BIG: bold colors, bold design, bold texture, bold art.

All the details are posted on the Front Range Contemporary Quilters website:  BIG Info Link

Now Showing….

  Fiber Art

A sweeping retrospective of the designer’s 40 years of creativity, Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective features a stunning selection of 200 haute couture garments along with numerous photographs, drawings, and films that illustrate the development of Saint Laurent’s style and the historical foundations of his work.

Brooks a Colorado SDA member has a sketch in the Fashion Studio at The Denver Art  Museum in conjunction with this show.  Website.

This year’s show has been juried by Liz Spear, a North Carolina-based artist who teaches at numerous folk art and craft programs in the Southwest.  The exhibition features work in four categories-Function artwork, such as rugs, coverlets, and table linens; Non-Functional Two-Dimensional artwork, for expressive flat art, Non-Functional Tree-Dimensional artwork; and Wearable Art.

Coming Soon…

The Rocky Mountain Weavers Guild is pleased to invite you to the 5^th Biennial Colorado Weavers Day. This one day conference brings together weavers and fiber artists for a day of inspiration and camaraderie.  On Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, Colorado you will have the opportunity to hear outstanding presentations by Deborah Chandler and Gloria Chonay, Anita Luvera Mayer, Edwina Bringle and Sarah Saulson.  Each of our distinguished speakers will explore our theme for the day. “Together as a group of artisans we are creating, changing and evolving……yet the threads of continuity remain.”  A continental breakfast and gourmet box lunch will be served by Three Tomatoes Catering which is include in the registration fee.

Discover new and exciting fiber art created by guild members from around the state at the guild displays tables.  Many awards will be presented for individual art work.  You will also have time during the conference day to visit the American Mountaineering Museum located at the conference site, the only museum of its kind in the U.S.  Admission is free to all conference attendees.

Deborah Chandler and Gloria Chonay from the non-profit fair trade organization, Mayan Hands, will offer Guatemalan backstrap weaving and basket making demonstrations during the day and will have a selection of handwoven Guatemalan textiles available for purchase.  You may also choose to support Mayan Hands by ordering a Shoulder Bag designed especially for conference attendees.

The registration fee is $50.  This year we are encouraging students (with ID) to join us for a special student fee of $25.  Registration closes on May 1.  Please go to link  for all the details about the conference, the Registration Form, Post Conference Activities and lots more information.

Large, judged quilt show with monetary prizes (enter your works before May 16, 2012).  The quilt show will feature a special Alzheimer quilt exhibit and a display of Opal Frey’s quilts. A Vendor mall, demonstrations, 5 days of classes and lectures from 15 nationally known instructors, demonstrations, banquets and more. Instructors, classes and supply lists are on line.   Class registration opens Feb 21 and will be conducted entirely on line.  The new venue will have all events under one roof with air conditioning, and of plenty of parking.   Hotel room rates will include a free breakfast and manager’s happy hour. Rooms include a mini fridge and microwave. Reserve now at a special rate.  Visit www.QuiltColorado.com for details on all events. 

    

Featured Artists: Liz Axford, Susan Brandeis, Amy Clark, Jane Dunnewold, Catharine Ellis, Leesa Zarinelli Gawlik, Wedny Huhn, Michael James, Jorie Johnson, Lisa Klakulak, Carol LeBaron, Tom Lundberg, Mark Newport, Vita Plume, Rowland Ricketts, Sally Sellars, Carol Shinn, Clare Verstegen, Bhakti Ziek                       Guest Curator: Ilze Aviks

    Behold: A Couture Bridal Show

Please join us at this free event for an inspiring display of works created by members of the Tapestry Study Group.

Kudos!!

Anne Vickrey Evans received a “Wearable Honorable Mention” for her piece at the   “Weave” show at the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center. Her work “Parfait Bolero and Scarf” is hand made felt from natural silk fibers and merino wool roving, studio-dyed, sewn.

Regina Benson was awarded “Best Fiber Show” in the Westword for her exhibit “On Fire”; check out the links to read the reviews.            Award            Show Review

Susan Brooks had three pieces, “Breath”, “Remembrance – Broken” and “Journeys – Letting Go” accepted into Taiwan International Quilt Exhibit 2012.

Colorado SDA Retreat Possibility

In the Business of Looking forward to an SDA Retreat on the Western Slope.  This is a shout-out to all the Colorado SDA members but a special one to those who live on the Western Slope within driving distance of Grand Junction.

I am considering hosting a week-end event for SDA members at my shop that brings together the members who live west of the Front Range in small isolated pockets. I know there are only two or three of us in the Grand Valley, a smattering of individuals in Montrose, Delta, Durango and small burgs in between.  I have been to Denver once for an SDA event that gathered in many members from that area – but I believe I was the only one from the Western Slope.

Question is would members living primarily on the western slope be willing to come to a weekend event that is geared towards:

• networking and finding artist resources
• sharing new techniques
• having guest lecturers on a variety of topics
• visiting other textile artists and program studios in the area
• informal hands-on time
• other

The content is not yet formulated and this article is really more about gauging interest.  So, a series of questions I hope many of you will consider.

1. Is this something you would want to attend?
2. What would you be willing to pay to cover costs for such a retreat weekend?  This would cover additional space, lectures, group materials.
3. How far are you willing to travel to attend?
4. What content/format jumps to mind as something that would attract you to attend?
5. Additional thoughts.

