That's true even though it is snowing a bit this morning as I write this. Oh well... it WILL warm up soon! It does make for great weather to snuggle up with a good book. I am currently reading, The Fabric of Civilization: How textiles Made the World by Virginia Postrel. In an interview with the NY Times, Postrel said that it took longer for a Viking ship's sails to be made than the boat itself! These are things that we just don't think about in our world of easy access to Fast Fashion and material.
In that same vein, my research led me to Clare Hunter's website, Sewing Matters "where you can read about, explore and discover the social, emotional and political significance of needlework. I just had to order her book, Threads of Life A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle. The book doesn't have any images but Hunter's website has pictures that correspond to the chapters in her book. After reading the chapter, Connections, I went to her site and found images of the fabric tokens from the Foundling Museum in London. Take a minute to read about the Museum's emotional Threads of Feeling exhibit and the role textiles played in a foundling's life. The world is full of interesting stories- visit your library today and find one! Cheers
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Years ago I started a make and take paper snowflake party for the December Artwalk. Once again I am inviting folks to fold, snip and unfold paper snowflakes during this Thursday's Artwalk from 5-8pm. This year I am asking people to write a holiday wish on one of their snowflakes which I will then place in my windows. I am hoping for a flurry of good wishes for passersby to take some good cheer and encouragement from! We all need it these days! Thursday's event will have tables set up with plenty of space to social distance. Please wear a mask for everyone's safety. It's free and family friendly. If you can't make Thursday's event, I have taped a bag on my front door so you can put your snowflake wishes in anytime this month. Not feeling crafty? I even have a bag with pre-cut snowflakes that you can use. Thanks to everyone who responsibly came out last night and supported the Cheyenne Artwalk. Dave and I had a great time reconnecting with Sandy Bordson. She is a dear friend and a talented jewelry designer. I own several of her pieces but I needed one more! Last night I purchased her Crazy Love earrings. I'm wearing them today because it's Happy Kindness Day and the world needs more of that! Do something nice today!
Rawhide and silver! Dave Rowswell and Sandy Bordson, two artists with two different approaches to jewelry. Dave and Sandy will be displaying and selling their jewelry at Blue Door Arts this Thursday from 5-8pm. Join them for fun and fabulous jewelry.
“Crazy Stitch In” Blue Door Arts 1608 Capitol Ave Cheyenne Artwalk September 10th 5-8pm. “Crazy” is a nineteen inch wide by seventy foot long instillation taking its design inspiration from the wildly popular, intricately decorated, Crazy Quilts, of 1800’s America. The piece is composed of layers of thrift store clothes from the top 36 exporters to the United States . Designed to spark conversations about “Fast Fashion” and its cost to textile workers and the environment, “Crazy”is a collaborative project involving participants in the “Slow Craft” of embroidery and the social aspects of a traditional quilting bee. To date I have done embroidery collaborations with children and adults in private and public settings from Cheyenne to Istanbul. Join in on this informal Socially distanced, No experience necessary Fun evening! If you clicked the "Exhibits" tab you will have read that my gallery partner, Terry Kreuzer had to let go of her space due to the stresses of the Corona virus and its far reaching effects. I wish Terry the best in whatever she pursues next! I made the decision to keep the "Blue Door" open in hopes that I will soon be able to actually open that door to the public! I rearranged the space to accommodate a larger, up front working space for me, a multi purpose space and a Guest Artist Gallery. My first gallery artist is Steve Knox. Steve and his family live in Cheyenne. He is a talented artist, teacher and all around nice guy! You might ask, "How can I see his work?" Well, if you are downtown you can peer through the gallery windows and get a good look at his wildlife paintings. If I am working, just knock and I would be glad to let you come in and see his exhibit (we can social distance easily I'm sure). Stay well friends! “Wyoming is where I live, explore, love, and draw inspiration for my art. I create my art based on experiences in life. My work reflects my time outdoors, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and sightseeing. I use those images collected in the Wyoming outdoors to piece visions together in my work.”
The word embroidery comes from the French word broderie, meaning embellishment. It is practiced across the world, with its origins stemming from China and the Near East. On March 12th from 5-8 pm I will be featuring master embroidery artisan Luanne Roberts. Luanne is has studied embroidery at the Royal School of Needlework in London and has taught classes around the country. Don't miss the opportunity to see her beautiful work and to talk to her about her handwork journey during the next Cheyenne Artwalk !
The February Artwalk is just around the corner! Join me as I feature Amy Mahaffy as my next PUMP artist! She will be demonstrating the ancient art of Chainmail.
"Chainmail was a flexible armor which was made from interlinked metal rings. ... 'Chain' meaning a series of metal rings or links fitted into one another to make a flexible ligament and 'mail' from the French word "maille" which is derived from the Latin "macula" meaning "mesh of a net". Fortunately Amy doesn't make armor! What she makes are intricate and beautiful bracelets. Stop in and see how Amy works her magic on Feb 13th from 5-8pm PS- Valentines is the next day. The Artwalk makes a great FREE date night plus you can purchase a handcrafted gift and support the local art scene. Win Win!! Did you know the Cheyenne Artwalk has been a platform for local and regional artist to show their work for ove 7 years! I agree that it is one of the "Top 20 events to attend in 2020" The other great thing is that you can enjoy this top 20 event every second Thursday of the month. So you know what that means... the Cheyenne Artwalk is this Thursday from 5-8pm. Keep reading to see who my PUMP artist will be this month... Don't miss Robin Dempsey and Pat Messer this Thursday Jan 9th from 5-8. See them at work and find out more about the High Plains Modern Art Quilt group. As always the Artwalk is FREE and FAMILY friendly.
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AuthorGeorgia Rowswell is a fiber and mixed media artist and part of the Blue Door Arts duo. Archives
March 2024
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