SAQA Alaska

Quarterly Meeting Report

2012-01-21T21:52:00.000-08:00

The first quarterly meeting of 2012 was held at Cat’s home on January 11. She turned her kitchen into studio space for the group. We spent several very happy hours experimenting with textile paints and making small silk screens.

Diane, Gail and Susan

It was hard to tear ourselves away for a delicious soup and salad supper, and we actually ate our dessert back in the kitchen, brushes and squeegees in hand.


Judy, rinsing emulsion from a screen

Diane, making her fist screen print of the evening


Judy getting started on a new art cloth print


Susan printing with ezscreen

Judy's experiments - this woman is very prolific!


In progress...

screen printing with thickened Procion dye

We could have worked all night! Hope we can have another 'working' meeting again sometime. Thanks to Cat for providing such a great space to create.

A reminder from Cindy Shake

2012-01-12T21:27:00.000-08:00

CALL TO ALL ARTISTS AND FIBER QUEENS!
With the deadline in a little over 3 weeks, a CHALLENGE to all my creative peeps. "Eye of the Beholder Wearable Art Show" is Friday, March 9, 2012
Open to artists of all media. Application Deadline is Friday, February 3, 2012 (STILL plenty of time for you to plan, design and enter your creation!)
And the best part…$2,000 in prize money!!

Visit the Alaska Fiber Festival web site for all the details and entry forms.

Phyllis Movius Exhibits in ‘Broad Spectrum’ Regional Juried Show

2012-01-10T20:41:00.000-08:00

"Broad Spectrum:Contemporary Quilts of Montana and Idaho" willl hang in the Ryniker Morrison Gallery at Rocky Mountain College, Billings, MT from February 17 - March 30, 2012. The show will then be on display at the Denver National Quilt Festival VII from May 3-6, 2012. Juror: Desiree Vaughn, an award winning artist living in Suttons Bay, MI.

"This SAQA regional exhibition will be the premiere opportunity for Montana and Idaho artists to show their work as a group. A broad spectrum of dynamic work from this region, created over the past 10 years, will be featured. This show will serve as a prologue to the SAQA Creative Force Show that will hang in nearby Yellowstone Art Museum from March through June 2012."

‘Big Sky Country: Heart Mountain’ by Phyllis Movius; 37" X 21 5/8”

Phyllis writes of her work: ‘Montana and Wyoming have the same kinds of broad vistas that I have grown accustomed to in Alaska--the same "big sky" and expansive landscape as in the north country. Heart Mountain, over 8000 feet above sea level, dominates the view as you drive south on Highway 120 in Wyoming. This piece was fused using hand dyed cotton and silk organza, and commercial cotton fabrics’.

Diane Melms in Road to California Quilt Show

2012-01-09T22:06:00.000-08:00

Diane Melms will have two quilts included in a special exhibit curated by Ricky Tims at Road To California Quilt Show in Ontario, California. The show titled "All That Jazz, Improvisational Quilts", runs from January 19 - 22, 2012. Other fiber artists included in that exhibit are listed here:

http://www.rickytims.com/home/47-blog-general/1747-all-that-jazz-selections-made

Quilt by Diane Melms

Maria Shell and Diane Melms in Earth, Fire and Fibre XXVII

2012-01-02T21:30:00.000-08:00

Diane Melms and Maria Shell have several works included in the Anchorage Museum's biennial Earth, Fire and Fibre XXVII Exhibit which will be on display through January 8, 2012. After closing the show will travel to Juneau and Fairbanks.

'Common Ground' by Diane Melms

'Fresh Salsa' by Diane Melms

Quarterly Meeting Coming Up!

2011-12-31T10:09:00.000-08:00

I am excited to announce that our next SAQA Alaska Region quarterly meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 11 beginning at 4pm, dinner included - details from Cat to follow next week. The reason I am excited: I will be able to attend in person because I will be in Anchorage for the Alaska State Council on the Arts Statewide Arts and Culture Conference January 12 - 14. Hope to see lots of you at our quarterly, and perhaps at the ASCA conference as well. Wishing you a creative and Happy New Year!

Christensen Exhibits New Work

2011-12-04T16:19:00.001-08:00

Susan Christensen opened her latest solo show Friday night at Mielle Gallery in Petersburg. The exhibit features over 30 dye paintings and monoprints, created over the past year. Christensen talks about her work in an interview by the local radio station here.

Susan Christensen's work on display at Mielle Gallery

Wearable Art Competition Opportunity

2011-11-19T20:04:00.001-08:00

"Eye of the Beholder Wearable Art Show"
Friday, March 9, 2012
Open to all artists, all media
Application deadline is Friday, February 3, 2012 (plenty of time to plan, design and enter your creations!
And the best part: $2,000 in prize money!

For entry form and rules go to
www.alaskafiberfestival.org

(thanks, Cindy Shake!)

Diane Melms Quilt Selected for Quilt=Art=Quilt

2011-11-08T19:50:00.000-08:00

'Intersections' by Diane Melms

Diane Melms' quilt, 'Intersections' has been selected for display in the
Quilt=Art=Quilts Exhibit at the Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center in Auburn,
New York. This exhibit opened on October 30 and will run through January 8,
2012. Congratulations, Diane!

Recap of the October Meeting

2011-10-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

Our October 20th meeting was entertaining, educational and inspiring. I attended from Southeast via 'Go-To-Meeting' on-line, and it was the next best thing to being there in person!

