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Fibrocosm

Gallery Exhibition

An Exhibition and Sale of Original Works of Textile Art by Artists with Developmental Disabilities at San Francisco’s Creativity Explored

October 9 through November 19, 2008
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 9, 2008, 7:00 to 9:00 pm

SAN FRANCISCO…This fall, Creativity Explored’s studio artists get hooked on fiber with the opening of a new exhibition of original works of textile art called “Fibrocosm”. From abstract embroidery to painted silk wall hangings, “Fibrocosm” is a vivid testament to the pliable possibilities of fiber. The exhibition opens with a reception featuring live music on Thursday, October 9 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and continues through November 19. All artwork may be purchased at the Creativity Explored Gallery, open Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Thursday until 7:00 pm and Saturday from 1:00 to 6:00 pm.

The vibrant world of textile art springs to life as Creativity Explored artists go beyond the wearable, and celebrate the teeming possibilities of deceptively familiar fiber.

Many of the artists who will be showing pieces in this exhibition are regulars at Creativity Explored’s smaller, second studio in Potrero Hill, where artists with more severe disabilities or a combination of physical and developmental disabilities work. “A lot of these artists are trying textiles for the first time,” says curator and instructor Nicole Selçuk. “But working with fiber is such a tactile, sensory experience. Just digging through a bag of fabric feels so wonderful. They really got into it.”

The popularity of the project has been such that a spontaneous Monday Men’s Sewing Circle is now a highly anticipated part of the week at the studio. Sewing circle members Tony Gomez and Melvin Geisenhofer collaborated on a large-scale modular wall hanging comprised of a number of yarn-wrapped squares that can be arranged and rearranged according to taste. Gomez has also been exploring embroidery and has created several abstract pieces that defy the boundaries of the hoop. Geisenhofer also contributes a large-scale sculptural assemblage that incorporates woven wicker, dried flowers and skeins of yarn.

Another member of the circle, Thomas Pringle, worked for months on an elaborate piece called the Egyptian Collar. The wearable, golden collar is adorned with scores of handmade coils of yarn. Accompanying the piece is a set of care instructions that warn of a possible curse on the collar. Buyer beware.

Several artists are exhibiting quilts including one by Thanh Diep that explores the connection between intimacy and bed covers. Edana Contreras also contributes a hand-dyed quilt that depicts a scene from her original comic book about the adventures of super hero Earl Grey. On the quilt, Earl Grey is foiling a robbery at a tea shop.

Other works include a detailed fabric collage of the French provinces by Eric Boysaw, a tapestry weaving of handprints by Gordon Shepard, several dyed silk pieces by Allura Fong and Warren Jee and a stitched, abstract wall hanging by Laron Bickerstaff entitled “Street.”

Calendar Listing

Fibrocosm

GROUP EXHIBITION AND OPENING: An Exhibition and Sale of Original Works of Textile Art by Artists with Developmental Disabilities at San Francisco’s Creativity Explored

When

• Opening Reception – Thursday, October 9, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
• Exhibit Dates and Times – October 9 through November 19, 2008, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Thursday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Where

Creativity Explored Gallery, 3245 Sixteenth St. at Guerrero, San Francisco

Information

(415) 863-2108
www.creativityexplored.org

Cost

FREE

Creativity Explored is a nonprofit visual arts center where artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit, and sell art.

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Press Contacts

Nina Sazevich: (415) 752-2483
Amy Taub: (415) 863-2108

# Posted on September 8, 2008