Since prehistoric times, mankind has made use of fiber, converting nature’s offerings into clothing and blankets by hand. That was then, this is now. Fiber has evolved past its utilitarian roots into the realm of fine art.
Julie Beutler (577 Foundation pottery director and Angelwood Gallery owner) believes in the creative potential of fiber. “[The medium] has a long, rich history as a fundamental art. Few art forms have their beginnings based on necessity,” she explained. That’s why she’s organized the seventh annual Fiber577, a show hosted by the Perrysburg 577 Foundation. The free and family-friendly art event offers hands-on activities, live musical entertainment, artist demonstrations and animal exhibits, all in celebration of fiber arts.
The works of 41 artists, chosen from over 120 entries nationwide, will be exhibited on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, in addition to works of The Fibers Forum and The Fibers 577 Committee. Many of these pieces will be available for purchase for the first time. According to Beutler, the event presents a unique opportunity for local art aficionados. “There is that one moment when a craft becomes a fine art. This is that moment for fiber art. It’s a new media for most collectors,” she said.
Show highlights
Among the many gifted artists in the show are Amanda Ross and Jenny Schu..jpg)
Ross is the 2014 Featured Artist, with a solo show of her work. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Fibers and Art History at Kansas City Art Institute and is an outreach instructor at The Appalachian Center for Craft in Tennessee. Her online gallery (arossfiber.com) offers an impressive collection from scarves to installations. The softness of her material (hand dyed and woven), commands a striking hold over the space it inhabits.
Lansing’s Schu earned a bachelor’s from the University of Michigan School of Art and Design and is the Michigan Rep for the Handweavers Guild of America. According to Beutler, “Her beadwork is amazing—this is where high art meets high fashion. Like Ross, she is young, energetic and making a name for herself.”
Post-show exhibit
Beutler is so enthusiastic that she organized a post-show exhibit at her own space, The Angelwood Gallery in Grand Rapids, Ohio, which opens Friday, June 20, for a six-week run. Visitors to Fiber 577 will have a say in Beutler’s followup as attendees can vote for a People’s Choice Award. Winners will have their work shown at the follow-up exhibit.
All human life includes the use of fiber, and contemporary fiber artists look to the world around them when assembling their palette to express their unique human experience.
“These artists all have a voice and these pieces have volumes to say,” Beutler said. “Sometimes it’s not obvious and sometimes it’s blatant.”
The true joy in this art form is its journey away from its primal heritage. It may take years to hone the craft, but those who put their hands into it will re-discover what these threaded art pieces, rooted in ancient tradition, can offer our modern minds.
Fiber577. Saturday, June 7, 10am-5pm; and Sunday, June 8, 12-5pm.
The 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St.,
Perrysburg. 419-872-0305. fiber577.com
Followup. Friday, June 20. 24195 Front St., Grand Rapids. 419-832-0625.
angelwoodartgallery.com