Cat gave a brief summary of the Rep's October conference call which focused mainly on the new ways to acquire funding from the national guild, before introducing guest presenter Rene Haag, owner of Blaine's Art in Anchorage.

Rene Haag

Rene displayed an inspirational assortment of products around the room and talked about the possibilities each offered textile artists like ourselves. Cat took photos while Rene talked and I was able to see them on my computer screen thanks to 'GO-To-Meeting' technology. Here's what Rene brought to show us:

'Tee Juice' fabric markers

Shiva oil paint sticks

Lutradur

Artist Transfer Paper

Jacuard textile paints

tote bags

quilting books

ExtravOrganza digital printing sheets

Blaine's Art offers a venue for classes in addition to its impressive array of products. The Anchorage store is located right off West Benson Avenue in Anchorage, and the website is linked above and worth a visit.

After Rene finished tantalizing us with intriguing supplies for art quiliting, Maria Shell and Cat gave a fabulous slide show presentation of Maria's collection of the SAQA auction quilts she has purchased over the years. Cat's excellent photos of both the fronts and backs of these little jewels were lots of fun to view. You can take a look at the entire collection yourself here. There is an icon on the top left of the page to view as a slide show.

Thanks to Cat for putting together such a great quarterly meeting. Hope to see lots of participation for our next meeting which will happen in mid-January, time and place to be announced.

Best wishes for a creative early winter to all of you. Cat and I are off to Art Quilt Tahoe in a couple of weeks and I will send up a post or two from that experience, my first and Cat''s 8th or 9th!

As always, if you have news you want posted here, just drop me an email - I love hearing from you! Your Co-Rep, Susan

KTNA Featured Artists - Julia and Tony Crocetto

2011-09-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

Julia March Crocetto & Tony Crocetto have been selected as co-Featured Artists by KTNA for their 16th Annual Art Auction. There will be a Preview of the artwork with Reception on Second Saturday, September 10th from 4 to 7pm at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar in Talkeetna.

'Dahlia III' by Julia March Crocetto

Julia's quilt "Dahlia III" is one of the featured works that will be on display at the Arts Hangar until the auction on September 24.
More information can be found at KTNA.org

Exhibit of New Work at Well Street Gallery, Fairbanks

2011-08-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

Ree Nancarrow, Karin Franzin, Kathie Cook, and Phyllis Movius have a group show opening at Well Street Gallery in Fairbanks on September 2. It will hang for the month of September.

'Dark Mountain Range' by Ree Nancarrow; 26"x31"

Taiwan International Quilt Exhibition 2012 - Call for Entry

2011-08-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

The Taiwan Art Quilt Society announces the Taiwan International Quilt Exhibition 2012. TIQE2012 theme is 'Moving Water and River' The exhibition will be mounted at multiple venues in Taiwan. Entry deadline is February 29, 2012. TIQE2012 Prospectus and Entry Form can be had by emailing Susan Christensen.

'Celebrating Works in Fiber' Exhibition

2011-07-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

Nelda Warkentin’s quilt, ‘Glacier Rendezvous 2’ will be on display at Artique, Ltd. Gallery, 341 G Street, Anchorage, July 15-30. Other artists with work in the ‘Celebrating Works in Fiber’ exhibition are Nancy Dobson, Karin Franzen, Polly Lewis, Diane Melms, Ree Nancarrow, Linda Schwamm and Carolyn Strand.

Nelda Warkentin’s quilt, ‘Glacier Rendezvous 2'

Pixeladies Photoshop Elements Class

2011-06-26T22:38:00.000-07:00

For the past several years, learning Photoshop Elements has been languishing unaccomplished on my things to do list. At the Visioning Conference last month, I met the solution to my problem when I took Deb Cashatt and Kris Sazaki’s introduction to PSE workshop and then signed up for their on-line beginners class.

Kris and Deb – the Pixeladies – have put together a wonderful three week course which includes well paced, information packed video lessons, concise handouts, and a weekly webinar. I went in as a complete newbie, and have emerged a confident wielder of basic Photoshop magic.

If you want to add Photoshop skills to your art making arsenal, I highly recommend Deb and Kris’s class. As quilters themselves, they focus the course on applications we can really use and understand. Their presentations are witty and fresh with follow-along examples to download so you have plenty of hands-on practice at your own pace. The Pixeladies have really opened up the endless possibilities of Photoshop Elements for me, and I can at last scratch something off my list!

Have you taken a class or workshop recently? Got a show coming up or accomplishment to share? Want to show off a great new project or technique tutorial? Drop me an email and I will get it posted here on our SAQA AK blog! Best wishes for summer creating, Susan Christensen

Visioning Conference Highlights

2011-05-22T12:28:00.000-07:00

May 19 through 21 Cat Larea, your Alaska Region Rep and Susan Christensen, your blog-mistress, were lucky enough to attend the SAQA Visioning Conference in Denver, Colorado. The international event kicked off Thursday evening with an artists speed-dating icebreaker. Artists sat at tables of 10 and had two minutes to share about themselves before a gong was sounded signaling the next artist's turn.

Everyone had been asked to bring 50 business or post cards to hand out to their speed dates. Great fun, and we all met at least 30 new artquilt friends.

Of the three excellent panel discussions, my personal favorite was entitled 'Off the Wall, Challenges and Rewards of Working Three-D' which featured artists Carolyn Crump, Jill Rumoshosky Werner, Mary Beth Bellah and Susan Else, who moderated the panel. Above is Carol Crump with her piece 'Mother and Child' (measures over 7 feet tall).