This is truly a “first run” attempt to gather information regarding interest.  There will be more on the topic as we go along.  Please contact me specifically with your thoughts.

Wanted:

Information for the Blog.  If you have or know about any upcoming events please let me know, I would love to share them!

We have another show opportunity!  This is breaking news so I do not have all the details yet, but I wanted to share what I know so we can get started.  There is going to be a juried show for the Red Rocks Community College Library Gallery.  Judith Trager will be the juror. The show will be July 15-August 12.  Submissions will be due June 3^rd. I will have dimensions of the space soon so you will know how big.

The theme for this show is BIG: bold colors, bold design, bold texture, bold art.

Now Showing….

 This year’s show has been juried by Liz Spear, a North Carolina-based artist who teaches at numerous folk art and craft programs in the Southwest.  The exhibition features work in four categories-Function artwork, such as rugs, coverlets, and table linens; Non-Functional Two-Dimensional artwork, for expressive flat art, Non-Functional Tree-Dimensional artwork; and Wearable Art.

Curated by Christi Beckmann, Liz Kettle, and Kate Cox contains the art of some of SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) nationally known artists.  The theme of the exhibition is “architecture” Museum closed on Mondays and Tuesdays-open all other days.

 Coming Soon…

Colorado Weavers Day 2012  

 May 19, 2012

Join fellow weavers and fiber enthusiasts for a day of exceptional presentations by internationally renowned fiber artists.    Explore fiber art displays by local guilds, view weaving and basketry demos by Mayan Hands and connect with friends.

Recent Shows

So I have some images to share.  I have compiled some photographs from both the Facets of Fiber and The State of the Art Shows.  I also have a few pictures from opening night at the Facets of Fiber show, as well as a PDF version of the slide show that was playing at the opening.  These were really wonderful events and I want to thank everyone for your help and support!

Facets of Fiber    Facets Opening    Member Slide Show    State of the Art

Member Spotlight

Margi Young

I spent the first 60 years of my being in Southern California, a Quaker, a first grade teacher and a mom.  When I retired I quickly moved to Colorado and after a few years as a granny nanny I began finding my quilting legs.  Wonderful teachers have truly added to my talents and style, their words continue rolling around in my brain.  I am amazed by the talent and vast supply of inspiration in the Denver area.  I enjoy using my photos and thoughts as creative inspiration, working with the basics and then how and when to add to them in a meaningful way, how to add a bit more texture, raising the surface (and my knowledge) adds to the story.  When asked what I want to be when I grow up, my response is “in joy, joyous and joy-filled.” Using cloth, thread and do-dads seems to be getting me there.

Margi’s Website

Wanted:

Information for the Blog.  If you have or know about any upcoming events please let me know, I would love to share them!

           This exciting showcase of textile art will include stitched textile art, art cloth, book art, vessels, jewelry and garment accessories, as well as 3-D sculptural work by members of the Studio Art Quilt Associates and Surface Design Association.

             This is a juried show of SDA members. Facets of Fiber is a diverse collection of both 2D and 3D artwork created using a multitude of techniques and presenting an extensive array of thematic content with one common thread; the use of fiber.

            Curated by Christi Beckmann, Liz Kettle, and Kate Cox contains the art of some of SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) nationally known artists.  The theme of the exhibition is “architecture”

Coming Soon….

“Tossed and Found” Regis University – Dayton Memorial Library

Member Spotlight

Nancy Dobson

I am very blessed to live in two beautiful, but drastically different   places.  Living in Alaska, I am inspired by the beautiful scenery that surrounds me. I also spend time in Colorado, where the serenity of the red rock canyons warms and calms my inner spirit. The shapes, colors, lighting and so many other elements that I observe in nature motivate me to create. I take photographs on my many adventures and translate what I see into sketches, which are then worked into my quilt designs. Dyeing and painting my own fabric enables me to find a way to describe my visions.  I am only satisfied with a piece after I have added the proper stitches and embellishing. Those beads, buttons, yarn, threads and meaningful symbols are collected along the way of my life’s journey. As a member of Surface Design Association (SDA), Association of Pacific West Quilters (APWQ), Studio Art Quilt Association (SAQA) and The Art Quilt Association (AQuA), I enjoy working with other artists, whether it is to collaborate on a project or explore new techniques. I’ve found many ways to nurture my creativity through quilting, painting, metal working and interior design. I only aspire that my art will bring a sense of joy and peace to those who view it.

Nancy’s Website

Fluvial Force

Sedimentary Flow

Wanted:

Information for the Blog.  If you have or know about any upcoming events please let me know, I would love to share them!

   “State of the Art” Red Rocks Community College 

This exciting showcase of textile art will include stitched textile art, art cloth, book art, vessels, jewelry and garment accessories, as well as 3-D sculptural work by members of the Studio Art Quilt Associates and Surface Design Association.

Volunteers Needed: The SDA will have a table during the opening if anyone would be interested in volunteering for that, there would be brochures and a few journals to educate and entice new members.  (Unfortunately I will be at work.)  Also if you would be willing to do a technique demo there will be some tables available.  Please let me know if you would be interested.

