If you live in or near Northern Virginia, you can visit the "Life's a Stitch" exhibit at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center through October 13 in the McGuire Woods Gallery. Four quilt artists show 4 different ways they use stitch and fiber sculpture to express themselves showing both humorous and serious topics.
The Workhouse is housed in the renovated campus of the former Lorton Reformatory which was set up as an agricultural work camp and housed prisoners from Washington DC beginning in 1910 through 2001. It was sold to Fairfax County (Virginia) and approved for use as a cultural arts center; it opened with this new mission in 2008.
The current exhibit features work by Holly Cole, Susan Lapham, Susan Callahan, and Linda Strowbridge. Each has their own distinctive approach to fiber art. Holy Cole uses her background in theater and costume design to create 2D and 3D pieces reflecting her love for animals, particularly endangered species. Using upcycled canvas army tarps as a foundation for her drawing and painting skills she creates amazing animal portraits and sculptures.
Susan Lapham's approach is abstract and intuitive, reflecting memories of family and fun. Some pieces are precisely pieced angular compositions while others consist of more organic and playful shapes.
Susan Callahan's pieces draw on her experience as a chef and reflect a lifetime of feeding people that are both humorous and reflective. She uses painting, printing and fabric collage in her compositions. Who knew that stove top burners could create such interesting patterns?
Linda Strowbridge's architectural approach uses abstract expressionism and collage to explore her love of old buildings. Her skillful use of line, color and shape make for unique compositions.
This is just a sampling of what you will see in the exhibit - each artist brings their own unique perspective to their work. It is an hour or more well spent, do try to see this exhibit if you are near the Virginia suburbs of Washington DC. If you have more time to spend, you can also visit the working studios of the artists who have space at the workhouse. They encompass all aspects of artistic endeavor, not just fiber art. Check out the
Workhouse Arts Center!
