Welcome to the show and come on in....
FIBERS 2006
Eva Henneberry's quilts, which carry on a tradition of women expressing deep beliefs through needlework, inspired us to develop this exhibition. We also invited to participate twelve other North State artists whose mediums include crocheting, weaving, knitting, batik, fabric painting, and the creation of sewn ensembles, soft sculpture and conceptual work. Fiber arts are among the oldest of art forms in all cultures; they were used to record history, display symbols, and convey status. Chico has a strong history of fiber art activity. The AVL Looms manufacturing business in Chico has become one of the most respected suppliers of looms in this country and abroad. In the 1970s, during the 'back to earth' and 'hippie' movements, CSUC weaving and other fiber classes reached an enrollment peak, and many of those students have remained in the region. In the past decade, there has been a worldwide resurgence of interest in fiber arts in reaction to mass production of look-alike products. The social networking component of quilting and other fiber arts might be compared to the growth of book clubs--a knitting group gathers at Café Flo and Annie's Star Quilt Guild is going strong--this, a national phenomenon. Please ask for a postcard that lists free events, including artists in conversation, demonstrations by fiber artists and a 'sew along' poetry reading. We've scheduled these during July, August, and September as part of Avenue 9's community outreach goal. We wish to thank profusely Margaret Allen, ceramic and fiber artist, for her help in developing and publicizing this exhibition. She worked with us through a Butte Community College 'Externship' summer program for faculty.
Giovanna Jackson, Dolores Mitchell, Maria Phillips, Avenue 9 Gallery
