Work accepted for AQS Lancaster Quiltweek

I am excited to announce that both of my entries were accepted for this year's AQS Lancaster Quiltweek event.

In Dreams I Learned to Swim

In Dreams I Learned to Swim is a homage to my beloved Susquehanna River.  It's a large quilt, at 60"high by 80" wide, and features a needlefelted and stitched panel centered on a background quilt made from my hand printed and painted fabrics.  It spent last summer at the State Museum of Pennsylvania as part of the Art of the State exhibit.  If any of my local friends missed it there, or want to revisit it, here's your chance.

Japanese Anemone is my latest work, just revealed on my last blog post. It features cyanotype prints, vintage embroidery, and hand painted and commercial fabrics.  It's 40"h x 46"w.

Japanese Anemone

The AQS Quiltweek event will be held at the Lancaster County Convention Center from March 16 - 19, 2016.  It's my hometown show, so I am thrilled and honored to once again have the opportunity to be a part of it.  Perhaps I'll see you there!

Fun fact--The Convention Center and Marriott Hotel were built on the site of the former Watt & Shand department store in center city Lancaster, PA, and the gorgeous facade of that building was painstakingly preserved and incorporated into the new complex.  I spent several years obsessively taking photos of the construction project and turning them into a series of 10 art quilts. You can view them on my website in my Structures gallery, and read all about the works in progress and their subsequent travels by clicking on the Watt & Shand tab in the top header.

Watt & Shand #1

Watt & Shand #3 at the PA Governor’s Residence

  I am a long time member of the Pennsylvania Arts Experience, a non-profit arts organization promoting the arts along the scenic river valleys of southeastern Pennsylvania. Thanks to the generous support of PA First Lady Frances Donnelley Wolfe, the PAE has been invited to present a exhibition of member artist works at the Governor’s Residence, 2035 N. Front St, Harrisburg, PA in Harrisburg from September 13th through February 2016.  The exhibit will fill the mansion on the main level, and will be up for a number of special events being held at the mansion starting with the annual Gallery Walk in Harrisburg on September 13th.  More information on the Gallery Walk here.

I am pleased that my Watt & Shand #3 will one of the 60+ artworks in this exhibit.  It’s from my series The Structures, where I focus on historic local architecture, and seems like a fitting choice to be displayed in the residence. 

September 13th is also the last date for the Art of the State exhibit at the Pennsylvania State Museum, so if you are in town stop by and visit my In Dreams I Flew Over the River and all the other fine works there as well.

See works by these Pennsylvania Arts Experience Member Artists:

Benjamin Ahlgrim

Robert Armetta

Joan McAvoy Austin

Jack Bingham

Glenn E. Blue

Adrienne Brenner

Barbara A. Pillette Buchanan

Robert E. Buchanan

William Chambers

Ophelia Chambliss

Matthew Clay-Robison

Jeff Crystal

Peter Danko

Gerald Davidson

Ann DeLaurentis

Renee Evans

Rob Evans

Jonathan Frazier

Phyllis Disher Fredericks

Carol Galligan

Claire Giblin

Susan Gottlieb

Steven Alvin Heffner

Maryel Henderson

Jerome Hershey

Tim Hirneisen

Mary B. Hochendoner

Richard Chandler Hoff

Lauren Litwa Holden

Joe Jacobs

Lorann Jacobs

Gale Jamieson

Rhoda Kahler

Paul Kicklighter

Phyllis Koster

Greg Layton

Sylvia Eisenbise Lehman

Cliff Maier

Stephen March

Jo Margolis

Carol Oldenburg

Robert Oughton

Robert Patierno

Kelly Pedersen

Fran Polk

Catherine Prescott

Theodore Prescott

Pete Quarracino

Sue Reno

Linda Mylin Ross

Kerry Sacco

Dillon Samuelson

Lou Schellenberg

Mimi Shapiro

Ellen Slupe

Tanya Snyder

Linda Sommer

David M. Stallings

Marion Stephenson

Reuben Swartz

Jason Tako

Geoffrey Thulin

Mary Todenhoft

Janette Toth-Musser

Kree Weide

Rita King Whitney

Brenda Wintermyer

JD Wissler

Frances Donnelly Wolf

Interviewed by Wendy Edsall-Kerwin

One of the perks of the artist’s life is meeting other artists.  I volunteer a bit of my time and talents for the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, an excellent organization, and I’m convinced that I get as much or more out of the relationship than I give.  Through the Guild I’ve come to know Wendy Edsall-Kerwin, a jewelry and metals artist.  She is doing a series of interviews with artists who were included in this year’s Art of the State Exhibition at the State Museum in Harrisburg, PA, USA, and she has done me the honor of a feature on her blog today. You can read all about it here, or follow the short link: http://wp.me/pdz32-1Dw

Wendy’s entry in the exhibit is her bronze, nickel and brass riveted bowl, Ebb and Flow, part of her Super Bowl Series. 