Celebrate

After showing her work at the Buell Theatre this fall, Carol Ann Waugh is having a solo exhibit of her Stupendous Stitching work at Parker Adventist Hospital in the second floor gallery.  Located at 9395 Crown Crest Blvd, Parker, CO., the exhibit dates are January 9 – March 10, 2012.

Curtains Up–A Fiber Art Show .    Members of the Boundless Fiber Artists, a branch of Front Range Contemporary Quilters, will show the results of a challenge to create a work of art from former theatre curtains.  January 13- February 17 in the main gallery of the Old Firehouse Art Center at 667 Fourth Avenue, Longmont, CO 80502.   Opening reception, January 13 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

Coming Soon…

  “Facets of Fiber” Art Institute of Colorado

This is a juried show of SDA members. Facets of Fiber is a diverse collection of both 2D and 3D artwork created using a multitude of techniques and presenting an extensive array of thematic content with one common thread; the use of fiber.

PARKING

To Drop off /Pick up Work: Park at the loading dock, this is accessible via 12^th, the alley just east of Lincoln, or enter the parking garage on Lincoln street and circle up until it allows you out, this is the loading dock.  Please use your hazards while parked.  This is a security building and you will have to walk down to the first floor where the front desk and gallery is to be let in.  If you need help unloading go to the gallery and an SDA member should be there to help you.  Ask any security guard if questions.

To View Artwork:  For the Opening and on weekends you may park in the parking garage off Lincoln St. for free.  If you are visiting on a weekday there are a few visitor-parking spots in the garage on your right (downhill) as you enter.  If there are none open then you will have to find street parking.

Member Spotlight

Phillippa K. Lack

A native of Jamaica transplanted to the prairie, Phillippa Lack has been painting on silk (mostly self-taught) for over 23 years, and her work has been exhibited in national and international shows. She has written instructional articles for books, online workshops and the Silkworm magazine.

In 2009, she was elevated to the Signature Membership of Silk Painters International, giving her the designation of Master Silk Painter.

She is influenced by her Caribbean background and likes to work in bright, contemporary colors. Her painting style is loose and intuitive; every misstep becomes a design element! The process is different for every piece, and work frequently takes on its own life. The big question is: WHAT IF? From ‘conventional’ silk painting to smocking to hand embroidery, Phil explores every facet of fiber art. Experiment and grow is her mantra.

Phillippa’s Website

Opportunities

Quilt Colorado, July 11-15, 2012 at the Embassy Suites in Loveland CO.   New location and date.  Large, judged quilt show with monetary prizes (enter your works before May 16, 2012).  Vendor mall, demonstrations, five days of classes and lectures from 18 nationally known instructors, banquets and more.  Visit www.QuiltColorado.com  for details. Sponsored by the Colorado Quilting Council.

In the Business Corner…

 In the Business of Creating Visual Marketing Plans    -Mary Hertert

Self-promotion and marketing are two topics that most of us who sell our art find difficult to get our heads around.  The world is full of business plans, self-help and marketing plans that don’t seem to apply to those of us who are independent artists with vaguely defined markets.

Established teaching studios, wholesale production and trade show artists tend to have something solid to promote with dates and times or niche markets with their own additional publicity.  It is the artwork “without a niche” that is the trickiest to promote.

What are the marketing options for fiber artists and how effective are they?  Galleries, fairs and local markets, art walk installations, websites, social media, print or general media, donations to non-profit art auctions or word-of-mouth.  All have a role in building an art reputation and together can make up a formidable name-recognition machine.  But the downside is that they do little towards actually developing a financial base.

I can identify the “career woman between 30 and 60 earning $60,000 per year” as a target market for my hand-painted silk scarves, but where does that woman and others like her find the opportunity to buy my work? The bewildering array of marketing opportunities that is capable of getting my scarves in front of my target market is too broad and too varied to be of real value.  Unless I can create or find specific market niches for those scarves that get them in front of the women who might buy them, I will continue to be stuck in a marketing vortex.

If I sit and try to write a marketing plan I find it impossible to break out of my mental ruts of the broken record rotating the same target markets and the same marketing opportunities ad nauseam.

Developing a written marketing plan was not getting me anywhere so I looked for a visual technique that would get me the same result.  I decided to look back through the years of work photographs and isolate them into photo journals that reminded me of different market categories.  The theater work redefined itself as interior spaces; the painted scarves transformed into curtains while also fitting into a journal for high-end dress shops specializing in art to wear. This tremendously powerful exercise allowed me to expand outwards beyond the confinement of my mental boundaries and gain fresh perspective and redefinitions for my art.

The photo journals help me define new avenues for marketing that move me away from the places that either haven’t worked or are financial dead ends.  They allow me to be fresh in my presentations to new partners and to provide visual explanations for the type of fiber work I am capable of producing.  Most importantly, visualizing or defining my work in new niches gives me the confidence to approach markets I would never have dreamed possible.

Wanted:

Information for the Blog.  If you have or know about any upcoming events please let me know.

I want to thank everyone who entered work.  There were 150 works submitted.    The jury selected 45 works for the show and there are 37 artists represented.  This was a wonderful response so thank you all so much!  I have a list below of the accepted artists, congratulations!

Video:  I have decided to do a slide show of artists working in their studio or with fiber in some way. I would love everyone to participate in this.  I think the more images we have the more interest in fiber art we can generate, so even if you are not in the show please send me pictures! Just email me digital pictures, I am asking for 1600 x 1200 ppi image size. (If you have no idea what this means just send your images and I will see if I can use them or if they will be too grainy.) I will be teaching myself this process so please bear with me.

