The way we look at fibers is changing. The Perrysburg gallery River House Arts’ latest exhibition examines the things that touch us most and the craft that goes into their creation. The “Transforming Touch” group exhibition now on display features artists working in the field of fabrics, including Jennifer Maestre, Stephanie Metz, Erin Endicott, John Paul Morabito, Susan Iverson, Sandra Jane Heard, Jeanne Butler and Lia Cook.

“I wanted to offer a diversity of works in varying fiber techniques that were expertly crafted, demonstrated refined editing and portrayed a strong concept,” said curator Sandra Jane Heard. “For this show, I also sought works that had an inherent emotional rawness and would elicit a very human interaction.”

Heard’s goal with the exhibit was to introduce more people to this often overlooked field and to stimulate discussion within the arts community.

“I think the show reflects the infinite possibilities and meaning that can be pursued using the various media. They are also finely made, well-crafted works that manage to convey and express the artist’s concept. What sets this show apart from other exhibits is that the presentation is more focused on the message and concept than the medium,” said gallery owner Paula Baldoni. “We have an extraordinary collection of contemporary artworks that are grounded in some of the most demanding, historical material processes such as weaving, sewing and felting. These are world-class works that just happen to fit the genre of fiber.”

The artists represented have exhibited their work in a number of venues and permanent collections around the world, including the Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C.,  the SOFA Expo in New York, the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park in Lincoln, Mass., the Davis Museum at Wellesly College, the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, the Society for Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh and a host of others.

“Transforming Touch” will be on display through June 18. River House Arts is located at 115 West Front St. For more information, call (419) 874-8900 or visit www.river-house-arts.com.

Tags: Erin Endicott, Jeanne Butler, Jennifer Maestre, John Paul Morabito, Lia Coo, Paula Baldonik, River House Arts, Sandra Jane Heard, Stephanie Metz, Susan Iverson

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 11th, 2011 at 3:29 pm and is filed under Exhibits, Star.
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