EXHIBITS
Aunt Marcella by Sara Joyce
Inside Outward
The Art of Sara Joyce October 30, 2019 - January 26, 2020 Sara Joyce (1923-2011) was born in California and grew up during the Great Depression, learning the virtue of thrift and the skills to be self-reliant, such as cooking and sewing, during her early years.
Sara had a life-long relationship with fabric. She was always looking at it, gathering it, touching it. She used only natural fibers—nothing synthetic—and had a particular love for Harris Tweed wool. She made everything she herself wore, as well as many of her children’s clothes, coats, and Halloween costumes. She found her inspiration in outdated Vogue pattern books, folk patterns and ethnic costumes, among other things. She always subscribed to Women’s Wear Daily (along with sixteen other publications she subscribed to!) and often tore out pictures for her journals to inspire her later, along with sketches of designs she created. “She wanted the work to elicit a response. It didn’t matter what the response was. That she had brought forth something in the viewer was her gratification.”
Roger Rowley, Director Moscow, ID June 2014 Sara also made items for their home, such as rugs, draperies and slip covers. Her daughter, Heidi, tells of seeing a photo one day. “Both my mom and I were wearing dresses she had made, sitting on a sofa covered in a slip cover made by her, that matched the hand-made draperies on the windows,” she said.
Sara was very intentional in what she designed and what she wore. No one really knows the thinking behind creating and wearing a dress with the inside seams on the outside but she did this before it became a trend to show the raw edges! She most often wore leggings under her wrap skirts and would even paint her shoes to give them a little extra punch. She worked very well with color, even going so far as to change the color of her bobbin threads for a subtle effect. This is the premier showing of Sara’s personal clothing, giving a rare glimpse into a very private side of this amazing artist’s DIY lifestyle and personal aesthetic. |
Moon Rabbits by Wendy Bannister; Best in Show
The Peace Series Larkin Van Horn December 4, 2019 - January 20, 2020 Artist's Statement: Textiles and mixed media, as art for the wall, three-dimensional structures, and extravagant jewelry, form the basis of my work. I draw my inspiration from a variety of sources: my own imagination and strong sense of drama, the colorists and abstract expressionists of the past, and the wild variety of the natural world. At times my work is a response to the grey Pacific Northwest winters; at other times it reflects the natural energy of spring and summer. A central feature of my work is texture, both visual and literal. Whether I am exploring the organic features of forest, mountain, and seashore - the waves and tide lines, wind-bent or fire-scarred trees, strata and fissures in the rocks - or the inner landscape of emotions, spirit, and self, I want my work to have as much interest for the fingertips as for the eye. Hence, the decision to work with fabric, fiber, beads, and found objects. I am drawn to the amazing variety of texture to be found in hand-dyed and hand-painted fabrics and fibers, which adds to the abstract imagery of my work. Although my inspiration comes from the great outdoors, the work itself is on a much more intimate scale, appropriate for private spaces, small nooks, and niches. |
Turkey Tracks; Maker unknown. c. 1860
Recent Acquisitions
Recently acquired donations to the Permanent Collection December 3, 2019 - February 23, 2020 A wonderful exhibit presents many of the pieces donated to the Museum's Permanent Collection in the past two years - most never previously exhibited. The exhibit is predominantly vintage and antique pieces, stitch work and clothing. |
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UPCOMING EXHIBITS
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Birds of a Fiber
Group Exhibit Curated by Jenny Walker
January 23 - March 1, 2020
Opening Reception, Saturday, January 25, 2020 3-5:00pm
Sponsored by Fine Feathered Friends Nature Store, La Conner
Reflections
Whidbey Island Surface Design
January 29 - April 26, 2020
Opening Reception. Saturday, February 8, 2020 3-5:00pm
Crochet, Yay!
ShibaGuyz: Shannon & Jason Mullett-Bowlsby
March 4 - 29, 2020
Opening Reception, Saturday, March 7, 2020 3-5:00pm
Emiko Toda-Loeb & the New Zephyrs
July 1 - October 11, 2020
Opening Reception, Wednedsay, July 1, 3-6:00pm
Group Exhibit Curated by Jenny Walker
January 23 - March 1, 2020
Opening Reception, Saturday, January 25, 2020 3-5:00pm
Sponsored by Fine Feathered Friends Nature Store, La Conner
Reflections
Whidbey Island Surface Design
January 29 - April 26, 2020
Opening Reception. Saturday, February 8, 2020 3-5:00pm
Crochet, Yay!
ShibaGuyz: Shannon & Jason Mullett-Bowlsby
March 4 - 29, 2020
Opening Reception, Saturday, March 7, 2020 3-5:00pm
Emiko Toda-Loeb & the New Zephyrs
July 1 - October 11, 2020
Opening Reception, Wednedsay, July 1, 3-6:00pm