Carol Crump with one of her large masks.

Jill Rumoshosky Werner with 'Splash'. Jill is interested in words and creating a visual dictionary.

Jill with a politically charged piece 'Pork Sna-Fu' in mixed media and fiber.

Mary Beth Bellah sees her work as a conversation with her viewers. Here she is with 'Party Animal', an exterior installation involving a quilted fabric surface over a fiberglass form, coated with UV sealant to protect from the elements.

Mary Beth with 'Fast Lane Teasers', one of her fabric tea pot inspired creations.

Susan Else showing one of her first 3-D pieces, 'Early House Cat'. Humor is very important in Susan's colorful work.

Forced attendance at bingo games inspired Susan's quilted sculpture above.

Susan's life-size skeleton covered with quilted fabric was one of my favorite images.

Conference participants attended career and personal development workshops, lectures in curating and archiving quilt work, a gallery tour of SAQA exhibits in Golden, and a fabulous banquet on the closing evening among other events over the three days.

Cat and Susan are now be sharing Alaska Regional Rep duties. We hope you will give some thought to what you would like to get out of your SAQA membership and share your good ideas at our May 31, 2011 quarterly meeting.

Spring Quilt Contest at the Quilted Raven

2011-04-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

THE QUILTED RAVEN - 415 G ST. IN DOWNTOWN ANCHORAGE announces their spring quilt contest 'April Showers Bring May Flowers'.

Consider the challenge title and create your own one-of-a-kind entry, a miniature quilt no larger than 12 inches high by 10 inches wide.

Entry deadline: Tuesday, May 31st. The show begins Friday, June 3rd, when the quilts go on display for First Friday. Customers will vote on their favorite quilt until June 30th. At the end of the show, the votes will be tallied; one $50 and two $25 gift certificates will be given to the top three picks!

Call the shop for details.

Agenda Items Sought

2011-04-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, May 31st at 6:00pm at the BP Energy Center in Anchorage. Please send any ideas you would like to discuss to Cat so she can get them on the agenda. Instructions and call details for joining the meeting online will be sent out in advance. For those of you interested in testing out "GoToMeeting" with Cat in advance of the meeting, please just dropher a line or give a call. She'll be happy to arrange a practice session with anyone in advance.

Check out the SAQA Benefit Auction quilts. July 2nd is the deadline for submission of a piece to benefit SAQA. Remember, this is a small piece (about a square foot), and is a great way to showcase your creativity. Three of us to date have contributed (Cat, Susan and Gail). It's fun, easy, and you'll feel good. And the good news is I stop bugging you after July 2nd!

Cat and her husband will be teaching a short class on using Photoshop Elements as part of your creative workflow at "Across the Bay Tent & Breakfast" in August. Per its name, the location is across the bay from Homer in Kasitsna Bay.

We are always delighted to have your news to share on the SAQA Alaska blog - contact Susan for adding information!

Proposed Date for Next Regional Meeting and Assorted Opportunities

2011-04-17T20:38:00.000-07:00

The date for our next SAQA Alaska meeting (pending acceptance of the request for a room) is targeted for Tuesday, May 31st at 6:00 pm at the BP Energy Center. As before, there will be an option to join in online if you can't make it in person.

Office divider walls that are perfect for design walls are available - free; call Laura at 250-8154 or 562-0901 for further details if you are interested.

The count is growing for the SAQA Benefit Auction Quilts. You can view what has been submitted to date at the main website (http://www.saqa.com/saqa-u.php?ID=1791). There is still plenty of time for YOU to contribute a piece representative of your work - the format is small and you have total freedom regarding theme!

Remember our SAQA Alaska Blog when you have news to share about any exhibits of your work, exhibits you recommend, or any other info you'd like to get the word out on. Shoot an email to Susan Christensen to get posted here!

Skunk cabbage is appearing in Southeast - spring is here!

Julia March Crocetto Opens Exhibit of New Work: 'Elemental'

2011-03-02T19:58:00.000-08:00

“ELEMENTAL”

Sun, Earth, Air & Water
have contributed to the recent artwork
by Julia March Crocetto

Opening Reception for 'Elemental'
2nd Saturday, March 12, 2011
3pm to 5pm
Flying Squirrel Bakery Café
Mile 11, Talkeetna Spur

Artwork will be on display until April 8, 2011.
Saturday nights (and Thursday nights) are Wood-fired Pizza nights, 4-9 pm.
Mike Fisher Discount: visit the café by non-motorized means and ask for your discount.
The nearby ski trails are nicely groomed this time of year.
For more information:
Flying Squirrel Bakery Café
733-NUTS
www.flyingsquirrelcafe.com

Updates and the Iditarod Challenge

2011-02-13T15:30:00.000-08:00

Cat says the votes are in and people would prefer to wait until May for our next meeting (which will be both in person and online). In the interim, she still urge all of us to create something for the SAQA Auction.

As a warm up exercise, consider "The Iditarod Challenge"! Cindy Shake just shared a link to this quilt challenge organized by the Quilted Raven in Anchorage. The deadline is February 25, quilts must be 12" high by 10" wide, and the theme is, you guessed it, the Iditarod. Further details are at:

http://community.icontact.com/p/quiltedraven/newsletters/challenge/posts/quilters-challenge4

And thinking of challenges, what other Alaska events could inspire a theme for a quilt? Are there festivals, commemorations or other special happenings in your part of the State we could look ahead to planning a quilt challenge around?