Also be sure to  check out the wonderful jewelry at Wendy’s Etsy shop

Upcoming Exhibits - Houston and Chandler

Lots of excitement in the weeks ahead, as my work will be on display in some wonderful venues.  The center of the quilt universe will be in Houston, TX for Quilt Market, October 27 - 29, and The International Quilt Festival,  November 1 - 4.   The invitational Studio Art Quilts Associates exhibit “Seasonal Palette” will be unveiled at the Festival, including my work “The Organic Landscape”.  The exhibit will hang in a special hard wall gallery space. Each quilt will be accompanied by a gallery book with pictures, text, and samples detailing the process by which each artist created their work.  The roster of artists involved in this project is pretty fabulous, and it should be an outstanding exhibit!  There will also be a catalogue available, and gallery talks will take place Friday, November 2nd at 11:00 and Saturday, November 3rd at 2:00.

I’ll put “The Organic Landscape” up on my website after the debut, but for now there’s a teaser detail, above, and you can track back the work in progress by clicking the Seasonal Palette tab at the top of the blog. 


Also at Houston, my Columbine will be part of the “In Full Bloom” Exhibit.  There’s a lot of wonderful texture in this one, with cyanotypes on silk, and silk, cotton, and wool patchwork.  Like most textile works it is best appreciated in person so I am delighted to have this opportunity to share it.
 

My Watt & Shand #9 will be part of the “Tactile Architecture” Exhibit.  All three exhibits will travel on the  Quilt Festivals in Cincinnati, OH and Long Beach CA in 2013.

Watt & Shand #9 is also included in the feature article on this series, The Structures in the October issue of The Quilt Life magazine, on news stands now. 


My Houston cup runneth over with the inclusion of two of my macro photographs in “The Quilters Eye” exhibit.  I’m keeping them under wraps for the moment as well by showing a similar photo, above, but they were previously published on my Facebook and Instagram accounts.   Instagram is my newest passion; if you are also there, feel free to follow me @suereno.  I post lots of insects, flowers, landscapes, and architecture shots, and get boundless inspiration from the beauty of the images that I scroll through each day in my feed. 


I am equally excited and honored that my Squirrel and Locust is part of “Art Quilts XVII: Integrating a Paradox”, opening Nov. 2, 2012  and running through Jan. 19. 2013 at the  Chandler Center for the Arts, Chandler AZ.  This is a premier venue, and again I am in the company of some amazing fiber/quilt artists.  Stella Belikiewicz has done a excellent blog post about the exhibit; you can read and enjoy it  on her blog, The Art of Inclusion.  Thanks for your work in putting this together, Stella!

“The Structures” featured in The Quilt Life Magazine

I can finally share the news I’ve been excited about for some time--my architectural series of art quilts is featured in the latest issue of The Quilt Life Magazine!  It’s a gorgeous 5 page spread, with lots and lots of photos, and I am incredibly happy with how well my work is represented.  Best of all, the text by editor Melissa T. Maher captures exactly my inspiration, motivation, and working process in conceiving and producing this body of work.  My sincere thanks to Melissa and to Editor-in-Chief Jan Magee for their interest, support, and professionalism in bringing my art and ideas to the pages of the magazine.

The October 2012 issue is the Architecture Issue, and it is chock-full of wonderful content for lovers of both fiber and architecture. See the table of contents here, and then go get your copy!

The quilt featured on the first pages of the layout is my Watt & Shand #9, above.  Also featured in the article, and the backdrop for my picture, is Watt & Shand #10, below.

The article mentions that I am continuing my architectural work beyond the Watt & Shand building with new work featuring the historic Ashley and Bailey Silk Mill in Columbia, PA.  I’ve been posting about those quilts as works in progress--you can track it back here-- and I will have more updates on them soon, so stay tuned.  You can also track back the entire journey of the Watt & Shand series by clicking the tab at the top.  And as always, thanks to all for reading, commenting, and supporting my creative endeavors.

Contemporary Threads at Marietta Art House

I’m delighted to announce that my work is included in the invitational exhibit, Contemporary Threads, opening this weekend at the Marietta Art House in charming Marietta, PA.

The beauty and diversity of fiber will be celebrated with works by Carol Galligan, Christine Forsythe, Gale Jamieson, Amber Kane, Catherine Kleeman, Phyllis Oughton/Koster, Roberta Little, Florance Mellinger, Cindy Moyer, Sue Weaver, Angela Keeling-Woodruff, Erma Martin Yost, and myself.  Wow!  So much talent!

