Bicentennial Art & Fiber Art Show

What is “fiber art,” anyway? The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library will illustrate this art form through August 1 in its Bicentennial Art & Fiber Art Show. The library’s Atrium Gallery will exhibit works from local artists and artisans in a joint show. The Art Show will feature depictions of Huntsville – past, present and future – by local artists. The Fiber Art Show will display needlecraft, weaving, and quilting by local artisans.

“We’re very excited to showcase our local talent, especially in the fiber arts area,” says Sophie Young of the Huntsville Public Library. “Several weavers and needlecrafters have told me that this is the first exhibit of its kind in Huntsville.”

The joint show will feature both individual and group displays. Burritt on the Mountain will present a collection of historic quilting patterns. The Embroiderer’s Guild of America has gathered a set of works by their crafters. Students at Monrovia Elementary School will have a special display from July 16-31. Individual artists include Caroline Wang and Bill Wilson, photographer Pam Nelson, and weaver Sylvia LeBlanc.

“Especially in this part of the country, we have a long history of fiber works, remarks LeBlanc. “It seems to me that it’s time we had something like this. I think this is an excellent step in that direction. We have a lot of talented people in Huntsville.”

Sandra Schmidt, at Technology Assistance for Special Consumers, is an independent needlecrafter whose passion is for historical samplers. “I reproduce antique pieces, some dating back to the 1700s, as faithfully as I can,” she explains, “including the ‘mistakes.’”

The historical originals of some of her works can be found in museums and private collections. Owners of the originals allow artists to painstakingly render the patterns onto grids, which are then released to enthusiasts like Schmidt. “In earlier times, young girls and women would be taught embroidery skills as part of their education,” she notes. “This would show refinement in the girls.”

Two-dimensional representations of Huntsville include watercolor, mosaic, photography, and illustrations by Monrovia Elementary School students. “It’s a wonderful way to express the beauty we see in our own hometown,” says Caroline Wang, who was recently awarded “Best in Show” at the “31st Annual Exhibition South” art competition of the Tennessee Valley Art Association. “It’s a chance to take a closer look at our surroundings and see them through others’ eyes.”