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| · December 12, 2003 · |
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· Maine Fiber Art To Be Showcased In Yearlong, Statewide Celebration (December 11, 2003) - Maine fiber artists run the gamut from full-time professional artists with an international following, to talented newcomers who squeeze in creative time late at night or on the weekend. In 2004, their work will be the focus of "The State of Fiber 2004: Exhibits and Events Celebrating Maine Fiber," sponsored by Maine Fiberarts, a nonprofit community of fiber artists and craftspeople as well as fiber farms, suppliers, and other supporters.
Two April exhibits kick-off the celebration including a blockbuster, juried exhibit of "Contemporary Maine Fiber Art," at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockport, Maine (April 10 to May 30), and an exhibit of contemporary Maine art quilts at the Portland Museum of Art, shown in conjunction with an exhibit of historical Smithsonian quilts (April 9 to June 6). "But this is only the beginning," Christine Macchi, Executive Director of Maine Fiberarts explains. "There will be exhibits of fiber work throughout the state, with themes such as 'Fiber As Sculpture,' 'TEXTiles: Artists Using Fiber as Language,' 'The Farm to Art Connection,' 'Woven for the Wall' and many other topics. Lectures, a "Fleece to Shawl" outdoor event, and hands-on workshops for children and adults are also planned. Exhibits will be held at museums, galleries, colleges, libraries, and other venues." "Once people see the range of work exhibited," Ms. Macchi continues, "I think it will expand their concept of fiber. Our state's fiber artists are working in everything from weaving, needlework, and rug hooking to basketry and beadwork, clothing and textile design, handmade books and paper, sculpture and many other media, all created from natural fibrous materials or even, manmade materials using fiber techniques. Some of the work is very fine traditional textiles, others are cutting-edge, innovative contemporary work." Maine has always appealed to tourists interested in cultural events, and this year Maine Fiberarts' programs have added even more variety. "In fact," Ms. Macchi notes, "we hope tourists will stop by our new Maine Fiberarts' Visitors Center located in an historic building in Midcoast Maine. We offer rotating fiber art exhibits, a slide registry featuring the work of over 70 artists, and a wealth of information for collectors, artists and anyone interested in fiber." For more information, 13 Main Street, Topsham, ME 04086, 207-721-0678, www.mainefiberarts.org. Media Contact: Christine Macchi Executive Director Maine Fiberarts 207-721-0678 |
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