A Wealth of Fiber Art

I don't know about you, but I am always taken by surprise when an art exhibit turns out to be fiber-based. Right now, though, we have three current or upcoming fiber art exhibits in the Upper Valley (that I know of).

AVA Gallery in Lebanon, NH, has five artists on display right now, three of whom are fiber or closely related. You enter to Jeanne Heifetz's Geometry of Hope, which is not fiber but is sewn. Fine glass rods are whipstitched with wire to metal mesh in geometric patterns. Slow Literature: The Narrative Tapestries of Sarah Swett includes many large hand-woven tapestries, some showing images and some containing text. My favorite was an image, an old-fashioned rotary phone in the foreground, its receiver in the background being used by a figure holding a pencil. Subtle colors and fine weaving work. Dianne Shullenberger's Outside Influences is a collection of fiber collages of insects, birds, plants, landscapes, and my favorite: slices of petrified wood she has extended out on all sides with fiber collage, continuing their colors and patterns perfectly. Also on the main floor is collage and sculpture artist Amy Morel. Upstairs in the library are many playful drawings by John Joline, displayed in memorium. I just learned the main-floor exhibit's last day is this Friday, so if you want to see this don't wait!

Coming up on Oct 24 there is an all-day event in Sharon, VT, the Seven Stars Arts Festival at the Vermont Independent School of the Arts. To be honest I am not positive this has fiber art in it, but Pippa Drew is exhibiting in the multi-artist show and one of her several media is textile surface design (various resist techniques), so I am hoping. There is music, calligraphy, tai chi, and yoga all day, but the exhibit reception is 4-6pm.

Finally, on November 6 at the Main Street Museum in White River Junction, VT, there is the opening reception to an embroidery exhibit called Queering the Lines, by Rebecca Levi. I will definitely be at this!