Volunteers: I have a list of volunteers from the meeting and I will be sending you an email very soon.  If anyone else wants to volunteer let me know.  Thanks!

Save the Date:  Opening Reception  January 27, 2012 from 5:00 – 7:00pm.

Another Show Opportunity!   The State of the Art

We have another great opportunity to show our artwork!!  This will be at Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood from January 9, 2012-February 29, 2012. The Susan K Arndt Gallery is a beautiful space with case, wall and pedestal display available. The show will be titled The State of the Art. This is a ‘showcase’ of SDA and SAQA artists work; it is not a juried show so it is free to members.  We would like to show the scope of textile work today so in addition to quilted wall art we welcome art cloth, textile based book art, vessels, jewelry and garment accessories. We are thrilled that this space will allow us to showcase 3-D work and smaller work.

Because the space is very large we have few limitations on size (height limit is 8 feet) Small and 3-D works are welcome. You must include any necessary easels or props for display in either cases or pedestals.  Work for pedestals can be no larger than 28” wide and 28” high. The glass display cases give us a lot of flexibility to display smaller pieces as well as garment accessories such as scarves, purses, hat, jewelry, bags etc. If you have small work suitable for display cases we ask that you provide easels or props if needed.

An important detail is that the school does not provide insurance for your work. You must have your own insurance or waive the school of any responsibility. This may eliminate some of your work from a show. The facility does have lockable display cases and pedestals. Cameras and security are in place.

Please e-mail me or our volunteer Sandra Clark fiberart.clark@gmail.com with your piece name, short description, size and price if applicable. (The school will not facilitate sales but we will have contact information available for each artist.) We need your entry information as soon as possible.  We will be hanging the show on January 7^th so all work needs to be received by then.  We have several volunteers who are accepting work (Kristi Baca, Christi Beckman, Kate Cox and Liz Kettle) so when you email to submit ask about delivery options close to you.

Art work may also be mailed to: (Please include return postage and packing materials.)

I know there is not a lot of time but take a look at the beautiful gallery space and just imagine your work there, lets take advantage of another art display venue!  I also would like to thank Scott Farmer for creating this opportunity for us!

Member Spotlight

Miriam Basart

All of Basart’s works are slowly and carefully hand-                 stitched.  She collects old embroidered cloths, men’s ties   and suits, women’s suits and skirts.  They are all cut apart inspected, cleaned then filed away to be used in   later projects.

The work process is slow.  “It’s never about speed” Basart commented.  Firstly she thinks, and then develops an idea — works it out in her mind — then, without photographs, sketches or patterns, she stitches directly onto the project.  She goes where the needle takes her.

  “My art is influenced by my childhood.  I grew up just outside       war-torn London.  The children at school wore striped sweaters that were in various shades with both thick and thin stripes.  These garments were made from remnants of wool left over from other hand-knitted garments.”

Textile artist Basart, embroiders and re-embroiders her cloth collection.  Because embroidery was once an everyday expression of women for many years, Basart works on salvaged, once used items that are no longer wanted, she makes them alive again.  She does not want to forget the original embroiders and machinists.  She holds them in high esteem!

Dyslexia

From the punk to the exquisite from the grunge to the perfect; silk, canvas, rayon and wool – all are grist to the mill.  Course, fine, thick and slender – colored threads balanced with the awkward benign mistakes. Colors that blend or clash, light and shadow casting its own defects. Casual ideas are taken to extremes.

Miriam’s Website

Kudos!

Russet Bolero

Anne Vickrey Evans

Her work “Russet Bolero”  was accepted into the 8th International Shibori Symposium in Hong Kong, Dec.28, 2011 – Jan 2, 2012. At the Hong Kong Design Institute.  The exhibition is called “Animal Fibre: Art Informs Shibori”

This  piece is a bolero made of handmade 100% merino wool felt. It is studio-dyed using shibori resist techniques.

Scott Farmer

His work was accepted into the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum Men’s Quilt Exhibit in January.

The Business Corner…

In the Business of Dreaming the Impossible -Mary Hertert

Alice laughed. “There’s no use trying,” she said: “one can’t believe impossible things.” “I daresay you haven’t had much practice,” said the Queen. “When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”         (Through the Looking Glass)

Winter Solstice is earth’s rhythmic shift back towards the sun and returning light.  It is the time of promise for new ideas, and creative dreaming.  It is also the time we tend to fray our own edges with holiday preparation, work and worry about what we haven’t done, can’t do or don’t have time to think about.

My goal this time of year is to do my best to dream the impossible and see that it happens. I want to turn off or at least tune down that inner critique that says “there’s no use trying” and get on with the practice of losing the dual millstones of fret and worry.

In fact, several impossible things have come about for me.  I thought it impossible that my artwork would or could grace a clothing line.  That opportunity is in its budding stage.  I thought it impossible that my installation art would be useful as designs for interior office and home spaces. That opportunity is in its budding stage.  I thought it impossible that I would find space to work that I could afford. That opportunity became reality – and added bonus- fully stocked for a fiber artist.

