Tryon Arts and Crafts School will hold an opening reception for the new show, “Stitches for Our Time,” on Friday, March 16 from 6-8 p.m.
The dictionary definition of the word “stitches” (from the Old Engish “stician”) is “to prick, puncture, stab or thrust with a pointed implement in order to attach, sew or unit something (most usually a textile).” Another meaning might be a space of work, taken up or gone over in a single pass of a needle. This could also be applied to other surfaces, such as human skin, paper, metal or leather, or virtually, as in computer graphics.
Using these broad terms in reference to art works, the gallery at Tryon Arts and Crafts School will open a new show on March 16 through April 27 that emphasizes the concept of the stitch used to create pieces that are sewn, knitted, crocheted, woven or created using any other manner of combining or decorating surfaces.
The artists represented in the show are mostly local and regional, but there are several pieces from California artists that were specially invited by gallery director Christine Mariotti. A textile artist herself, Mariotti recently visited the West Coast and hand-picked several pieces from fiber artists she was acquainted with there.
Several quilters from the Fiber Friends group that meets regularly at Tryon Arts and Crafts School have wall hangings on display. In fact, their challenge project, noticed by Mariotti a few weeks ago, was the inspiration for the show.
Two other groups represented in the show are Southern Appalachian Fiber Forum and Western North Carolina Fiber Handweavers Guild. Tryon Arts and Crafts members from the weaving studio and fiber classes held throughout the year are also represented.
– article submitted
by Christine Mariotti