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This year's visit  (2 of 5)



So, this year I wanted to see if the first experience had just been an anomaly, a product of this amazing woman, Gloria, or if it would be replicated. I was not disappointed. I started right back at Fiberworks and this time feltmaker Zita Simutis was on duty. She shared her process with us, explaining step by step how she creates her feltwork scarves and shawls. She told us about Cherry Blossom Week at the Torpedo Factory, and how inspired/challenged she had been in applying the theme to her own work.

Fiberworks, Studio 14



Branching out to explore more of the first floor, I found Lisa Schumaier's whimsical, intriguing studio space which beckons you to come in to explore her creative world and chat with the artist in Studio 16.



Mom wandered off... I found her in Studio 13 with Lois Benson who was answering questions about the intricately patterned scarf she was weaving on her loom. Here she is demonstrating the process:


It's also fun to drop in at the shared studio spaces to see different styles/mediums displayed side by side. In studio 6 we found Ruth Gowell, who is a fiber and glass artist, ready to show us her latest project and explain her craft. Her colorful glass pieces (on the left) stand across from the ceramic work of her studio partner Lori Katz. Nicely presented, Ladies!


Next door, the colorful, delicate work of Mina Oka Hanig is juxtaposed with the mixed media, three-dimensional work of Tory Cowles, and the work of their guest exhibitor, Charlene Nield, who has just gone through the jury process to join this community.


The first floor also includes collective gallery spaces.


The sign reads: "By nurturing the artist, we enrich the community. The Art League develops the artist through education, exhibition, and a stimulating, supportive environment, while sharing the experience of the visual arts with the community."

In the Art League Gallery there was a thought provoking exhibit by Beverly Ryan entitled "Drone Zone", off the main space where a show of multiple artists was taking place.

Beverly Ryan's "Drone Zone"


And The Target Gallery was running their annual fundraising event featuring small works of art by regional artists (all pieces measured 10x10). This show raises money for the Gallery’s special exhibitions and programs.



Basically there is something for everyone!

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