Uncommon Threads Exhibit

Southern Arts Society’s exhibit Uncommon Threads invites the public to experience the colors, textures and patterns of fiber art and see the incredible variety of work that fiber artists are producing today.

Eighteen artists from around the region are showing work reflecting different creative aspects and techniques working in fiber. The exhibitors include: Maura Bosbyshell, Gail Boyles, Constance Buchanan, Randy Leibowitz Dean, Anna Dlougolenskaia, Bill Dunlap, Chris Dunlap, Linda Erickson, Sue Helmken, BL Hooley, Karen Kuhl, Carol McLaughlin, Patricia Morris, Sallie Olson, Patricia Pietersen, Stephanie Ray, Sara Simpson, Beverly Sundararaman, and Jan Welborn. Several of the artisans are members of The Piedmont Fiber Guild, Carolina Handspinners, and CLT, a Charlotte area meet-up textile group, as well as Southern Arts Society.

The world of fiber art includes so many techniques: basketry, quilting, weaving, spinning, crochet, knitting, macrame… the list goes on. Artists today are working with both traditional and contemporary methods with some pieces being a combination of hand and machine. Some of the work is intricately woven on large looms that predate the Industrial era. While there are not many fiber artists left today that card and spin their wool into thread, there are still many who hand dye their materials for one of a kind works of art. Fiber artists today are blending traditional and non-traditional materials, creating both functional and decorative pieces. One artist weaves copper wire with fiber, mounting it onto driftwood. Another artist uses leaves and other natural materials to print onto fabric creating a unique wall hanging. There are large woven pieces that can be hung or used as table runners to display in the home. Also included in the show are “wearable art” pieces: shawls, vests, scarves, and hats. Much of the work in the show is available to purchase.

Uncommon Threads is open to view now through September 17, 2021 at Southern Arts Society
If you would like to see more of what goes into the textile arts, several of the artists will demonstrate on Saturday August 21 from 10 am until 2 pm at Southern Arts Society.