THE OHIO CRAFT MUSEUM Presents:
Contemporary Art Quilts
and Handcrafted Marbles
September 11–October 30, 2011
(Columbus, Ohio)—The Ohio Craft Museum will present “Creative Force 2010,” an exhibition of contemporary quilts by members of the Studio Art Quilt Associates. On view from September 11 through October 30, the exhibition features 50 works by 45 artists from the United States, Canada, France, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands. Fiber artist Chunghie Lee selected the works from 384 entries. “Selecting only 50 works was a daunting, challenging process, and also an honor,” she commented. “A range of figurative, abstract, graphic, and painterly works expressed many themes: social/political, travel journals, homage to nature, personal memories, and complex relationships.”
“My primary criteria for selection were originality in visual expression combined with a strong concept and skillful use of medium, color, and composition,” she continued. “I could see a wide range of enthusiasm for creating art quilts among the entered pieces. I was impressed by their high aesthetic quality with in-depth content, and many were especially striking in their use of color play and composition.”
Shown alongside these art quilts will be “The Art of the Marble.” The exhibition features one-of-a-kind glass marbles by 10 artists from across the country, working in styles ranging from traditional twists and swirls to unusual imagery and patterning in a wide array of colors. Collectors will find contemporary art marbles created by Josh Simpson, Geoffrey Beetem, Marco Jerman, Nathan Snyder and Tim Keyzers, among others.
The allure of collecting contemporary art marbles lies in their beauty, charm and variety, as well as in their affordability. Handcrafted marbles incorporate all the elements of design, color and craftsmanship found in larger, more expensive glass sculptures. Collecting marbles, however, requires neither a large budget nor a large display space.
The exhibition opens on Sunday, September 11, with a reception from 1 to 4 p.m. “Mini Photo Quilts,” a Hand in Hand parent/child workshop led by Tracy Rieger, Quilt Surface Design Symposium director, will also be held during the opening at the museum. From 1 to 3 p.m., children (ages 5 and up) and their favorite adult will transfer a photograph onto a quilt square then embellish the square with simple stitches and beads. The workshop is offered free of charge with support from Arlington Bank. Pre-registration is required. Telephone (614) 486-4402.
On Sunday, September 25, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., fiber artist Georgie Cline will lead a Craftview Afternoon workshop in which participants will use wax and dyes to create designs on fabric, layering colors to make a vibrant scarf. Fee: $12; ODC members, $10; includes materials. Pre-registration required; telephone (614) 486-4402.
The Ohio Craft Museum receives ongoing funding from the Ohio Arts Council, the Greater Columbus Arts Council and the Columbus Foundation. The museum is located at 1665 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212. Hours are Monday–Friday, 10 A.M.–5 P.M.; and Saturday–Sunday, 1–4 P.M., during exhibitions only. Admission and parking are free. For further information, telephone (614) 486-4402; or see our website at www.ohiocraft.org