Miller Museum Exhibit

In late 2019, I was asked by the curator of the Miller Museum in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin to be part of an exhibition featuring fiber, fabric, and embroidery as a painterly medium. I was honored to be asked, and delighted to be included in such esteemed company….

Textile Tableau: An Exploration of Painting with Fibers

Opening January 18-February 24, 2020

Textile Tableau: An Exploration of Painting with Fibers present artists who are usurping the use of paint by incorporating the methodologies and canons of painting as starting points for their greater exploration into fiber-based work. Painting with needle and thread, these artists create textile tableaus that explore established genres like portraiture, abstraction and landscapes. Using a variety of mediums, works display techniques in quilting, weaving, embroidery, felting and wearable art.

This exhibition features works by eight participating artists including: Susan Hoffmann, Baileys Harbor; Wendy Carpenter, Fish Creek; Sandra Martinez, Jacksonport; Heidi Parkes, Milwaukee; Sandra Wysock, Madison; Pam Collins, Staples, MN; Peter Horjus and Laura Shrewsbury, New Orleans, LA.

The Firebird Chest Plate.

Curator’s Statement

Few people would argue that painting has historically held the apex position in the artworld, while other mediums struggle to be consistently recognized as true fine art in paintings shadow. The fiber arts are no exception, having their own battle to be considered at the same level and with the same regard as painting. Often classified as craft, the fiber arts typically have fewer opportunities than painting with collectors and for representation in fine arts institutions.

On reason may be that fabric is an indelible part of the function of our lives, from clothing to luggage to tents, and while we may strive to make functional fabric objects fashionable, likeable and artistic, we still expect them to have purpose, first and foremost.

In this exhibition we present artists who are usurping the use of paint by incorporating the methodologies and canons of painting as subsequent studies, sketches and starting points for their greater exploration into fiber-based work. Painting with needle and thread, these artists create textile tableaus that explore established genres like portraiture, abstraction and landscapes, where they find they are able to achieve affects in fiber that paint just won’t satisfy.

Embroidered “Water Lilies” lace harness

Miller Museum

The museum is located within the Door County Library, 107 South 4th Avenue, Sturgeon Bay. Hours are Monday 10-8, Tuesday through Saturday 10-5. Closed Sunday. Admission is free. For more information about the exhibit or the museum, call (920) 746-0707 or visit www.millerartmuseum.org.

Left- Embroidered “Water Lilies” lace harness

Right- ARCHANGEL: The Zadkiel top