Beyond: Tapestry Expanded Now Open at DePauw University – A Must-See Exhibition!

“Beyond: Tapestry Expanded” is now open at the Richard E. Peeler Art Center at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN! This exhibition, running until December 8, 2024, is an exploration of contemporary tapestry and textile art, pushing the boundaries of this age-old medium into new realms of creativity and expression. My work Blackity Black Blanket Ladders has been included in the exhibition.

What to Expect at the Exhibition

“Beyond: Tapestry Expanded” features a diverse range of artists who are reimagining tapestry through innovative materials, techniques, and concepts. From large-scale woven installations to mixed-media pieces that blend textiles with unexpected elements, the works in this exhibition challenge traditional notions of what tapestry can be. The show is not just about weaving threads; it’s about weaving ideas, histories, and contemporary issues into the fabric of art.

Visitors can expect to see works that explore themes such as identity, memory, social justice, and the environment. Each piece tells a unique story, inviting viewers to engage in a deeper conversation about the role of textile art in today’s world.

A Curatorial Vision Realized

“Beyond: Tapestry Expanded” would not have been possible without the vision and dedication of Erica Warren, the exhibition’s curator. Erica has spent countless hours thoughtfully curating this show, writing an insightful essay for the accompanying catalog, designing the exhibition layout, and installing the works. Her efforts have created a truly immersive experience for visitors, offering a fresh perspective on what tapestry can be. Thank you for your hard work on all of this.

The exhibition also benefited from the expertise of jurors Jade Yumang and Alexa Griffith Winton, who juried my work into the show. They have also contributed their own essays to the catalog, adding depth and context to the exhibition.

To explore these essays and learn more about all the artists and their work, you can order a copy of the catalog here.

Plan Your Visit

I encourage everyone to visit the gallery and participate in the Curatorial Talk by Erica Warren on Tuesday, September 10, at 4:30 pm Eastern. This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the curator about her vision for the exhibition, the selection process, and the themes explored in the works on display. Come experience “Beyond: Tapestry Expanded” in person at the Richard E. Peeler Art Center, located at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN.

Blackity Black Blanket, ladders and emotional baggage cart, ladders only

AUGUST EXHIBITIONS & BEYOND

OPENING THIS MONTH

American Tapestry Association’s Beyond: Tapestry Expanded

Exhibition Dates: August 1- December 15

Location: Peeler Art Center at DePauw University; 204 E. Seminary St., Greencastle IN  

CLOSING THIS MONTH

Free Your Mind @ 2024 Summer Discovery

Exhibition Dates: June 7 – August 30

Opening Reception: June 7, 5:00-9:00 pm

Location: Delaware Contemporary; 200 S Madison St, Wilmington, DE

ONGOING

Free Your Mind @ Touchstone

Dates: May 17 – September 20

Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry

Opening Reception: May 19th 2:00-4:00pm

Exhibition Dates: May 19, 2024 – September 2, 2024

Location: Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center St, Clinton, NJ

NEXT 

Touchstone Artist Residency

Dates: September 13-27

Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

Artwalk NY 2024

Date: October 21

Location: Chelsea Factory 547 West 26th Street

9th Annual SDA Exhibition in Print

Dates: October

Location: In Print

American Folklore Society Annual Conference

Dates: November 6- 9

Location: Albuquerque NM

2024 Textile Society of America Symposium:”Shifts and Strands: Rethinking the Possibilities and Potentials of Textiles”

Dates: November 12-17

Location: Zoom

June & Beyond Blog

OPENING THIS MONTH

Free Your Mind @ 2024 Summer Discovery

Exhibition Dates: June 7 – August 30

Opening Reception: June 7, 5:00-9:00 pm

Location: Delaware Contemporary; 200 S Madison St, Wilmington, DE

ONGOING

Free Your Mind @ Touchstone

Dates: May 17 – September 20

Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry

Opening Reception: May 19th 2:00-4:00pm

Exhibition Dates: May 19, 2024 – September 2, 2024

Location: Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center St, Clinton, NJ

Ponytails and Door Knocker Earring Installation

Dates: January 17-  July 17

Location: Time Equities Lobby 55 5th Avenue, New York NY

NEXT 

American Tapestry Association’s Beyond: Tapestry Expanded

Exhibition Dates: August 1- December 15

Location: Peeler Art Center at DePauw University; 204 E. Seminary St., Greencastle IN  

May & Beyond Blog

OPENING THIS MONTH

1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair with KATES-FERRI PROJECTS

Dates: May 1-4

Location: 1:54NY 601 W. 26th St. NY 10001 Booth #7

Free Your Mind @ Touchstone

Dates: May 17 – September 20

Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry

Exhibition Dates: May 19, 2024 – September 2, 2024

Location: Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center St, Clinton, NJ

ARTIST RESIDENCY

Touchstone Artist Residency

Dates: May 10-24

Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

ONGOING

Ponytails and Door Knocker Earring Installation

Dates: January 17-  July 17

Location: Time Equities Lobby 55 5th Avenue, New York NY

NEXT 

Free Your Mind @ 2024 Summer Discovery

Exhibition Dates: June 7 – August 30

Opening Reception: June 7, 5:00-9:00 pm

Location: Delaware Contemporary; 200 S Madison St, Wilmington, DE

American Tapestry Association’s Beyond: Tapestry Expanded

Exhibition Dates: August 1- December 15

Location: Peeler Art Center at DePauw University; 204 E. Seminary St., Greencastle IN  

Beyond Tapestry Expanded

I am thrilled to share some exciting news: my work, the Blackity Black Blanket Ladders, has been selected for inclusion in the American Tapestry Association’s show, Beyond Tapestry Expanded. This opportunity is truly an honor for me as a non-traditional fiber artist.

The Blackity Black Blanket Ladders are more than just pieces of art; they are a reflection of my deep exploration into implicit bias and the complexities that arise from discussions surrounding sensitive topics. Implicit bias is a shared human experience, one that I believe is essential to confront with self-awareness rather than moral judgment.

Through this body of work, I aim to provide a visceral portrayal of the relentless barrage of microaggressions and the absence of comfort they create. Each ladder adorned with zip-tie blankets symbolizes my journey to ascend beyond these microaggressions, yet the weight of these interactions often feels like an impediment to progress.

I want to emphasize that acknowledging bias is not a condemnation of character; rather, it is a call to action. Neglecting the impact of bias is shortsighted, and my art seeks to urge individuals towards self-awareness and collective action in dismantling bias.

By confronting biases head-on, we can work towards fostering a more equitable and understanding society. Through this visual narrative, I hope to inspire others to join me on this journey towards greater empathy and inclusivity.

Thank you to the American Tapestry Association for recognizing the importance of these conversations and for providing a platform for artists like myself to share our perspectives. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the dialogue through my art.

American Tapestry Association’s Beyond: Tapestry Expanded

Exhibition Dates: August 1- December 15

Location: Peeler Art Center at DePauw University; 204 E. Seminary St., Greencastle IN  

Blackity Black Blanket Ladders, 10 ‘x 5’ Recycled commercial fishing net and black 4″ zip tie blanket on antique library ladders.

February  & Beyond Blog

Artist in Residence @ Surface Design Association:  – Parallel Play  

Conference Dates:  January 27- February 3

Open Studio Jan 29 @ 2:00pm ET

Open Studio Feb 1 @ 2:00pm ET

Artist Talk Feb 3 @ 3:00pm ET

Warriors

Exhibition Dates: February 3- 25

Opening Reception: Saturday, February 3 from 5 to 8 pm.

Location: Art House Gallery: 345 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 

Weaving As Artistic Expression

Date: February 8th, 8:00pm ET

Location: Hudson Valley Mohawk Weavers Zoom

Metamorphosis: Recycled, Repurposed, Reimagined

Exhibition Dates: February 9- April 21

Opening Reception: February 9 from 5 to  7pm.

Location: Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center; 13470 Dowell Rd, Solomons, MD 

ONGOING

Ponytails and Door Knocker Earring Installation

Dates: January 17-  July 17

Location: Time Equities Lobby 55 5th Avenue, New York NY

UPCOMING

Touchstone Artist Residency

Dates: May 10-24

Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

Free Your Mind @ Touchstone

Dates: May 17 – September 20

Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry

Exhibition Dates: May 19, 2024 – September 2, 2024

Location: Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center St, Clinton, NJ

Free Your Mind @ 2024 Discover

Exhibition Dates: June 7 – August 30

Opening Reception: June 7, 5:00-9:00 pm

Location: Delaware Contemporary; 200 S Madison St, Wilmington, DE

Beyond: Tapestry Expanded

Exhibition Dates: August 1- December 15

Location: Peeler Art Center at DePauw University; 204 E. Seminary St., Greencastle IN  

Touchstone Artist Residency

Dates: September 13-27

Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

In Person Free Your Mind Artist  Talk 

Dates: September 20

Location:  Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA