More beautiful textile art . . .

As you enter the Guilderland Library, there are four display cases filled with wonderful pieces of art created by members of ARTAA.  Pictured above:

Top shelf: quilted stole and purse by Nancy DiDonato, small quilt by Georgia Bonesteel, painted collage by Joanna Monroe, lace jewelry by Barbara Vanselow

Middle shelf: dolls by Phyllis Scaringe

Bottom shelf: collage by Francelise Dawkins, dolls by Phyllis Scaringe

These pieces simply must be seen in person to truly appreciate the detail and workmanship, and one of them might just turn out to be a special addition to your holiday wish list.  Come see the show, now through January 1st, and delight in the creations presented by these talented women.

More pictures from the show . . .

Here are more pictures of the beautiful pieces of art by members of ARTAA that are now being exhibited at the Guilderland Public Library.  The largest piece is from Pam Schafer, and was inspired by the artist William Morris; the four smaller works were created by (clockwise, from upper right) Eileen Donovan, Linda Shea, Karen Asherman, and Linda Shea.  Many of the pieces on display have won awards at art venues and quilt shows around the country.  Stop in the library on Western Avenue in Guilderland and see these exquisite works of textile art up close -- we're worth the trip!

Have you seen the show yet?

If you weren't able to make it to our artists' reception at the Guilderland Library on Sunday, November 9, here's hoping you'll have the opportunity to stop by and see the exhibit by the members of ARTAA.  I'm so honored to be part of such a talented and diverse group of artists.  Pictured here are works by two of our members: Linda Shea (single piece at left) and Kris Moss (both pieces at right).  We were all so pleased with the lovely setting provided for us by the library; our pieces are being displayed in beautifully-lit rooms and glass-enclosed cases near the entrance, and I plan to show you more of these works of art in future blogs. 

Mark your calendar . . .

. . . for Sunday, November 9, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.  You'll want to come to the Guilderland Library at 2228 Western Avenue in Guilderland to "Meet the Artists" from the Adirondack Regional Textile Artists Alliance who are exhibiting their fiber arts creations at the library from now through January 1, 2009.  I've said before that I'm deeply honored to be part of this group of extremely talented ladies, and you'll get to see a small portion of our collective works at this show.  (Shown at right is a detail from one of my pieces, "Leaves That Are Green.")  Refreshments will be served, and you may even find that perfect gift for someone on your holiday shopping list.  We'd love to see you there!

I'm finding new stitches . . .

 . . . on my sewing machine that I really like!  I have a Bernina artista 185, and I've been experimenting with different stitches to find those that can be used for machine applique.  The stitch pictured here has been the most fun to play with -- it covers the edge of the applique piece nicely and gives a whimsical dimension to the embroidery.  I plan to sew tiny beads at the points of the stitches (a little insane, you're thinking), and I think the effect is going to tickle me.  

A New Show is Coming!

Mark your calendar for Sunday, November 2nd. That's the date on which my fiber arts group, ARTAA, will begin showing some of our collective works at the Guilderland Public Library on Western Avenue.  This very talented group of ladies will have many beautiful textile art pieces on display, including art quilts, jackets, fabric dolls, hand-made lace, and embroidered note cards.  The exhibit begins on November 2nd and will run through January 1st, 2009.  Shown here is one of my quilts, "Rhythm of the Night II," and I hope to give you a glimpse of more of the pieces that will be on display in future blogs.

A Nice Surprise!

I had a lovely surprise recently: this quilt, "Leaves That Are Green," won a blue ribbon in its category at the Lowell Quilt Festival in Massachusetts.  The quilt is machine appliqued and machine quilted, and I used some of my own hand-painted fabric in the composition.  I had so much fun working on this piece, and I learned a great deal about color and value during the design stages.  I named the piece after a favorite song of mine by Simon and Garfunkel -- I find their music still inspires me, even after all these years.