Judy Wedemeyer Transforms Ties into Treasure for Good Cause

2011-02-08T08:19:00.000-08:00

This table runner is the first of three projects Judy Wedemeyer is creating for the Salvation Army's 4th Annual ‘Transformed Treasures’ Auction Luncheon April 16, 2011 at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel. Judy writes: “Unlike the set of four table mats I donated last year for this event, this table runner was sewn on pre-stamped foundation sheets thereby simplifying the construction process. I eliminated two of the fourteen dress ties I'd chosen at the Salvation Army to be 'transformed' because they didn't blend well enough with the dozen I used. A thin poly batting inside allows for enough definition in the machine quilting without being too fluffy. Other display options would be as a wall hanging over a wide doorway or on a narrow wall space”.

More than 100 one-of-a-kind treasures will be auctioned to the highest bidder. Here's how it works...

Everyday items are 'purchased' from donated goods found at local Salvation Army Thrift Stores with $50. worth of Salvation Army vouchers given to each participant. Through the time and talents of local artists/designers these ordinary objects will be transformed into one-of-a-kind auction pieces. This annual event leverages local creative talent and compassion in such a fun and rewarding manner, touching many lives both in the giving and receiving. The Auction Preview is free and open to the public, April 1st, 5-7 pm in the BP Energy Center.

Early February News and Updates

2011-02-06T16:14:00.000-08:00

Congratulations, Alaska SAQA Rep Cat Larrea, on your recent huge life changes and exciting travel plans!

Welcome to new member, Cindy Shake of Anchorage. Some may already know of Cindy by her remarkable metalwork, others will recognize her delightful and often raven-themed quilt patterns. Visit her website at www.cindyshakedesign.com to learn more about Cindy and her work.

Participate in the SAQA 2011 Benefit Auction. As noted in February SAQA e-Bulletin under "Deadlines and Dates", March 15th is the early bird deadline to have your piece considered for inclusion in Auction advertising. The Final Deadline is July 2 and while the other-side-of-break-up may seem a long way off, now is a good time to start sketching ideas and maybe dedicate a little corner of your design wall with some 'tickler' fabrics as a reminder. Visit the SAQA website for full details. I especially encourage those of you who have not donated a piece before to do so this year. Wouldn't it be great if Alaska could be 100% represented in the Auction? It's fun, it's challenging, and a great way to reinforce your standing as an artist or to gain some exposure if you are new to exhibiting.

SAQA Conference "Visioning" is from May 19th through the 22^nd in Denver, CO. All SAQA reps have been asked to gather input about ways to improve SAQA and better serve the members. Cat Larrea, our Alaska rep, hopes to make contact with each of you personally very soon to hear your perspectives, opinions, and requests pertaining to SAQA membership. Also please let Cat know if you plan on attending the conference, this would be a wonderful opportunity to meet!

Cheers, and please give Susan Christensen updates for our blog!

Diane Melms Exhibiting at Anchorage's Artique Gallery Feb. 4-26, 2011

2011-01-31T21:49:00.000-08:00

"Vivid Encounter" by Diane Melms will be among a group of new textile constructions being exhibited at Artique Ltd. in Anchorage February 4 - 26, with a First Friday reception on February 4 from 6pm to 8pm. Congratulations, Diane!

Last Minute Opportunity for Exhibit in Anchorage

2010-12-29T09:49:00.000-08:00

A last minute cancellation by an artist presents an opportunity for someone to be the January featured artist at the Fiddlehead Gallery, Anchorage, AK beginning January 7 at the First Friday Art Walk.
The schedule and particulars are:
• January 7 opening and reception 6-9:30pm. Work hangs in gallery for the month of January. Work is typically up on the wall on the 6th.
• Fiddlehead space description: 10' high x 15' wide wall. On 4th Avenue, downtown Anchorage.
• Information to submit: Inventory list and price list. NFS ok for some work.
• Contact Katie Sevigny 907.441.2722 cell preferred.
• Fiddlehead Gallery phone 907.258.2787

Katie owns a second larger gallery on 4th Avenue, Anchorage called Sevigny Studio. Please contact Katie if you are interested in being a future featured artist.

What are you driving?

2010-12-11T21:34:00.000-08:00

I learned to sew as an eleven year old on my mom’s Singer. As a twenty-something, my parents gave me a Kenmore which served me well for many years as I made my own clothes and eventually sewed for my children. When I was bit by the quilting bug in the late 90’s, I spent my permanent fund dividend on my first really good machine. Here in this town, serious sewers are split into two camps – Viking and Bernina. I bought a Viking because that was the brand my quilting teacher swore by. Eleven years of non-stop studio art quilting later, I wore out her free-motion ability and purchased another Viking.

It took several months of tearful frustration to get used to the differences in my new machine, but eventually we bonded and now I wouldn’t trade her for the world – for my free motion work.

I do all my piecing on the little Singer Featherweight a friend sold me when she found another Featherweight at a garage sale in Juneau and couldn’t justify keeping both.

My sewing set-up - I invested in Koala furniture several years ago and love the efficient space utilization it provides. Having both my work-horses available simultaneously is a non-negotiable necessity.
So what are YOU driving? Send me a photo of your sewing machine(s) – minimum 1mb, jpeg format – and I’ll put together a post of the favorite sewing machines of the SAQA Alaska Region.

