Seven Sisters exhibits fiber art works in Feb.

WEST HARTFORD — The women of Seven Sisters Sewing come from a wide range of professions and life experiences — kibbutz worker, attorney, ashram dweller, teacher, nurse — but they are very much like one another in their love of fiber arts. Now, the Seven Sisters, Diane Cadrain, Linda Martin, Judy Ross, Marlene Shea, Susan Vassallo, Anna Tufankjian, and Carol Vinick, are exhibiting their fiber art work at the West Hartford Art League’s Saltbox Gallery, 37 Buena Vista Road, West Hartford, during the month of February, with an opening reception on Sunday.

Each of the women brings a unique skill and passion to her fiber art. Judy Ross dyes and paints the fabrics she uses in her work. Carol Vinick uses fabric collage to advocate for social justice, telling activist stories with compelling narratives. Marlene Shea prides herself on skillful hand work including hand appliqué and hand quilting. Diane Cadrain uses a panoply of techniques, including felting, knitting, and hand embroidery, to express reverence for the majesty of nature.

The Seven Sisters’ artwork has been admitted to juried shows locally and internationally, often commanding top prizes. Many have been the focus of solo exhibits, and many have had their work featured in respected fiber arts publications, including Quilting Arts. Their work has appeared in museums and galleries and hangs in many private collections. Reflecting their love of their art, many of the Seven Sisters have taught their techniques in venues such as the New Britain Museum of American Art, the Guilford Art Center, the Windsor Art Center, the West Hartford Art League, and Centerbrook’s Spectrum Gallery.

The Seven Sisters exhibit will open informally on Saturday, Feb. 9. The official opening reception is Sunday, Feb. 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. The opening is free and open to the public.

For information, please call the West Hartford Art League at (860) 231-8019. Gallery hours are Thursday to Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.