The Nordic Tapestry Group’s work now on display

WASHINGTON » The Washington Art Association & Gallery in collaboration with The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens is pleased to present, The Nordic Tapestry Group: Weaving Knowledge into Personal Expression, Aug. 10 through Sept. 9.

The Nordic Tapestry Group consists of weavers from Sweden, Iceland, and the United States who formed a decade ago when Swedish-born tapestry artist, Helena Hernmarck (www.hernmarck.com) returned to Sweden to offer workshops in her weaving technique.

The craft of interweaving natural materials to create functional ware and decorative objects has been practiced for centuries. Weaving is a method of fabric production in which two distinct sets of yarns or threads are interlaced at right angles to form a fabric or cloth. The method in which the warp, the longitudinal threads, and the weft, lateral threads are interwoven affects the characteristics of the cloth.

Hernmarck is an internationally acclaimed artist and weaver recognized for revolutionizing weaving tapestry as a medium suited to modern architectural environments. Her technique is a play on traditional Swedish weaving techniques, which she has evolved to achieve powerful photorealistic effects. A close look at her tapestries reveals bundles of variously hued yarns that combine at a distance to create a remarkable illusion of depth.

This exhibition features tapestries from the Nordic Tapestry weavers’ most recent exploration, Face to Face. It reveals their shared passion and ongoing exchange, and celebrates the transfer and evolution of weaving knowledge into personal expression. Their works display their expertise in using light, color, and the different qualities of yarn to weave images, create space and depth, and to depict three-dimensional forms. Their skillful mastery of the loom truly elevates the craft of weaving to a sophisticated and elegant style of painting with threads.

An opening reception for The Nordic Tapestry Group: Weaving Knowledge into Personal Expression will be held on Aug. 12, 4-6 p.m. The public is welcome.

Washington Art Association & Gallery is located at 4 Bryan Plaza and The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens at One Green Hill both in Washington Depot. For more information, please contact the Washington Art Association & Gallery by telephone at 860.868.2878 or by email at washingtonart@snet. net. washingtonartassociation.org

PHOTO BY TOM GROTTA “ANEMONES,” by Helena Hernmarck, is part of the Washington Art Association’s new show.