Quarterly Meeting Recap and a Word from Your New Blog-Mistress

2010-12-02T22:54:00.000-08:00

About half a dozen of us had a good meeting on Tuesday evening. Two of us attended via the internet magic of 'Go-to-Meeting'; the others were assembled at the Energy Center.

Linda Beach, our Co-Representative, is stepping down at the end of the year. She and Cat Larrea asked that all members consider assuming the responsibility of Co-Rep. Living in Anchorage is not a requirement, and it's a great way to get to know SAQA members both regionally and nationally. Contact Cat if you are interested in the job or would like more information.

After everyone enjoyed sharing recent accomplishments and work in progress, we kicked around ideas for a regional creative project, something that would bring us together across the state. Our next meeting will probably be held in early February, 2011.

Work in progress at my studio in November

And now a word from your new Blog Mistress: When Cat and Linda announced that a new blog administrator was being sought, I was immediately interested. Living in isolated Petersburg on Mitkof Island in Southeast, starting my own blog a little less than a year ago has provided a rich way for me to connect with other artists all over the world. I want build stronger ties to my fellow AK Region SAQA members, and hope to get to know you and your work through managing our blog.

Do you have a show coming up? Are you teaching or taking a class? Have you got a new art book or technique you want to share? Have you seen a great art exhibit somewhere your travels have taken you? What’s on your design wall? Get the word out through our SAQA Alaska Region blog. Email me with your photos – maximum file size 1mb per image – and stories. I would love to post something new every week!

Quarterly Meeting Coming Right Up

2010-11-27T10:27:00.000-08:00

The SAQA Alaska Region quarterly meeting will be held Tuesday, November 30th, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Energy Center.

The Art Quilt Collection - A New Book

2010-10-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

Nelda Warkentin's quilt, "Bird of Paradise", is featured in a new book titled "The Art Quilt Collection, Designs and Inspiration from Around the World". The book, published by Sixth and Spring Books, includes an introduction by British author and lecturer Linda Seward.

Fiber Art at Gunboat Bay Lodge, Canada

2010-09-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Surface Design Association Alaskan Members, one of which is Julia March Crocetto, are currently showing their work at Fibre Works Studio and Gallery from September 18 through November 7, 2010. The exhibition pieces can be viewed at http://www.gunboatbaylodge.com/fibreworks.html .

October SAQA Mini Gallery

2010-09-09T11:08:00.001-07:00

Nelda Warkentin, Linda Beach and Susan Christensen will have work in the upcoming October SAQA Mini Gallery. The guest curator for the month, BJ Parady, has chosen the theme of "Twilight" saying "Twilight is a reflective, peaceful time - the wind dies down, the colors gray. These pieces evoke that feeling of calm to me, the time when I find my center again after a hectic day. Some are abstract, some are realistic, but all are tranquil."

Pictured here are Nelda's "Arctic Circle", Susan's "Forest Ladders" and a detail image of Linda's "Map of Shadows". This mini gallery and others of recent months can be seen on the SAQA website under Virtual Galleries on the home page.

Quilt Expo

2010-08-23T12:52:00.000-07:00

Maria Shell has had two quilts, "Albert Hofmann's Obit" and "Owsley's Owls", accepted into the sixth annual Quilt Expo at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. The expo takes place September 9-11 with more information at www.wiquiltexpo.com .

Fiber Art Part of Sandhill Crane Festival

2010-08-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

The Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival will be held on August 20 - 22 with various events, including a raffle for a quilt by Karin Franzen. "Spring Ushers In" was donated by Karin to benefit Friends of Creamers' Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge in Fairbanks. For ticket information, see www.fairnet.org . The drawing will be on Sunday, August 22 at 7:00pm and the winner need not be present.

Tongass Rainforest Festival

2010-07-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

Susan Christensen is currently busy with several projects. As she says, "I am working on several small, three-dimensional figures for the Tongass Rainforest Festival coming up September 3-12 here in Petersburg. Most of the work will incorporate fabric that I created in the fabulous lichen dye workshop presented by Karen Casselman (www.antiquequiltdating.com/Lichen_Dyes-The_New_Source_Book.html) of Nova Scotia during last years' festival. I also made a muslin figure which I

have buried out in my woods

until the week before the art show, hoping the time underground will stain and mark the muslin in wonderful ways."

For more information on the festival, see www.tongassrainforestfestival.org. The art show opening is Friday, September 3 at the Clausen Memorial Museum in Petersburg. You can follow the progess on this and Susans' other work via the link to her blog under the Members' Blogs section of this site.

Inspiration - Video of Ree Nancarrow at Work

2010-07-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

In 2007, Ree Nancarrow accepted a commission to create a fiber art piece for the Eielson Visitor Center in Denali National Park. Video of Ree at work on this commission, titled "Seasons of Denali", has been posted on the parks' website and can be seen at www.nps.gov/dena/photosmultimedia/dne.htm. This fascinating video is 7:45 minutes long and offers a glimpse of her various techniques and inspirations.

The Quilted Surface VI

2010-07-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

The Quilted Surface VI, a QSDS invitational exhibit, was on display from May 14 - July 1 at the Ross Art Museum in Delaware Ohio. This exhibit included the work of Diane Melms and 39 other fiber artists from the U.S., Canada, Japan and Israel. Pictured here is a detail of Dianes' work "Chroma Stack #6". For more information on the exhibit or QSDS see http://www.qsds.com/ and http://rossartmuseum.blogspot.com/ .