My works on display for the first phase of the exhibit are from my Watt & Shand series, including Watt & Shand #1.

Watt & Shand #3

And Watt & Shand #8. Follow the links for lots more information about the individual works and the series.
If you are in the area, I hope to see you at the opening reception this Sunday, September 9, from 2 - 5 p.m.

Watt & Shand #9 Acceptance - Tactile Architecture 2012

Watt & Shand #9

I am thrilled to announce that Watt & Shand #9 has been accepted into Tactile Architecture 2012, a special exhibit that will debut at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, TX, Nov. 1 - 4, and then travel to the festivals in Cincinnati, OH and Long Beach, CA in 2013

Watt & Shand #9, detail 3

Of all the quilts submitted, only 26 were selected.  I am very honored to have my work included.

Watt & Shand #9, detail 2

You can read all about the inspiration for this series of works --the former Watt & Shand department store in Lancaster, PA, that was re-purposed into a hotel and convention center--on my website, and/or by clicking on the “Watt & Shand” tab at the top of the page and tracking back the works in progress and the places the quilts have traveled to. I little dreamed, when I first turned the corner on King St. several years ago,  and was mesmerized by the sight of the empty façade of the grand Beaux Arts building, how much my life would be enriched by following my muse. It’s been quite a ride!

“Juried Status” with the PA Guild of Craftsmen

Watt & Shand #4

 I am very pleased to share that I have been awarded “Juried Status” with the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen.

Groundhog and Green Bean

 From the website:  "Juried Status is recognition for a body of work that is exceptional and meets or exceeds these three benchmarks:

• excellence in craftsmanship
• resolved design
• unique voice or style"

Deer and Mayapple

“Excellence in craftsmanship is reserved for work that shows the highest standards of quality. The work demonstrates a mastery of the medium, far beyond basic and intermediate proficiency skills. Attention to details and a thorough knowledge of the medium is demonstrated.”

Big Root Geranium

“In work awarded juried status, the design is resolved and individual to the craftsman. Good composition is expected. The use of tension and space enhance overall design. Choice of materials and methods show innovation and mastery with all elements working together.”

Watt & Shand #9

 “Style represents the true creative nature of the Designer Craftsman. A unique voice is an innate part of all juried craftsmen’s expression. The conceptual richness evidenced in the work shows the nature, complexity and execution that marks each individual’s work as distinctive and unique. It sets it apart from the work of others, not only qualitatively, but in achieving an individual identity, readily recognizable as belonging to that maker.”

It's meeting this guideline that I am proudest of, I think.  I have been sewing and stitching and creating literally almost my entire life, so a lot of the technical skills are second nature to me at this point.  But I have worked hard at developing my personal, recognizable style, and am honored at having my "voice" recognized.

Fireball

I consider this an excellent set of criteria, and am very happy that my work met the guidelines.  Jurying is a two part process, where images, bio and resume are submitted digitally, and then the craftsperson brings in the work for a hands-on examination and review by a panel of experts.  The works shown above are the ones I submitted.  I am a good fit with this organization and plan on becoming more involved.

Craft Forms 2011 Preview Party

On Friday evening I attended the Preview Party for Craft Forms 2011 at the Wayne Art Center in Wayne, PA.  It was a first class event from start to finish, and my husband and I had a wonderful time.  Here I am by my art quilt, Watt & Shand #8.  To the left of it is Mama Rebel, by Catherine Winkler Rayroud; to the right is SemiAquatic by Clay McLaurin; on the pedestals from left to right are Serving Set by John Huckins,  Folding Stools by Dan DeVos; and Platter by Fred Herbst.

Above is the  view looking into the left side of the gallery.  The artwork was of very high quality, IMO, and the buzz was that this one was of the best Craft Forms exhibits in memory.  In the foreground is a wood laminate sculpture, Mitosis_1 by David Knopp.    On the back wall (the blue section) you can see the large installation piece The Politics of Porcelain by Stephanie A. Rozene, flanked by two art quilts by Kathleen Loomis,  the large red fiber piece in the left corner, Stronger Together than Apart, by Amanda Ladymon, and a crocheted grouping, Terrain, by Donna Lish, in the right corner.  Just out of camera range on the right is another art quilt, Bluestairs, by Cynthia Friedman.  I got to meet Cindy and chat with her about art and art quilting--always so wonderful to put a face to a name!  Meeting the other artists who were in attendance and having the opportunity to learn about their inspirations and working processes was one of the high points of the evening.

Below is a view from the other direction.  In the foreground is 2368 by Lily Liu.  The circular object on the wall to the right is Implosion #3 by Beth Barron, a quilt-like construction made primarily out of band aids.  On the back wall to the left is a woven tapestry, Wind Turbine Mania, by Catherine I. Theodore.

