Every Stitch Tells a Story: Textile Art Exhibit Opens at The Gallery at Hillcrest
The Gallery at Hillcrest's newest exhibit, "TALKING TEXTILES II," showcases portraits created with fabric, thread and personal inspiration from artists of all ages.
"TALKING TEXTILES II" opened Friday at The Gallery at Hillcrest, drawing visitors to an exhibition of textile portraits that celebrate personal stories, cultural heritage and artistic expression. During the opening reception, guests toured the gallery and met several of the featured artists.
Described by curator Gary V. Lett as an “Intergenerational Conversation Art Show,” developed in connection with the African American Museum of Beginnings, this extravaganza of evocative, colorful, and inventive works appeals to the senses in a truly unique way.
"Quilting gone wild" might be one way to describe the portraits of men, women and children that adorn the gallery walls. Each work is layered with complex textures, colors and a myriad of fabrics and decorative stitchery to create the final portraits.
In addition to instructor and artist Lett, 13 artists spanning multiple generations contributed work to the show. The exhibition debuted at the dA Museum for the Arts in Pomona.
Each artist depicted a real person who made a deep impression on their lives, from famous people, such as Angela Davis, Kamala Harris and Malcom X, to ancestors and family members. The choices of fabrics, accessories and patterns, and the stitchery techniques employed in producing these works span an amazing range.
Several of the artists who attended the reception, including Lisha K. Lett, Annie Toliver, Fran Rudolph, Jeannetta Hunter, and Victoria Rasshan, spoke about their inspirations and the process of creating these works in celebration of their cultural heritage and artistic expression.
Read More About the Artists
Support Local Artists by Visiting The Gallery at Hillcrest
The Gallery at Hillcrest is open daily 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. "TALKING TEXTILES II" is free to view and open to the public through Sept. 25.
Donations to support The Gallery at Hillcrest may be made through Hillcrest, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Dale LaCasella is a retired attorney, sculptor and writer who lives in the Hillcrest community. She is the artist behind Two Cat Studio and the publisher of Two Cat Media.
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