Fiber Art in Soldotna

2010-07-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

An exhibition of fiber art by Ann-Lillian Schell and Jan Wallace is currently on display through the month of July at Kobuk Kaladi coffee shop (www.kaladi.com for hours and location) in Soldotna. According to Ann-Lillian and Jan, the artist scheduled for this month canceled, resulting in a last-minute phone call requesting a replacement show at 1:00pm July 5. By 9:00am the next day, their exhibition was hung with the help of friends. Described by the artists as "eclectic", they invite everyone who will be in Soldotna in July to stop by.

Reflections of an Earlier Denali......

2010-06-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

"Reflections of an Earlier Denali - the Art of Ree Nancarrow " will open with a reception on Friday, June 4 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at the Charles Sheldon Center, Denali Education Center, Mile 230 Parks Hwy. This is an exhibition that has never before been seen in one place: the silk screen prints that Ree Nancarrow created in the late 70's and early 80's.

The Crabb family built the McKinley Village and started a legacy across the Nenana River from the National Park. Linda Crabb collected each of Ree's thoughtful prints (all made without the aid of running water!) that reflect slices of life in Denali. Mindi and Karen Crabb, Linda's daughters, have generously offered to share this unique and one-of-a-kind collection throughout the summer.

Presentations will be made at the opening reception by Ree Nancarrow and Mindi Crabb about their connection to the silk screen collection and their history in the area. The exhibition will remain on view for most of the summer.

Rasmuson Individual Artist Fellowship Awarded

2010-05-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

The Rasmuson Foundation honors and supports artists who are dedicated to serious artistic exploration and growth. Diane Melms has been awarded one of the Rasmuson Individual Artist Fellowships. This award offers financial support for artists to focus their energy and attention for a one year period on developing their creative work. Diane will be busy in her studio this year, dying fabric, exploring surface design techniques, and creating a new body of work.

Birds of a Feather.....

2010-05-01T19:39:00.001-07:00

The Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council will be presenting "Birds of a Feather & Fish Together", an exhibit of new work by Carmel Anderson and Susan Christensen. The exhibit will be at the Main Street Gallery, 330 Main Street, Ketchikan from May 7 -28 with an opening reception on Friday, May 7 from 5-7pm. Included in the exhibition will be 22 new works by Susan - whole cloth quilted paintings and monoprints done with thickened procion on cotton.

Abstractions

2010-04-30T15:22:00.000-07:00

"Glacier Study #1: Crevasse" by Nancy Dobson was juried into the Art Quilt Associations' show "Abstractions". The show is a special exhibit at the Mancuso Denver National Quilt Festival V behing held April 29 through May 2. More information can be found at http://www.theartquiltassociation.com/ .

American Quilters' Society

2010-04-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

Kathy Harte did the machine quilting on "Confusion" which was accepted into the American Quilters' Society Exhibit in Paducah, Kentucky. The quilt was created by Nancy Parmelee of Sonoma, California and inspired by the work of Escher.

More on the All Alaska Juried Exhibition......

2010-04-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

Diane Melms work, "Under the Influence", was one of 46 pieces out of 433 submitted that was juried in to the upcoming All Alaska Juried Exhibition. The exhibition will open on May 22 at the Anchorage Museum before eventually traveling throughout the state. More information can be found at http://www.anchoragemuseum.org/ .

Best of Show - All Alaska Juried Exhibition

2010-04-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

Juror Michael Darling from the Seattle Art Museum chose a piece by Maria Shell as Best of Show in the upcoming All Alaska Juried Exhibition XXXIII to be held at the Anchorage Museum. The exhibition will be on view from May 22 through October 3 in Anchorage then travel to various venues throughout the state.

Quilt Visions 2010 Artists Announced

2010-04-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

Quilt Visions 2010 "No Boundaries" artists were recently announced, including Nelda Warkentin and Linda Beach. The exhibition will be open October 24 through March 13, 2011 at the Oceanside Museum of Art, Oceanside, CA. Pictured are details from Nelda's work "Before Sunset" and Linda's "Tenacity". More information can be found at http://www.quiltvisions.org/ .

Heartstrings Award

2010-04-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

ArtQuilt Elements 2010 opened with a reception April 17 during which it was announced that Linda Beach's work "Dawn" had received the Heartstrings Award for excellence. The exhibition will be on display through May 19 at the Wayne Art Center, Wayne, PA. More information can be seen at http://www.artquiltelements.com/ .

Transformed Treasures

2010-04-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

The Salvation Army is sponsering their 3rd Annual Transformed Treasures Auction Luncheon on May 1 at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel. More than 100 one-of-a-kind treasures will be auctioned to the highest bidder including work by Judy Wedemeyer. Pictured are placemats made by Judy from ties purchased from the Salvation Army thrift store and created specifically for the auction. This event and photo were also featured in the Anchorage Daily News Sunday Life & Arts section on April 18. More information on Judys' work for the auction can be found on her blog (see the link featured on the lower right under Member Blogs).

Alaska Contemporary Art Bank

2010-04-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

The Alaska State Council on the Arts is purchasing "In the Spotlight" by Linda Beach for the Alaska Contemporary Art Bank collection. For the first time since 2001, a panel of jurors selected 17 works from artists around the state to be added to the collection.

An exhibition of the new pieces purchased for the collection is tentatively scheduled in June at the grand opening of new office space by the Alaska State Council on the Arts.