“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat. “I don’t much care where–” said Alice. “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat. “–so long as I get SOMEWHERE,” Alice added as an explanation. “Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.”
(Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland)

The second part of this wonderful time of year is dreaming the path for the time coming up.  It is very true that if we walk long enough we’ll arrive somewhere but how often do we end up not where we want to be but where someone else wants us to be?  Without that knowledge of direction it becomes very easy to create a path that forever winds back on itself rather than connecting to other paths.  It’s the hardest question I have to ask myself.  Where do I truly want to go with my art (business, life)?  Once I choose my destination than I’m free to enjoy the journey with its many paths and characters I find along the way.

As the light returns I will practice dreaming the impossible even if it is only seconds a day.  I’ll be up to six impossible things before breakfast by the time spring equinox rolls around.  I’ll also dream of my destinations so that I don’t have to worry about which paths I need to take; allowing myself the luxury to take pleasure in knowing they are the right ones.

Here’s wishing you joy and good dreaming now and in the New Year.  I look forward to seeing you next year when we cross paths on the way to our respective destinations.

Facets of Fiber: Deadline 12/5/11

Now taking entries!!  This is an Art Show for SDA members in the Colorado area!  It will be presented at the Art Institute of Colorado Gallery in Denver CO.  The show will run from 1/20/12 – 2/26/12.  The deadline for submissions is 12/5/11.  Please review the Entry Form,  located below; just download the document to review all the details. I would love to see everyone submit, remember it is a juried show so not all work will get in, but the more submissions we get the more variety we can present in our exhibit. We can really show Denver all the amazing Facets of Fiber.  I think this will be a wonderful show and I am looking forward to having my email box overflowing!  I will start looking for volunteers next month so for right now, get your submission in and then enjoy the holiday!

Facets of Fiber

Now Showing….

  

  Ayn Hanna is a juror for this national show of original prints using    traditional printmaking by hand techniques such as etching, woodcut,  screen print, etc. (no digital or photographic media).  This wonderful    print show includes the work of 13 artists from 10 states and Canada.

Coming Soon…

  Rose Legge has an article about Tulip Paint Printing      on fabric coming up in the Feb/March issue of Quilters Newsletter  magazine.    It will be featured in their Workshop section, and will  include photos  of the step-by-step procedure.  The finished banner is  entitled,  ”Winter’s Glow”.

Rose’s Website

 

Resource 

There is a new Denver Gallery Guide.  It was just released and is a wonderful and interactive resource of many of Denver Galleries.  It includes…

Take a look!

Member Spotlight

  Ayn Hanna

  Artist Statement: Trained as a printmaker, I create richly drawn active  surfaces, exploring drawing and mark-making.  In my textile work, I  use hand-dyed fabrics combined with multiple surface design techniques  including painting, discharging, screen printing, and deconstructed  screen printing to create abstract mixed media textile paintings and art  cloth.  My textile paintings include layers of fabric combined with thread  “drawing” to develop texture and line.  I am inspired by our many systems for mapping and organizing ideas, stories, and data.  I enjoy the overlaps I have found between art and science – using math and chemistry skills, I find making art a perfect combination of intuitive fun, magic, and learned process.  I am also fascinated by connectors and connections, both physical and spiritual.  My work is a mapping of my inner and outer world, combining imagery and personal symbols to convey my feelings of places and experiences.

5th Floor Reflections, 43”x36”

Biography: Ayn is a printmaker and textile artist.  Her subject matter includes imagery from the natural world as well as abstract compositions informed by her dreams.   Her work is an exploration of media and processes as well as ideas, with the underlying elements of strong composition, rich texture, layers, patterns, and color as foundational supports.

Formally trained as a professional fine art printer, Ayn began exploring the textile medium in 2005.   Her current work is focused on merging processes and techniques from her printmaking background with the fabrics and threads of the textile medium, the results of which she calls textile paintings.  She also creates art cloth – unique hand-printed fabric made through deconstructed screen printing of procion MX fiber reactive dyes.

Dream #2: Sometimes I Feel Like a Duck, 48”x45”

Ayn maintains an active exhibition schedule.  Her work has been shown in numerous regional Colorado and national exhibits, including shows in Tillamook, OR, Reading, PA, Huntsville, TX, and LaConner, WA.  Ayn has taught drawing and printmaking and currently teaches an art cloth workshop at the Ah Haa School for the Arts in Telluride, CO.  Her work has been featured in publications including American Quilter and Machine Quilting Unlimited Magazines.

Born and raised in the Midwest, Ayn moved to Colorado to attend college at Colorado State University where she earned a BFA in Graphic Design and an MFA in Printmaking and Sculpture.  After graduate school, she moved to New York City and spent several years working as a professional Fine Art Printer in a Master Printmaking Studio, making etching prints with many accomplished contemporary artists.   She returned to CO a few years later and currently lives in Fort Collins, CO where she is the owner of Taft Canyon Studio.

Ayn’s Website

The Business Corner

In the Business of Surviving -Mary Hertert

I’m having serious “talks” with myself these days. My silk painting isn’t selling, it’s harder to get people in the door for workshops and I’m wondering if it wouldn’t be easier to just join others in the job search for a regular paycheck. I’ll bet I’m not the only one having this conversation.  Daily we are bombarded with bad news of economic meltdown -from job loss to closing galleries to low sales at art shows.  This sky-is-falling reporting has been relentless and the unfortunate consequence is that it causes each of us to doubt ourselves and our chosen professions as artists and business owners.

