I’ve recently returned from Astoria, Oregon USA where i attended the “Coastal Fiberarts 2011” exhibit reception. I’ve returned home inspired by the exhibit and the beautiful Oregon coastal views.
- “Coastal Fiberarts 2011” exhibit, Astoria, Oregon USA
This colorful and inspirational exhibit was facilitated by Cheryl Silverblatt, a fiberartist and handweaver.
- Cheryl Silverblatt, Reception Opening Address
Dr. Barbara Setsu Pickett served as the exhibit juror. Barbara serves as a professor of fiberarts at the University of Oregon, and she specializes in velvet weaving and shibori.
- Dr. Barbara Setsu Pickett, Reception Opening Address
At the exhibit reception and during the opening address, Barbara communicated her thoughts about the jury process…this is an exhibit that “illustrates a range of forms that break traditional barriers in fiber arts”…an exhibit that is uplifting to the spirit during these difficult times…
There are 51 artists represented in the exhibit. Now that i am back in my home studio, i’d like to share some of the Coastal Fiberart 2011 pieces with you…let’s wander through the Clatsop Community College Art Gallery, shall we? Oh, what have we here?
- A quilt with vibrant colors and forms…
- Reclaimed wood and an uplifting felted ball…
- Geometric shapes with sheer layers of color and illusion…
- Ropes and bells…can you hear them jingle?
- Flowers, shells, and earthly things…
- Quilted pansies that say “Hello!” as they stretch above textured leaves…
- A librarian’s weavings about the loss of the written word…
- Handwoven autumnal colors and geometries…
- Turquoise beaded shimmers…
- Jade embraced by glimmering webs…
- A quilt that says “around and around we go…where we stop, nobody really knows”…
- Woven metal spirals that reach for the sky…
Amongst the exhibit, there are some noteworthy pieces…
- Juror Award, “Best Use of Fiber”
- Felted Watercolor Lillies…
- Juror Award, “New Directions in Fiber” handwoven “Heron Mask”
- Juror Award, “Best of Show” handwoven barbershop tapestry
Let’s wander some more amongst the many interesting and beautiful pieces of artwork…Oh my…
- A rep weave vest “art to wear”…
- Asian text and natural fibers incorporated into a flowing textile…
- Many wood elements handwoven into tapestry…
- Felted fumaroles in an igneous mass…
- A pair of handwoven sandals…hey, is that sand between the toes?
And, there’s my own handwoven recycled silk textile too…a matrices of color and texture i’ve seen in hummingbirds while in flight…
- My own handwoven “Hummingbird”
I hope you enjoyed our wanderings around the exhibit. There are many more beautiful and uplifting pieces to view…so, do stop by the Clatsop Community College Art Gallery and visit the “Coastal Fiberarts 2011” exhibit in Astoria, Oregon. The exhibit will be on display until August 18, 2011.
Scharine Kirchoff, Fiber Artist 
Thanks for sharing Scharine. I really enjoyed the photos. It’s interesting to see fiber art from another part of the country.
Thanks for visiting Lynn…i agree, it’s interesting to see the differences and similarities across the regions of the U.S. I found the juror’s insightful feedback on new fiber trends very helpful. Cheers!
some of the pieces in the exhibit look like paintings. They are just beautiful.
Thank you for visiting Ryukyu Heritage Textiles website Marie. Yes, isn’t the Coastal Fiberarts 2011 exhibit wonderful?
Beautiful and inspiring fiberart exhibit-thanks for sharing Scharine. THanks for hosting our last meeting-it was wonderful.
You’re sooo welcome Lisa! Glad you could come–I liked meeting our new soon-to-be weaver!
Great photos of the exhibit, but I would have liked to know who the various artists are for each piece.
Hello Kate, I like your idea about posting the artist’s names on each piece. Unfortunately, due to the short timeframe in which i was in attendance at the exhibit reception, i was unable to document all the names of the artists. I was fortunate to meet some of the many talented fiber artists, and enjoyed viewing this wonderful exhibit! Nevertheless, in response to your suggestion, I’ve contacted the exhibit facilitator requesting names associated with the work in my photographs. As soon as i receive them, i’ll add the names. Thank you for visiting my website and for providing your suggestion. Cheers!