Quilt National 2011

2010-04-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

"Quilt National 2011" has announced that they are accepting entries for this upcoming 17th biennial juried exhibition of contemporary art quilts. Nelda Warkentin is one of three jurors for this prestigious exhibition that will debut at the Dairy Barn Arts Center, Athens, Ohio on May 28, 2011. Entry forms and information can be found at the Dairy Barn website www.dairybarn.org .

Anchorage Museum Gala

2010-03-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

"Salsa", a 52" x 42" quilt by Nelda Warkentin, along with work by six other artists, has been selected for the live auction at the Anchorage Museum Gala. The event will be held on Saturday, April 10, Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center, Anchorage. Tickets can be purchased by calling Arby Williams, 929-9226.

The Next Generation of Fiber Artists......

2010-03-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

Diane Melms recently completed a Fiber Art/Surface Design class with students in her after school Studio Art classes. Her students range from the 3rd grade through the 12th grade. In this seven week session they started with ten pieces of white fabric and were guided through the processes of low emersion dying, fabric painting, glue resist design, printing with stamps, monoprinting, fabric piecing, fused applique, machine stitching, hand stitching, soft sculpture and embellishment. Their completed artworks will be on display at Great Harvest Bread Co. in Anchorage through April 4. Additional images are also posted on Diane's art class website at http://web.mac.com/dianemelms/Site/Fiber_Art_Surface_Design.html .

Confluence/Influence

2010-03-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

"Confluence/Influence" is an invitational exhibit with new work and collaborations by Talkeetna artists including Julia March Crocetto at the MTS Gallery, 3142 Mountain View Drive, Anchorage. There will be an opening reception on Friday, March 19 from 5:30-7:30pm and a second First Friday reception on April 2 from 8:00-10:00pm. The exhibit will continue until April 10.

Fiber Art at Artique

2010-03-07T14:40:00.001-08:00

In conjunction with the Fiber Festival, several quilts by Nelda Warkentin are on display until March 31 at Artique, Ltd., 314 G St., Anchorage. Pictured here is "Afternoon Breeze".

The Tame and the Wild

2010-02-12T08:51:00.000-08:00

Karin Franzen will have several pieces on display at the Pacini Lubel Gallery in downtown Seattle during the month of March in an exhibition titled "The Tame and the Wild". Pictured here is "Quietus", 42"h x 33"w. The techniques used are described by Karin as follows - "It actually has four layers of sheers - the top two are hand-dyed and printed. The lower two are synthetics that add some glimmer and deepen the hues of the piece. The images are built up from recycled clothing. And I did use some oil paintsticks on it and also hand stitching with heavy cotton thread." More information on the exhibition can be found at http://www.pacinilubel.com/ .

ArtQuilt Elements 2010

2010-02-11T15:32:00.000-08:00

Linda Beach will have work in the upcoming "ArtQuilt Elements 2010" juried exhibition which will be on display from April 17 - May 19 at the Wayne Art Center, Wayne, PA. More information on the exhibition can be found at http://www.artquiltelements.com/ .

Mark This

2010-02-03T09:33:00.001-08:00

"Mark This" is an exhibition by the members of the Alaska Surface Design Association which opens with a reception on Friday, Feb. 19 from 6-8pm at the MTS Art Center, 3211 Mountain View Drive, Anchorage. Described as "a fresh perspective on line, symbol, signs, tokens, dent, landmark, score and scribe", the exhibition continues through March 12. The show will move to the Conoco Phillips Atrium for the weekend of March 13 and 14 as part of the Alaska Fiber Festival.

SAQA member Denise Gallup is co-curating the show as well as having work included that continues to explore the use of fabric/paper collage with stitching. Pictured here is "Her Topographies", a mixed media work by Denise. Julia March Crocetto also has work in the exhibition, a quilt titled "Summer".

More on 500 Art Quilts.....

2010-02-03T09:24:00.000-08:00

A second SAQA member, Nelda Warkentin, also has work included in the recently published book "500 Art Quilts". Her piece, shown here, is titled "Palmaceae".

Confluence/Influence

2010-02-02T12:56:00.000-08:00

"Confluence/Influence", a Talkeetna Artists Invitational exhibition, will be at the MTS Gallery, 3147 Mountain View Drive in Anchorage on March 19-April 10. Julia March Crocetto is curating the show which will feature the work and collaborations of approximately seven artists working in a variety of media. Julia will have several small quilted silk pieces as well as an installation on display.

Patterns of Influence: Elements of Change

2010-01-26T13:25:00.000-08:00

The Fairbanks Arts Association welcomes Ree Nancarrow as the Juror for this years' "Patterns of Influence: Elements of Change" Juried Exhibition. Ree will be presenting a lecture on her Denali quilt on Monday, Feb. 1 at 7:00pm in the Blue Room, Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts, Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks. Photo: "East Fork", 12" x 12"

500 Art Quilts

2010-01-26T13:17:00.000-08:00

Ree Nancarrow has work included in the recently published "500 Art Quilts". More information on this book can be obtained at http://www.larkbooks.com/ . Ree also has work included in a book due out this May, "1000 Artisan Textiles".

Alaska Fiber Festival Comes to Anchorage

2010-01-05T14:51:00.000-08:00

The Alaska Fiber Festival will be held in Anchorage March 5-14. Among the teachers scheduled is Carol Taylor, our newest SAQA Board Member. To find out more about the events during the festival, see their website at http://www.alaskafiberfestival.org/ .