What stops me from opening the want ads is the thought that even with this negative economy there is still tremendous opportunity for our businesses to flourish.  In some cases it may be just the kick that’s needed to move some of us out of comfortable circumstances into uncomfortable but invigorating changes. If nothing else – this economy will force creative and intuitive solutions.

Choosing to stay in an art business will require creative and thoughtful practices, additional energy to keep positive, and foresight to determine the new direction. This investment of thought, energy and foresight should deliver the return of an expanding rather than just surviving business. Nothing should be off-limits for review or modification – neither my business practice nor what I consider my artwork. I must be willing to challenge my concept of the core business, explore new ideas for products, identify different customers and come up with creative ways to reach them.  In other words – I must be willing to shed the old way of doing things and look forward to new ways.

• Flexibility is the new black.  Workshops are empty. Is it financial or is it scheduling? I’ve been filling slots “on the fly” with impromptu tutorials and table space for rent. I have to work longer hours to make the same revenue as I might for a workshop – but at least people are coming in the door.
• Innovation is the new red. The silk scarves don’t sell but people are willing to pay for fabric-covered doors or boats. By being willing to take on odd requests and projects, I can open up my thinking to new ideas. It builds my skills with unusual materials while opening up new worlds of possible retail products I would not have thought of on my own.
• Taking risks is a rainbow. A Local clothing retailer had a warehouse of white garments that couldn’t be sold or returned. Can they be dyed? I worked with the staff and now they have a wide variety of fresh new colors and control over both their inventory and their attitudes towards modifying clothing.
• Renting space generates green. I’ve always worked with special needs groups providing alternative art projects, but now I can either provide programming or just rent the space to small attendant care services needing art space.   This is true as well for a budding young service to young people on blind or computer dates. Instead of the movie or dinner – several couples have decided that painting silk together is a new and safe way to learn about one another
• The new marketing paradigm is collaboration. Surrounding business owners are asking about coordinating art walks and other events to help bring customers to the area.  Instead of mirroring a well-established traditional First Friday – we’re opting to hold events that encourage art participation – all in odd places. We’re combining drawing while in the gym; painting in a bank; making art books in a café and selling out of the trunks of vehicles.
• Redefining value is the new success. What is the value of my art or the services that my business provides? It’s time for me to find out from my customers. I’m being asked for something other than what I’ve provided for the last few years. My artwork is not being sought out – but my space and my skills in working with fabrics are.
• Education is in.   I will be bumping up attendance in seminars and workshops geared towards business marketing and new technologies. The website is getting a facelift and a new set of tools so I can maximize new ways to communicate across the web. While it’s not clear how if any of this will benefit my business – it is clear that without the knowledge I can’t make the decisions.

Bad economy? Yes. Will the business survive? No guarantees. Will I roll over and go down with the ship? Not on your life.

The meeting yesterday went very well, we had a wonderful turnout.  Thank you all for coming!  For those of you unable to attend you were missed and I have an update for you.                        

Swatch Library: I still have it if you want to contribute, look at the instructions on the previous post and get that to me when you can.  I will make an announcement before I send it.  If you want another look at it, let me know.

Blog: I plan on releasing this once a month around the 15^th and I am counting on you to keep me updated.  I am looking for information on art shows, art classes/workshops/lectures, opportunities, events, and anything else you think members would be interested in. Think of this as a newsletter to keep you up-to-date on our group.

Interest Survey: I had the people at the meeting do a quick survey on their interests for SDA events.  What do you want to see and do with our group?  If you filled out a survey, many thanks!  If not, I do not need the form just a quick email on your thoughts would be great.  I know I can’t make everyone happy but I may see some basic trends or get some great ideas that would make our experience better.  Remember I am here for you so anytime you have suggestions let me know.

             AND NOW THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT…

Colorado SDA Members Show: Facets of Fiber

We are having an Art Show for SDA members in Colorado! It will be at the Art Institute of Colorado Gallery in Denver CO.  The show will run from 1/20/12-2/26/12.  The deadline for submissions is 12/5/11.  All the details are in the below document, just download.  I would like to see everyone submit. I think this will be a wonderful event.  If you would like to volunteer to help email me.  Review the “call for entires” and email me with any questions.  I know this is not much time, but it was too good an opportunity to pass up, let’s make it amazing!

Facets of Fiber – Call for Entries Document

Exhibits: Now Showing…

  

  

Along the Way

Exhibits: Coming Soon…

  Stitch & Slash  -Carol Ann Waugh

 ”2 Brits and a Sewing Machine”  

Kate Cox "And God Created Woman"

Artists Statement:  Kate and Miriam are children of the 1940s London bombsites with the ‘make-do-and-mend’ mentality of British kids of the time. Old fabrics and ‘crafts’ hold a fascination for us, as do simple ways of achieving effects we seek in our art. Color and marks on fabric excite and make us happy. We hope we make you smile too.

Miriam Basart " Einbahnstras"

Fiber Sales

  Rocky Mountain Weaver’s Guild

  Handweavers Guild of Boulder

Crepe de Chine Silk, hand painted, stamped, discharged. 5 yards

I’m newly transplanted to Fruita and Grand Junction from Anchorage,   Alaska. While new to Colorado, I am not new to either textiles or SDA.   My shop, Color Creek-Fiber Art opened in 1997 as an open, working   studio and continued operating up through 2010 when I moved myself, husband Doug, two dogs and shop to the Western Slope.

