Innovation, unexpected combinations, unusual materials, and color are the hallmarks of the Fiber Art Now art show.  Show runs April 2 thru May 2.  It kicks-off with an artist reception on Friday April 2, 6-8pm. The public is invited.

Local silk-fusion artist and curator Heather Marlow explains her vision for the show: “This is a show I’ve wanted to bring to the Gorge for quite awhile now. It breaks the barriers and pre-conceived ideas of what people think fiber art is all about. Some of the art is playful, some elegant, and some symbolic.”

With 14 artists from Oregon and Washington participating in the show, Marlow says that there’s something for everyone. “The range of art and media is amazing … from whimsical jewelry made with felt and silver, to improvisational quilting made from torch-cut steel and fabric.”

Participating Artists

• Laura Berman
• Marbe Cook
• Deb
• Sarah Fox
• Rhonda Harris
• Trisha Hassler
• Judi Kane
• Lisa Kattenbraker
• Heather Marlow
• Joyce Marlow
• Hilde Morin
• Melody Robichaud
• Pat Spark
• Shannon Weber

About the Artists

Some of the most highly-regarded artists in the field of fiber art are participating in the show. Here’s what the art of some of them is about:

Trisha Hassler, internationally respected fiber artist who lives in Portland, incorporates torch-cut steel into her highly stylized and abstract “improvisational quilting” creations. FIBER ARTS CLASS
Trisha will also be teaching a class on April 24, called “Exploring Creative Attachment Techniques.”

Judi Kane, a local artist and curator, combines fabric and thread, like paint and brush, to create a snapshot of life around her. She loves both the tradition and history of fiber art, but is excited about the Fiber Art Now show because its focus is on blurring the lines of tradition through innovation and the technology.

Melody Robichaud, another local artist, pushes the envelope of creativity with her fiber art. Her return after a two year sabbatical is much anticipated, and her new work, rich in symbolism, is a must see.

Pat Spark, artist and author from Albany, is considered to be the premier felt artist in the Pacific Northwest. She was a university art professor for 16 years, and has taught both nationally and internationally.

Shannon Weber of Cottage Grove weaves one-of-a-kind vessels that work around the edges of traditional technique. She will also be appearing in an upcoming episode of Oregon Art Beat.

Sarah Fox, who lives in Lake Oswego, creates whimsical and colorful jewelry out of the unlikely combination of felted wool and sterling silver. She says, “It’s a reminder that we can be elegant and playful at the same time.”

 

About Columbia Art Gallery

Columbia Art Gallery, located in the Columbia Center for the Arts, is a non-profit community gallery with the mission to promote an arts-rich environment in the Columbia River Gorge. Regular hours are Wed. – Sun., 11am – 5pm.