Gather: A Textile Event

The Arts Council of the Valley presents Gather: A Textile Event, an exhibition of new works by J.M.U.’s Beginning and Intermediate Fiber Arts students. A public reception to celebrate the opening of the exhibition will take place on Friday, February 3 from 5-7 p.m. The exhibition will remain on view in the Smith House Darrin-McHone Gallery until March 8, 2012.

The students of Patricia Augsburger, professor of fiber arts at James Madison University’s School of Art Design and Art History, explore the possibilities of thread as medium for artistic expression.

Fiber arts, one of the oldest aesthetic traditions in the world, are on the cutting edge of contemporary art practice and critical inquiry. The discipline is expanding to include intellectual discourses based on the poetic nuances of the deeply rooted medium. Augsburger’s beginning fibers students create contemporary self-portraiture using traditional embroidery techniques. The students were also introduced to traditional quilting techniques through creating a pieced and quilted work inspired by a well know artist of their choice.

The exhibition also includes works from the “Cocoon Project” created by Augsburger’s Intermediate Fibers Arts student’s Amanda Bryant, Lauren Joseph, Shea Goitia and Katie Kubistek. Inspired by artists such as Peter Max, Alexander McQueen and

Egon Schiele. The students designed and printed fabric and then created a form to envelope the body. For further information contact Patricia Augsburger, Professor of Fiber Arts, School of Art Design and Art History, James Madison University at [email protected].

Since opening its doors in 2002, the Arts Council of the Valley and its Court Square Theater have emerged as a dynamic force in the cultural, economic, and educational life of our community. It produces, manages, and promotes the visual and performing arts from its two locations: the Smith House and Court Square Theater. Art openings occur the first Friday of the month from 5-7 p.m. and are open to the public. For more information on the Arts Council visit www.valleyarts.org or call (540)-801-8779.