Davenport, Iowa (May 19, 2014) - This Saturday two new fiber art exhibitions will open at the Figge Art Museum. Innovators & Legends: Generations in Textiles and Fiber, organized by the Muskegon Museum of Art with guest curator Geary Jones and a companion exhibition, Local Threads.
Amid the social and artistic upheavals of the 1960s and 70s, artists began using traditional "craft" media to make sculptural and conceptual works that expanded our definition of the visual arts. Since then, new generations of artists have pushed textiles, fiber arts and other forms in even more directions, further blurring the distinction between traditional "craft" and "fine art."
Innovators & Legends: Generations in Textiles and Fiber features more than 70 works of art by over 50 artists from across the country and abroad whose work with fabric, thread and yarn has revolutionized the genre of fiber art. Weaving, knitting, soft sculpture, embroidery, felting and other techniques will be displayed that explore the myriad possibilities inherent in fiber art.
The exhibition casts aside all preconceptions of what is, or is not, fiber art?including Mary Bero's embroidered images, Kay Sekimachi's classical woven wall hangings and Nick Cave's celebrated "Soundsuits," which are wearable sculptures inspired by African dance costumes and created from castoff materials.
The companion exhibition, Local Threads, will feature artists in the Quad Cities region who use fiber and textiles to create vibrant, imaginative artworks. Many-such as Rowen Schussheim-Anderson of Davenport, Mary Merkel-Hess and Astrid Hilger Bennett, both of Iowa City-are nationally and internationally known, and all the artists create compelling pieces that continue the theme of innovation and imagination of the larger exhibition. Other contributing artists include Dawn Wohlford-Metallo of Bettendorf, Amber O'Harrow of Wellman, Tricia Coulson of LeClaire and Carol Coohey of Coralville.
Both exhibitions will be on view through September 7, 2014 and are sponsored by the Iowa Arts Council and Wynne Schafer Interiors.
Companion Programming:
Members Opening Reception
5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 29
Members are invited to a reception for Innovators & Legends and Local Threads. Light appetizers will be served.
Gallery Talk
7 p.m. Thursday, May 29
Curator and contributing artist Geary Jones will give a special gallery talk about Innovators & Legends.
The Evolution of the Fiber Art Movement Gallery Talk
7 p.m. Thursday, June 5
Artist Rowen Schussheim-Anderson will present an illustrated talk, giving her perspective as an artist and teacher on both exhibitions.
Exhibition Tours
1:30 p.m. Saturdays · June 14, 21, July 19
1:30 p.m. Sundays · June 8, 15, 22, July 13
FREE Family Day
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, July 12
Kids and their chaperones will weave their way through the galleries, exploring the amazing fiber and textile art on display. The studios will offer hands-on activities and projects inspired by Innovators & Legends and Local Threads as well as snacks and room to play. Sponsored by Wynne Schafer Interiors and the Quad-City Times.
Fiber Art Talks
7 p.m. Thursday, August 14 and September 4
About the Figge Art Museum
The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays 12-5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members and free to all on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.