In addition to serving as a Rep, I wrote business articles for the SDA newsletter for just over two years. Through those articles I was able to meet and interview a number of successful artists who have shared wise words on success, working through failures and perseverance.

2 of 4 chairs. Polyester, dyed, stamped 50 yards total

My shop in Anchorage introduced the Fiber Arts and dyeing fabric   to several thousand Alaskans and visitors through workshops,    school group projects, instruction and retreats. The shop also    functioned as a small-run dye-shop dyeing and creating costumes    and sets for local theater and dance troupes or dyeing clothing and linen for weddings and events. I particularly enjoy creating garments for runway shows and have received awards for several garments through Alaska’s wearable art shows.

My artwork ranges from silk painting to cotton or silk yardage for clothing and home furnishings to large installation polyester hangings.  My artwork hangs at Providence Hospital in Anchorage, a Native Corporation’s lodge in Talkeetna, The Performing Arts Center in Anchorage and in private homes.

“Soaking up Sunbeams” Garment and hat, polyester, dyed, heat distressed, stitched

I am very pleased and happy to be in Colorado and I look forward to meeting the SDA members who live and work here. My interests include collaboration on projects, educational retreats and the continued promotion of the Fiber Arts.

Mary’s Website

Regina Benson will be giving an artist talk on her work in the show “Re-Visioning Fiber” shown in the North Gallery, Mezzanine Gallery and James J. Richey Gallery at 10:00 in the Heritage Room so please join us for that and to see the amazing show. The SDA meeting will immediately follow.

Swatch Library: The Surface Design Association’s Fabric Swatch Library is a collection of 12” x 12” fabric samples which demonstrate the wide range of fiber techniques practiced by our members.  Contribution to our collection by members is ongoing.

To contribute to the Swatch Library:  Finish the edges of one or more 12” x 12” squares of fabric samples. Sew into finished edge a 3”x 5” index card on the back with the following information:

Now Showing…

        MORPHING   -Edwina Straub

Regina’s recent contemplations of forest fires and volcanic eruptions has led her to create this body of work that asks the viewer to share in a visual space filled with glowing embers, emerging flames and distant fire bursts – works that undulate off the wall and ceiling. Creating her marks directly on the landscape, Regina Benson uses rocks, grasses, and even the falling snow, to inform her vision, marrying the message with the medium.

Opportunities

Through an exploration of the Arts & Crafts movement in Denver and environs, “At the Frontier’s Edge,” challenges a notion that was advanced at the end of the 19th century: that the American frontier was closed.

Find out more and register!   Art Initiatives 

This Saturday morning workshop series is tailored specifically to members of Denver’s creative business community. Whether you own a business, work out of your studio or are a creative entrepreneur, this series will help demystify various business planning principles and challenges that will help you plan for the future. Workshops $10 each, 10% discount for three or more!

Member Profile

Patty Hawkins

Patty Hawkins

A renowned art quilt maker and teacher, Patty’s first fabric dyeing class was with Sue Benner in 1992 at Quilt Surface Design Symposium, followed quickly in Ann Johnston’s and Heidi Stoll Weber’s dye classes; Kerr Grabowski is her screen printing guru.

Patty says “My inspiration is found in nature, the multitude of patterning prevalent wherever the eye looks, trees are most favorite in their skeletal form, as well as rock formations, cracks and crevices of rock walls; colorations and shadows of nature equally are inspirational.”

Patty creates her art in a wondrous 800 square foot studio built by her husband Wes. Her art quilts have been juried into Quilt National six times and into Quilt Visions three times. She also won the Quilt Japan Prize which included a teaching trip to Japan in 2007. Patty teaches a variety of workshops several times a year in the US and abroad.

   Patty’s Website

Upcoming Shows

This juried exhibition features the current work of the finest national and international contemporary quilt artists. Art quilts accepted for exhibition will exemplify innovation in quilting and surface design techniques as well as excellence in artistic composition and craftsmanship. The goal of the exhibition is to recognize the world’s finest contemporary quilt artists and to advance the art form.  For more information see their website.

“Glow Structures”: The Foxfire Series  -PJ Bergin

“I find when I am working on the layout for a new Glow Box™ I blend colors just as an artist covers a traditional canvas with paint. My design is an abstract “painting” but the medium here is wool fiber.  The “canvas” I use is created with silk chiffon and wool, then wrapped around a custom wood frame specially equipped with LED lights to make the piece self-illuminating from behind.

COLORADO QUILTING COUNCIL                                                                                    September 23-24  Quilt-A-Fair, 9AM-5PM,  at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, Hover Street and Nelson Road, in Longmont CO.  Merchant’s mall, quilt show by Quaking Aspen Quilt Guild, raffle quilt, silent auction and more. Admission $5.00.  Lots of free parking.

Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum,  1213 Washington Avenue, Golden CO.  “Magnificent Obsession: The Quilts of Ann Elliott” and “Kathie Kerler: Evolutions Featured Artist” , through Oct 29. Experience the diversity of quilts with Ann Elliott’s exquisite hand appliquéd traditional work and Kathie Kerler’s cutting-edge contemporary pieces.

