Local artists selected for Jacksonville exhibit

St. Augustine Record

http://staugustine.com/living/sunday-life/2014-10-11/local-artists-selected-jacksonville-exhibit#.VDu4CPnF98E

The popularity and creativity of contemporary fiber art has been trending steadily upward in recent years. Several local members of the North Florida group, the Fiber Artists’ Network, were juried into the Members Exhibit of contemporary fiber art, on view now through Oct. 29 at the Florida State College at Jacksonville, North Campus Art Gallery.

From St. Augustine, artists Mary Rhopa La Cierra, Virginia Pledger, Amy Dove, Pat Worrell and Ellen White were chosen to exhibit.

While fiber works are rooted in utilitarian craft, these cutting-edge pieces are far from traditional. The artists work with fiber as their preferred medium because of its tactility and versatility and also to make statements on political and social issues.

The show includes both two- and three-dimensional works of cloth, paper, plastic and plant materials. In addition to wall hangings and framed pieces are art-to-wear, jewelry and baskets. These works also display a wide range of techniques, from shibori dyeing to thread painting and nuno felting. Several pieces incorporate reclaimed materials, such as jewelry made from zippers and plastic bags and a dress stitched of used coffee filters coated with beeswax.

The other Fiber Artists’ Network members chosen are, from Fernandina Beach, Diane Hamburg, Lynette Holmes and Jayne Gaskins and from Jacksonville, Carol Ann Rice-Rafferty, Ellen Haines, Gretchen Jolles and Ruth Carden. Betsy Tabac, from Tallahassee, is also represented with nuno-felted pieces.

Maya Schonenberger, an internationally known fiber artist from Miami, acted as juror and selected the pieces for the exhibit. Three stitched, fused and painted textile works by Schonenberger are also on display.

A podcast tour of the entire fiber art exhibit is available for viewing on the Florida State College of Jacksonville website at fscj.edu/campus-life/art-galleries.

Hours for the gallery are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. The Florida State College at Jacksonville, North Campus is at 4501 Capper Road, Jacksonville. The Art Gallery is located in room C-122 on the first floor of Building C. For directions or information, call the North Campus Student Life and Leadership Development at 766-6785.

For information on FAN membership and programs, go to fiberartistsnetwork.org.