Sunday, September 14, 2014

on the water

ROW, ROW, ROW
I am an avid “reader” of audiobooks while working in the studio and have read/listened to many of Columbia’s One Read selections.  It was serendipitous that my newest piece, ROW, ROW, ROW, fit the theme for On the Water, the art exhibition held in conjunction with the 2014 One Read selection, The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown.  

Congratulations to the Daniel Boone Regional Library, Columbia Art League, Columbia's Office of Cultural Affairs and Orr Street Studios for creating this exhibition opportunity, encouraging artists to be inspired by Columbia’s One Read Program and supporting their efforts with a fabulous exhibition space and delightful reception.  Thank you, thank you.  ON THE WATER is my first One Read art exhibition.  I look forward to participating in the future.
What an honor to have ROW, ROW, ROW, selected as an award winner by the judges for this exhibition.

The DBRL Blog for One Read and Orr Street Studios Blog both have more information about the exhibition and photos.

Additional comments from Lauren Williams, (Public Services Librarian and One Read co-chair).  
"As the One Read program has grown over the past 13 years, we are thrilled with the way it has evolved into a true arts event. Exploring the themes and topics of a book not only through discussions and presentations, but also music, writing and visual art, has very much enriched this program and expanded its reach. Good books foster discussion and connection, as do works of art. We are incredibly grateful to Orr Street Studios, Columbia's Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Columbia Art League for providing promotional and financial support for One Read and this year's exhibit, "On the Water." Orr Street's space is such a perfect home for this exhibit and reception, and we look forward to continuing this partnership in the years to come.
My library colleagues and I all wanted to bring home some of Leandra Spangler's boats! I like how, taken as a whole, they evoke a sense of playfulness and lightheartedness, and then on further inspection, you notice the different papers used, the words that appear, and suddenly you are embarking on a deeper exploration. Congratulations to Leandra and all of the artists who participated."



Tuesday, September 2, 2014

orange kitty collage quilt

ORANGE KITTY COLLAGE QUILT

Artists are always being asked to donate artwork to auction for this or that worthy cause.  Having donated my fair share over the years, it is my policy to decline, unless I have an ongoing relationship with the charity.  Recently, a friend introduced me to NO KILL COLUMBIA.  Their goal is to provide an alternative place for those outside of Boone County to bring animals for spay/neuter services.  For more information visit their website : www.nokillcolumbiamo.org 

I challenged myself to create something "pet themed" to donate through their fundraiser ART UNLEASHED.

Inspired by my 14 year old yellow striped companion, SOL, I searched my stash of "fancy" fabrics (salvaged silks from thrift store blouses) and found the oranges speaking to me.  My "style" is not pictorial, but challenge felt right and he went together more easily than expected.  The supplementary surface stitching (ears and whiskers) was really fun.  Note: this isn't free motion, but forward straight stitching.  I probably should have named him "DIZZY" because he was turned around and around with every change in direction.

This 8" x 8" silk collage on denim piece was handed off today and will hopefully be a part of getting NO KILL COLUMBIA a bit closer to their goal.