Longmont Quilt Guild  Show and Boutique.  October 14, 5 – 8PM and October 15, 9AM-5PM. Boulder CO Fairgrounds, Barn A, Longmont CO.  $5.00 admission.  A show of members works. Lots of boutique items for sale. On Saturday, there will be antique bed turnings with Jeananne Wright as well as demonstrations. www.longmontquiltguild.org

Please bear with me as I adjust to my new position as your representative.  I welcome any and all feedback.  Please notify me of any events or opportunities you would like me to share with our fellow members.  I would like to thank Jamie Bolane for all of her hard work and patience in helping me acclimate.  I hope to see you all on October 15^th!!

Kristi Baca  -Colorado Area Representative

In early September I will be phasing over the job of SDA Colorado Area Representative to  vibrant and enthusiastic Kristi Baca of Denver (Littleton). She will be assisted by Mary Hertert of Fruita, CO.  Both are terrific artists and will bring new initiatives and ideas for SDA members in Colorado. Click on their names to see their wonderful art. You can meet each of them in early September at the Re-Visioning Fiber Exhibition (See Around the State below for event details). Kristi will be at the opening on September 9th and at the Artists’ Talks on Saturday the 10th. Mary will be at the Artists Talks on September 10th. Come meet them in person.

Kristi will continue to publish the SDAColorado.org blog. Please submit your personal art exhibition announcements and blog finds to Kristi. She would love to hear from you.

Kristi Baca  CO Area Representative

10653 W. Berry Pl. Littleton, CO 80127

303-818-9077    kristi.baca@gmail.com

Mary Hertert, Assistant rep

2297 Tall Grass Road, Grand Junction, CO.

970-778-5985       colorcreek49@gmail.com

Using Nature in Art & Fashion

Meditation Balance Art by Michael Grab
A Boulder resident, Michael is enchanting our street corners and Boulder Creek waters with his gift of art made by stacking rocks in perfect balance – using only gravity as his “glue”.  They are truly amazing and we are fortunate to have Michael in our community. http://gravityglue.com/

BioCouture
What is our future? Check out the web site of a group which is investigating the use of microbial-cellulose, grown in a laboratory, to produce “grow” clothing.
http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/8/view/11565/suzanne-lee-biocouture-growing-textiles.html.

Paper Artists & Paper Resources

Robert Lang Origami
www.Langorigami.com

The Paper Connection – one terrific resource for all things paper.
www.paperconnection.com

Color Resources

Color, Vision & Art

http://www.webexhibits.org/colorart/index.html

Color Sense by Susan Levin
This book offers myriad color combinations to inspire your creative work. It is available on Amazon – don’t forget you can order anything at Amazon via the SDA web site and SDA will reap some benefits from your order. It adds nothing to the cost of your order.

Around the State

Lakewood

Re-Visioning Fiber, an exhibition of mixed media and mixed fiber techniques guest curated by SDA member Regina Benson will open September 9, 2011 with an Artist’s Reception 5-7 pm. The exhibition will run through November 7th. Featured artists: Nancy Koenigsberg, Jason Pollen (president emeritus of SDA), Regina V. Benson and Nancy G. Cook.

On Saturday, September 10th at 10am, and on October 15th at 10am the artists will share their artistic journeys and their sources of inspiration. They will bring and discuss works in progress. Don’t miss these events surrounding this exciting exhibition. Come and meet the new SDA rep Kristi Baca and her sssistant Mary Hertert.

Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 Allison Parkway, Lakewood CO 80226

http://www.lakewood.org/comres/page.cfm?ID=70&Exhibits/

Fort Collins
Lincoln Center is about to reopen in its newly redesigned facility after two years of construction. One of the opening week events if the 15th Annual Art Wear Fashion Week with fashion shows featuring felt artist Horst Couture.

http://www.fcgov.com/lctix/galleries-events.php

Loveland
The Loveland Museum & Gallery will open and exhibit of the work of artist October 1st. Chuck Close.

http://www.ci.loveland.co.us/index.aspx?page=30&recordid=476&returnURL=%2findex.aspx

Evergreen
The Center for the Arts Evergreen is a wonderful place. They recently held an exhibition titled Abstract Delight: Selections from the Polly and Mark Addison Collection, CU Art Museum, University of Colorado Boulder. A great find at the edge of the mountains. http://www.evergreenarts.org

Boulder
The Canyon Gallery within the Boulder Public Library currently has an exhibit titled A Haiku Moment: an exhibition of contemporary art and poetry inspired by traditional Japanese culture featuring the works of seven artists including the intricate cut paper art of SDA member Jennifer Linssen (see photo below). The Kalapa Sogetsu group of Boulder is also exhibiting three different Ikebana (Japanese) flower arrangements, creating new arrangements each day during the month of August as part of the exhibit. http://boulderlibrary.org/events/exhibits.html

My very best to all Colorado SDA members. Working with you over the past two years has enriched my life and my perspectives on fiber art.

Jamie Bolane

Oh, and don’t forget to create your SDA Profile if you have not already done so. If you would like your web site or blog linked off this SDAColorado.org Blog, please contact me and I will be happy to enter it for you.  I’ll also be happy to add your information on workshops or classes you teach or books you have authored under the appropriate tabs above. I’m still here working for you and SDA for a little while longer.

Many thanks,

Jamie Bolane, Colorado Area Representative