Fiber Goes Vogue Exhibit

ACE’s 2019 Annual Fiber Arts and Jewelry Exhibit challenged local artists to use images from recent Vogue magazines as a springboard to create new works. Each artist selected a unique page from Vogue – an advertisement or photo spread – interpreting its colors, textures, and styles through the lens of their chosen medium. The resulting pieces vary widely in their similarity to the original image. Viewers will have a chance to compare the two, as the Vogue image and the finished piece will be displayed side-by-side.

The La Grande Quilt Shop is sponsoring this year’s exhibit, and helped come up with the show’s Vogue theme. Quilt shop owner, Patti Anderson, and a few fellow fiber artists came up with the idea when they were looking for a way to challenge each other. “Vogue images are so outrageously artsy and full of inspiration,” said Anderson. “We were excited by the idea of creating new work based on those qualities.”

When Art Center East approached the Quilt Shop about partnering for the exhibit, Anderson instantly thought of the Vogue idea as something to build the show around.

“Because we live in a small town and are normal folks, we don’t necessarily relate to these ads,” said Anderson. Using them as a tool to develop artistic voice and expression is a way to reframe the meaning of high fashion to a rural community. “I love to watch ordinary people create extraordinary art. I think this exhibit will change the way our community sees fiber arts, and will open some eyes to what can be created by sewing, knitting, and weaving, etc.”

“This is the first time we’ve had a theme for one of our fiber arts exhibits.” said Art Center East Director, Darcy Dolge. “I think it’s a fabulous way to highlight the contemporary qualities of the fiber arts, and a really fun challenge for the community.”

Art Center East hosts an annual fiber arts exhibit in order to create a platform for this underrepresented branch of the visual arts, and to showcase local fiber artists.

“We started our annual fiber and jewelry exhibit because there are so many people in our community already practicing these art forms,” said Dolge. “We wanted to find more ways to tap into art being made locally, and to use the gallery setting to honor the artistry of people who might not have previously thought of themselves as artists.”

Fiber Goes Vogue will be on display February 1 – March 29. The public is invited to attend the opening reception on Friday, February 1 from 6-8pm.

All Art Center East exhibits and receptions are free admission.

Dates: February 1 – March 29, 2019

Opening Reception: Friday, February 1 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm