Explore the creative potential of the world’s earliest textile technique at Creative Space Gallery in Vergennes this week. “Never Felt Better,” a special exhibition featuring work by member artists Deb Allen and Marsha Chase (of Panton), and guest artists Kathy Giroux, Kim Goodling, Nancy Hayden, Muffy Kashkin-Grolier (of Orwell), Lynn Ocone, Susi Ryan and Linda Veilleux, opens on Friday, Feb. 23.
Even before spinning and weaving, people from the Bronze Age discovered that fibers such as wool and other animal hair could be compacted and pressed into fabric. Contemporary fiber artists continue to expand the possibilities of this versatile medium, using a variety of natural and synthetic fibers to create supple, beautiful fabrics for clothing and decorative pieces.
There will be two workshops in tandem with this exhibit. Wet felting with Nancy Hayden, an artist, writer and organic farmer from Jeffersonville, will take place on March 3 at the Creative Space Gallery. There will be a morning session for adults only and an afternoon session for adults and kids. The three hour workshops will cover the basics of wet felting. Cost: $35 for adults and $25 for kids.
The second workshop, 3-D needle felting with Susi Ryan, will be held on March 10 at the Vergennes gallery. Ryan lives in Essex Junction where she uses local wool to create fantastical figures, masks, shawls, slippers and hats. She will also hold two sessions: one for adults only and one for kids and adults. Cost and times TBD.
Stop by the gallery this Friday, for an opening reception, with free wine tasting courtesy of Vergennes Wine, from 5-8 p.m., and learn more about the art of felting. The exhibit is on view through April 8.
For information on the workshops and to pre-register, email [email protected].