:

Kate Themel’s formal education in Fine Arts can be seen in her approach to fiber.

Over the past 15 years, Kate has developed a distinct pictorial style using mostly cotton fabrics and rayon thread. Her compositions contain multiple layers of color and dense stitching, pushing the definition of a quilt into the realm of painting.

Her fiber artwork has been juried into Quilt National and has been exhibited in art galleries and museums from Boston to Botswana. Themel has created custom wall hangings for private collectors and corporate clients, including a series of art quilts commissioned by Yale University's Afro American Cultural Center in New Haven, CT.

See more examples of Kate’s art quilts online: www.katethemel.com

Click here to contact Kate Themel to inquire about commissions

Call for Entries Opens May 15, 2011: SAQA “Layers of Memory”

2011-02-07T07:57:00.001-05:00

Layers of Memory

Open to all SAQA members
Location:
Premier at the Mancuso World Quilt Show in August, 2011
Conclude with the Denver National Quilt Festival in May, 2012
Additional venues may be added

This exhibit will display work that explores the complex theme of memory. The retrieval of the past can involve many layers including the persistence of recurring memory, the forgotten past, and the nature of recollection. Critic Kate Green suggests that, "memories may be stored in our minds, but they are unleashed by textures, words, and forms." How we store and retrieve memory, whether by using a computer or touching a piece of cloth from our past to spur recollection, memory remains a constant priority in our daily lives for the preservation of our individual and collective histories. This collection presents a universal theme, and will be interpreted in very different ways.

Juror: Kathryn Harris, Head of Fiber Program, School of Art, Design & Art History at San Diego State University

Curator: Doria Anne Goocher designsbydoria3@gmail.com

The full prospectus is available in doc or pdf format.
Entry is by digital images only, using SAQA’s online system.

May 15, 2011 Online entry opens

June 15, 2011 Online Entry Final Day - Deadline at 11:59 pm EST

Important Announcement: “No Holds Barred” Lecture Rescheduled at NEQM

2011-02-05T12:54:00.001-05:00

No Holds Barred - Event Date Change due to Storm Warning - http://www.nequiltmuseum.org/index.html

The event planned for this Saturday, February 5: Lecture by Celeste Janey has been moved to Saturday February 19th at 1:00 PM.

Celeste Janey has created a wonderful lecture filled with information about her journey. The art work is filled with embroideries, quilting, words, images, along with her poignant story telling. Come out and hear about her journey as an educator, an artist, a parent, wife, and student. Help us celebrate this wonderful event which is also a celebration (African American History Month) of an amazing African American woman who was born and raised in Roxbury, MA.

Please pass the word on to your guilds, colleagues, and friends!

WINTER WEATHER CLOSURES: The Museum will be closed due to inclement weather on any day that the Lowell public school system is closed. Check "Lowell" on the School Closing List before heading out to the Museum.

Regards,

Valarie Poitier

Curator, Co-Chair SAQA-NEQM-2011 Project "No Holds Barred"