Nelda Warkentin featured in Studios Magazine

2009-12-11T14:01:00.000-08:00

Nelda Warkentin's studios in Alaska and Maine are featured in the current (Winter) issue of Studios magazine, available at Barnes & Noble. Nelda's downtown Anchorage studio is in the living room of her condo. Her East Coast studio is in the attic of a 170 year old farm house in the mountains of western Maine. Copies of the magazine can also be found at http://www.interweavestore.com/.

From There to Here

2009-11-20T13:30:00.000-08:00

"From There to Here", an exhibition featuring nine innovative Alaskan printmakers, opens with a reception from 5:30-7:30pm, November 20 at the Trailer Art Center/MTS Gallery in Anchorage.

The work of Denise Gallup is included. She has a series of five small stage framed quilted pieces (her work in the current Earth, Fire & Fibre is actually the first in the series) using silk chiffon and tissue pattern collage, with screen printing, digital printing, drawing, hand and machine stitching.

The show runs through December 15 with the gallery open Wednesday and Saturdays at noon.

The Textile Blog Takes Note of Nelda Warkentin's Work

2009-11-08T15:30:00.001-08:00

For a discussion of Nelda Warkentin's work, visit the November 5 entry on The Textile Blog: http://thetextileblog.blogspot.com/ .

Changing Tides

2009-11-03T08:39:00.000-08:00

Fabienne Peter-Contesse is having her first solo show at Changing Tides in Juneau, December 1-13, 2009. You can meet the artist during Gallery Walk on Friday, December 4 from 4:00-9:00pm. Her work "Organic I" is pictured.

Glaciers as Inspiration

2009-11-02T10:02:00.000-08:00

"Glacial Rivers" by Ree Nancarrow received second place in "24th Parallel", a juried contemporary art show held by the Fairbanks Arts Association in October, 2009.

Continuing with the glacier theme, "Glacial Run-Off" was selected to be part of "Ascension: Exploring the Art of Denali", an exhibition of works from the Artist-in-Residence Program of Denali National Park and Preserve and the UA Museum of the North. The exhibition will be open until Jan. 31, 2010.

1000 Artisan Textiles

2009-10-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

Linda Beach will have several works included in the upcoming book "1000 Artisan Textiles" which will feature contemporary fiber art, quilts and wearables. The title from Quarry Books will be available through Amazon in May, 2010.

High Fiber

2009-10-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

Kathie Cook has been invited by the San Jose Quilt Museum to display her work in the upcoming show "High Fiber Under Five" which will be on display October 30 - November 8. The quilts pictured are from her Portals Series - Portal 4, Piazza, Doorways of Italy and Portal 5, Urban which was inspired by the Getty Museum. All of Kathie's pieces are hand pieced and hand quilted. For more information go to www.sjquiltmuseum.org .

Ascension - Exploring the Art of Denali

2009-10-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

"Ascension - Exploring the Art of Denali" is currently on display at the University of Alaska Museum of the North, Fairbanks. Works from the Artist-in-Residence Program of Denali National Park & Preserve as well as objects from the UAMN's fine arts, ethnology, and history collections to tell the story of Denali and explore the connection between the art and science of Denali. Past SAQA members who have served as an Artist-in-Residence include Ree Nancarrow, Linda Beach and Karin Franzen. For more information contact http://www.alaskageographic.org/ .

500 Art Quilts

2009-10-13T08:36:00.000-07:00

Images of two quilts by Nelda Warkentin will be included in the upcoming publication, "500 Art Quilts", due to be released by Lark Books in Spring 2010.

"In Praise of Green....and Other Colors"

2009-10-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

At the North Wall Gallery in the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar in downtown Talkeetna, the exhibition "In Praise of Green.....and Other Colors" features the work of Julia March Crocetto. According to the Denali Arts Council "watercolors merge with fibers in this show of colorful exploration. Julia has been using various surface design techniques to combine painting and fibers; resulting in abstracts, landscapes and even mobiles. Known for her wearable scarves, this show will be a departure, taking her silk paintings to a new level. Texture is a major part of the focus, with works that hang on the walls and in the air."

The exhibition will be on display from October 10 thru November 10. For further information contact http://www.denaliartscouncil.org/.

Photo: "Cranberry and Poplar", French dye on silk Habutai

Fiber Art at Artique in October

2009-09-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

"This Way and That" by Diane Melms will be among a show of paintings, quilts and pottery by Linda Lyons, Gretchen Hancock, Dan Lasser and Diane Melms at Artique (http://www.artiqueltd.com/) in Anchorage October 2 -30, with a First Friday reception on October 2 from 5-7pm.

Another New Member in Earth, Fire & Fibre

2009-09-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

Diane Melms, who recently joined SAQA, received a Jurors Award for her body of work currently on display in the Earth, Fire and Fibre exhibition at the Anchorage Museum. Her two pieces, "Concentric Squares" (34" x 34") and "Chroma Stacks" (26" x 30") are pictured. "Chroma Stacks" was purchased by the museum for their permanent collection.

More on Earth, Fire and Fibre.....

2009-09-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

Z. Denise Gallup of Girdwood, our most recent SAQA Alaska member, also has work in the upcoming Earth, Fire and Fibre exhibit opening September 4 at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center. Denise says of her work "The History" (detail shown, quilted piece-stage framed, approx. 13" x 18") "This piece is a continuation of my exploration of biology and biography. While I continue to use tissue clothing patterns as a metaphor for "life's directions", this is a new direction in materials for me."