The Art of Fiber and Textile February 1-21, at The Art Place Gallery in Hendersonville

The Art League hosts “The Art of Fiber and Textile” from February 1 to 21 at The Art Place gallery in Hendersonville, North Carolina. This exhibit combines innovative and traditional works crafted from diverse fiber materials, exploring the dynamic nature of textile art. An opening reception on February 1, 2-4 pm, will allow visitors to meet the featured artists and engage with their works in a personal setting.

The exhibit emphasizes fiber art’s dual nature: its historical roots and its ability to push creative boundaries. It includes contributions from members of Local Cloth, an organization known for fostering excellence in fiber arts. Local Cloth endured severe damage during Hurricane Helene, with floodwaters rising over ten feet within its space. In contrast, The Art League, which organizes the exhibition, escaped significant harm, enabling it to support Local Cloth by spotlighting its work. This collaboration symbolizes resilience and community within the arts.

Fiber Art: An Overview

Fiber art is a form of creative expression that uses fibers as a material and medium. These fibers may be natural, such as wool, silk, and jute, or synthetic, including polyester, nylon, and acrylic. Artists transform these fibers into materials like yarn, rope, paper, or felt, which serve as the basis for works that range from utilitarian objects to conceptual sculptures. Fiber art reflects an intimate connection between the maker and the material, each piece carrying stories embedded in its structure.

Works featured in the exhibition showcase techniques like felting, weaving, and embroidery. Each technique reveals its own distinct history and cultural significance. Visitors can view tapestries that tell visual narratives, quilts that marry function with design and sculptural pieces that challenge the conventions of fiber art. The exhibit also highlights mixed media works, combining fiber materials with elements like metal, wood, or paper to create multidimensional pieces.

Techniques and Types of Fiber Art

The range of fiber art techniques on display underscores the versatility of the medium:

Felting: Compressing fibers to form dense, durable structures used in textiles and sculptures.

Quilting: Layering and stitching fabrics to create intricate designs, blending practicality with artistry.

Weaving: Interlacing threads in structured patterns to produce textiles that carry visual and tactile depth.

Embroidery: Stitching decorative patterns onto fabrics, often telling stories through ornamentation.

Lace Making: Twisting and looping threads to craft delicate, openwork patterns.

Papermaking: Converting fibers into handcrafted sheets, emphasizing texture and individuality.

Mixed Media Assemblages: Integrating fiber materials with other mediums to produce works that transcend traditional boundaries.

Each of these forms represents the evolution of fiber art, from its functional origins to its role as a medium for contemporary expression.

The Stories Within the Fibers

“The Art of Fiber and Textile” invites visitors to delve into these works’ stories. Fiber art has always been deeply intertwined with culture, tradition, and personal narratives. The exhibition seeks to honor these histories while celebrating the innovation that defines modern fiber artistry. Each piece in the gallery represents hours of meticulous work, reflecting its creator’s physical engagement and conceptual thought.

Beyond the works themselves, the exhibit highlights the artists’ resilience and determination. The inclusion of Local Cloth’s pieces is particularly poignant, given the organization’s hardships in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Their contributions underscore the power of art to foster recovery and resilience, both for individuals and communities.

Supporting the Arts in Hendersonville

This exhibition is part of The Art League’s mission to promote artistic excellence and foster a thriving arts community in Hendersonville. Through exhibitions, workshops, and outreach programs, the organization seeks to make art accessible to all. By hosting “The Art of Fiber and Textile,” The Art League showcases the diversity of fiber art and provides a platform for artists to connect with the public.

The Art Place gallery, located at 2021 Asheville Highway, is the venue for the exhibition. Visitors are encouraged to explore the space and immerse themselves in the tactile and visual experiences that fiber art provides. For those unable to attend the opening reception, the exhibition remains open throughout February during regular gallery hours, offering plenty of opportunities to experience the works on display.

“The Art of Fiber and Textile” is more than an exhibition; it celebrates creativity, history, and community. It bridges the past and present, showcasing works that honor ancient traditions while embracing contemporary innovations. The exhibition invites visitors to witness the stories woven into every thread and stitch, reaffirming the enduring power of fiber art as a medium of expression.

The Art of Fiber and Textile

The Art Place Gallery

Exhibit Dates: February 1-21, 2025

Opening Reception: February 1, 2-4 pm

Gallery Hours: Wed-Sat 11-4 pm

2021 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC

ArtLeagueHVL.org • (828) 490-5639