The Southern Berks News

Contempora­ry Needle Art explores roles of women artists, history of their art

- By Lisa Mitchell lmitchell@21st-centurymed­ia. com @facebook.com/northeastb­erksnews/

Clay on Main announced the next exhibition in its gallery, “Backstitch­ing: Contempora­ry Needle Arts.”

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a traditiona­l opening will not be held. The public will still have an opportunit­y starting on Wednesday, July 1, to view this show by appointmen­t,” Dolores Kirschner announced. “Masks are required for anyone entering the building, and appointmen­ts can be made by calling the studio or by signing up for a time via our website (www.clayonmain.org).”

“Backstitch­ing: Contempora­ry Needle Art” is a show comprised of work from six different artists working with textiles, thread, printmakin­g on fabric, and other mediums which were previously seen as “women’s work,” explained Kirschner in the release.

“Curator Sandy Britland invited each artist to explore the relationsh­ip between the role of women artists and how they viewed the traditiona­l histories of their chosen medium,” she said.

“Marni Bowen and M. Camille Eaton Romig, each with their own approach, offer carefully constructe­d quilted wall pieces, while Jacklyn Downing’s interactiv­e apron series asks the viewer to evaluate the language they use to define themselves,” Kirschner said. “Amy Forsyth, a woodworker and multimedia artist, presents a sculptor’s eye view into the theme, with JoAnn Morrell exploring Japanese fabric assembly techniques and repurposed materials and Britland rounding out the group with a thoughtful take on science using textiles as a way to illustrate theories.”

This show runs from July 1 until Aug. 9, with gallery times offered in 30 minute appointmen­ts on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

“Four people will be allowed to view the show at a time, with appropriat­e social distancing guidelines. Masks must be worn inside the building,” said Kirschner.

Parking is available in the church lot.

To sign up for an appointmen­t to view the show, visit www.clayonmain.org to follow the link on the gallery page.

 ??  ?? Each artist was invited to explore the relationsh­ip between the role of women artists and how they viewed the traditiona­l histories of their chosen medium.
Each artist was invited to explore the relationsh­ip between the role of women artists and how they viewed the traditiona­l histories of their chosen medium.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States