Fiber Arts Alive and Well

If you live anywhere near Asheville, NC you know that it is 'fiber' heaven for those of us interested in any of the fiber arts.  This area has a long history of fiber work - beginning with hand weaving, which was, at one time, a thriving industry.  This entire section of the south was heavily 'into' textile mills.  Sadly the mills have gone elsewhere - but the arts are still alive and well.

Recently I went, with several of my fiber buddies, to see an exhibit being held on the UNCA campus. This exhibit featured members of the FAA (Fiber Arts Alliance) which is a large organization of fiber artists of all persuasions.  There are quilters and weavers, rug hookers and punchneedlers (is that a word?), felters and doll makers, embroiderers, knitters, crocheters and probably many other specialities I'm not listing.  

Here I share some of the lovely work shown at this latest exhibit.  And I salute these wonderfully creative artists whose hands, even while I write this, are busy creating new and beautiful pieces.

"It is art that makes life, makes interest, makes importance and I know of no substitute whatever for the force and beauty of its process." - Max Eastman

Fiber Arts Show

Last Friday night was the opening reception for the Fiber Arts show in Hendersonville.  This show was held at our local Arts Council.  

Our community is rich with fiber artists -- those who quilt and weave -- those who stitch using embroidery or punchneedle or cross stitch -- those who felt wool and silk -- those who create fabric collages and art dolls.  What a place to live!!!

There were three of us from the InspiredArts Guild who had submitted pieces to the show.  Happily each of us won a prize.  How wonderful was that! 

Elynn Bernstein, our resident felter, won 1st prize in wearables.  She created a lovely felted vest.  I'm only sorry that I don't have a picture of her vest - I'm showing instead a couple of her felted hats so that you can see samples of her beautiful work.

Peggy O'Connor won 2nd prize in 2D with her piece "Gulls' World".  This fiber picture has it all.  Embroidery, beading, dyed ribbons, texture, color and a beautiful theme.  Peggy loves the ocean and her work often interprets her seaside dreams.

Lastly, I won 2nd prize in 3D with my "Pomme Fairy" art doll.  I was thrilled and I think Pomme felt the same way because I just know that I spotted an extra twinkle in her eyes as they laid that red ribbon at her base.

All of us create because we love to do it. All of us love the process, the hours spent pounding felt or stitching tiny beads or putting our hand to whatever is in front of us.  Receiving an award is like icing on the cake.  I'm so happy to be involved with this talented group of women.  All of our members are artists in their own right - but much more important to me - they are my friends!

"Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies". -- Aristotle