Watch a video Cindy Bartosek’s Curator Talk on Contemporary Fiber in Florida 2017
Contemporary Fiber in Florida 2017
April 28 to June 17
A juried exhibition with cash prizes showcasing original artwork representing contemporary approaches to fiber art, pushing the boundaries and/or traditions in media and execution.
The exhibition is curated by Cindy Bartosek.
Wall Works: Two- and three-dimensional works
Sculptural Works: Three-dimensional works that are free-standing or suspended.
Vessel Forms/Basketry: Functional work and sculptural expressions of the vessel form.
Art to Wear: Body adornments, including clothing, accessories and jewelry.
Special thanks to the sponsors of Contemporary Fiber in Florida 2017
Jeannine Hascall
Laura Militzer Bryant of Prism Yarns
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Florida CraftArt opened the Contemporary Fiber in Florida exhibit with a weekend celebration of fiber that included a visit from beloved actress and artist Jane Seymour, lectures and workshops. It is a juried exhibition that showcases original artwork with contemporary approaches to fiber art, pushing the boundaries and/or traditions in media and execution. The exhibition features fresh interpretations of traditional types of fiber art including surface design, weaving, basketry, felting and wearable art and includes work created with nontraditional materials and innovative technologies.
The opening reception and awards ceremony was held Friday, April 28. The show was judged by Florida CraftArt’s previous executive director Diane Shelly.
Read the full press release here
Awards
Best of Show was awarded to Sarah Knouse (Lake Worth) for “Cerement,” a black, crocheted figure that seems to float in the air. Awards were presented under categories. Wall Works First Place: Marianne Williamson (Miami), “Dressed for Fall,” Second Place: Jane Jennings (Port Orange), “The Shadow Caster,” Honorable Mentions: Cindy Wilson (Elkton), “Heron over Paines Prairie,” Andrea Huffman (Weston), “Moon over the Night Sea” and Fabricio Farias (Jacksonville), “The Gospel of Willis.” 3D Sculptural First Place: Liliana Crespi (Weston), “Safe Nest” and Honorable Mention: Judy Polstra (Tamarac), “You’re Too Sensitive”
Baskets/Vessels First Place: Carole Hetzel (Tavares), “Brendan Basket #413” and Honorable Mention: Emily Stehle (Clearwater), “Rings of Purple.” Wearable Art First Place: Leeann Kroetsch (Tampa), “Silk Felted Kimono” and Honorable Mention: Susan Vazquez, “Yellow Fish in Blue Water.” Exhibition Honorable Mentions were also presented to John Mahorney (Palmetto), “Virtual Fiber,” Stephen Sidelinger (Venice), “Skull and Bones,” Karen Swing, “Summer” and Patricia Trow (St. Petersburg), “Medusa in Sight.” The Curator’s Award was presented to Kianga Jinaki (West Palm Beach), “Spirit of the Cloth.”
The statewide exhibition was curated by Cindy Bartosek a well-known artist, photographer and curator from West Palm Beach. “Fiber art has been defined as fine art that is primarily natural or synthetic fiber in content and/or executed using traditional fiber techniques such as weaving, knitting, crochet, knotting, felting,” says Mrs. Bartosek. “Its focus is on the materials and manual labor of the artist as part of the works’ significance, prioritizing aesthetics over functionality. This exhibition includes innovative work rooted in traditional fiber materials, processes and history, as well as art that explores the relationships between fiber and other creative disciplines and non-traditional materials.”
May (TBA): Collecting Fiber Art Lecture and Adult and Children’s Weaving and Basketry Workshops
June 17, 2 p.m.: Panel Discussion, “Building on the Past, Exploring the Future: Fiber art in the 21st Century.” Out of the limelight for decades, fiber art is enjoying a revival as contemporary artists explore bold new forms and re-envision traditional materials and processes. This panel discussion will explore how artists use fiber as a medium in unique and powerful ways to honor history, culture and traditions, address current social and political issues and embrace new technologies.
Closing Reception and People’s Choice Award Presentation, 4 p.m.
FIBER ART WEEKEND
Download a Fiber Art Weekend PDF Flyer
Fiber Weekend 2017 Hotel Options
Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Discover your artistic point of view with Andrea Huffman
Saturday, April 29, noon to 4 p.m.
BEGINNING TAPESTRY – Create a purse or spirit mask with Rose Young
Saturday, April 29, 5-7 p.m.
Artists’ talks and Q&A
Saturday, April 29, 7-9 p.m.
Group prix-fixe dinner ($25) and artful conversation at the Iberian Rooster Restaurant,
475 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
RSVP (727) 821-7391.
Sunday, April 30, 12:30 p.m.
Contemporary Fiber in Florida 2017 Curator’s talk by Cindy Bartosek
Sunday, April 30, 1 p.m.
Basketry Lecture by Carole Hetzel
Sunday, April 30, 2-5 p.m.
Nature prints on paper workshop with Cindy Bartosek