Message from the Curator:
Every other year, Philadelphia is recognized as the place to see exceptional contemporary fiber art from artists worldwide. The months of February and March alone one had the chance to see fiber exhibitions in many different venues all around the area.
What made this year extra special was the multi-sited international print festival, Philagrafika. Hence, it seemed natural for me to organize an exhibition that would merge the theme of text & textile. And it was certainly a great boon for all when the exhibit was invited to travel from Da Vinci Art Alliance in Philadelphia to some things looming gallery in Reading, PA!
On the prospectus I had encouraged textile artists to 'think text, grid, language, words, script, & graphics; and too, to think texture, technique, tradition, & innovation'.
As curator, my aim was to represent what's been happening in Philadelphia's own studios w/in the context of this specific challenge. Studio artists, teaching artists, student artists, professional artisans, and exquisite crafters... all inclined to find & create a link with the concept/context of text/textile were encouraged to submit work for the salon-style exhibition. The response was fantastic!
Making a living as an artist is challenging, 'the gallery scene' can be grueling and competitive, and the rhyme and reason of the 'art vs. craft' conversation is constantly changing cadence. While there are 'fingers on the pulse' of the contemporary fiber art's scene, and there is a definite renaissance of the medium, the buzz of who's who, and what's new and exciting with materials..., I want to always recognize the steady 'heartbeat' of the artists who day after day are committed to their studio work, both recognized and not.
How fitting that this exhibition would travel here:
some things looming... a fiber arts community!
Enjoy!
...many thanks to many,
K. Pannepacker
textile/visual artist
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