Another view of the gallery--so many treasures!  I wish I had pictures and links for all of them for you.  These pictures were taken early in the evening, before it got crowded with throngs of art patrons who paid for the privilege of attending the Preview Party.  There’s a good article here with all the particulars of the evening and a list of the prize winners.  I want to particularly thank the juror, Elizabeth Agro, for being so open and accessible during the reception and her Juror’s Talk and the Meet the Artist event the next day.  She was very gracious about sharing her perspectives on choosing the art, the themes that developed, and the state of fine craft in general--very illuminating! 

To add to the ambiance and good mood, there was great food.  Scrumptious strolling appetizers were followed by a large buffet with a paella station, a dim sum dumpling station, and much more:

Desserts included gourmet cupcakes:

There was a wine bar and also a martini luge bar:
And live world music and jazz by Phylis Chapell and Siora:

In an adjoining gallery the Art Center is concurrently exhibiting Green  from the Get Go: International Contemporary Basketmakers.  It’s a stunning survey of world-class basketry with work by many of the big names in the field--really wonderful. 

And all throughout the Art Center is the exhibit Philagrafika, an invitational portfolio of printmaking, also wonderful.

At one point in the evening I did a brief 5 minute video interview for a local television channel, where I talked about my piece in the show and the inspiration behind it, and was hopefully coherent and articulate enough make the editorial cut.  I’m not certain when and where it’s airing, but will update if I find out. 

All in all, a fun evening filled with fabulous art, creative and interesting people, and superb food and libation.  My sincere appreciation to everyone who made it possible.  The exhibit is up until Jan. 21 and it is well worth your time to attend if you are in the area.

12/29/11  A few addendums--there's a well written and thoughtful article about the show from the Philadelphia Inquirer up online here, and a set of pictures up on the Craft Forms website here.  I'm in a picture on the second page; to my right in the pic is Camila Bryce, whom I struck up a conversation with because of her beautiful mud cloth coat, and on my left is Diana N’Diaye, who had beautiful work work in the show.

1/4/12  The exhibit is also featured on the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsman blog, with a handy listing of all the PA artists included. Read it here.

Publications, Exhibits, and Gratitude

By any measure I’ve had a great year, and I am both humbled and immensely grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way, and for all the people in my life who make it possible for me to be living the dream.    Here’s a partial survey of where  to see my work right now, starting with the newly published book The Studio Quilt, No. 6: State of the Art  by Sandra Sider. 

The cover image is by Melisse Laing, Seeing the Light (2009, photo by Bill Bachhuber).I’m waiting for my copy to arrive and will post more about it once I’ve had a chance to enjoy it; based on the artists involved, I know it will be just excellent.  It’s available on Amazon.
My Groundhog and Green Bean was selected for inclusion.

Also recently released is Portfolio 18,  the latest edition from SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates)  documenting the art quilt movement.

Portfolio 18 contains 241 full-color plates of SAQA Professional Artist Members' works, with geographical and genre indexes.  I’ve had work in the last several volumes and am pleased to be a part of this one as well.   It’s available in the SAQA Bookstore.

This next publication came as a happy surprise.  International Quilt Festival: Quilt Scene 2011 is an annual special edition magazine, a collaboration between Quilting Arts Magazine and Quilts, Inc.,  with  feature articles, projects, and beautiful photography celebrating the best in contemporary quilting. I was thrilled to discover that this year’s edition features my Watt & Shand #6, representing the special exhibit Tactile Architecture. 

That’s a peek of Cynthia St. Charles’ beautiful Springtime in the City on the facing page.

In exhibit news, The Art of Fiber opened at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA last week, and I’m hearing a lot of good buzz online about it.  It includes two of my Watt & Shand works, #4 and #9.

Also just opened is Art Quilts XVI: Something to Say at the Chandler Center for the Arts in AZ.  This is a  highly regarded show, and I’m thrilled that Watt & Shand #3 is a part of it: 

And last but definitely not least in my embarrassment of exhibit riches is Craft Forms at the Wayne Art Center in Wayne, PA:

Watt & Shand #8 is a part of this international exhibit featuring fine crafts in all media.  The opening reception is tomorrow night (12/2) and I will be attending--I am really looking forward to it as it sounds fabulous! 

I will also be at the Meet the Artists event the next afternoon, and welcome the opportunity to share my work and the story and inspiration behind it.

Lest you think I’ve been resting on my laurels, assuming I had laurels and the time to rest on them, be assured that I am currently hard at work in the studio; a lot of what I’m working on needs to stay under wraps for the time being……..but stay tuned for further adventures and updates.  And as always, a huge thank you for reading and commenting!