DAFA artists present Mixed Media Mania

In an evening of hands-on art projects coordinated by Chuck Baber at the October meeting, four DAFA members shared their techniques with participants in this year’s Mixed Media Mania. Louise Schubert, April Soncrant, Denise Spillane and Beth Swider presented their four different fiber projects to members rotating from table to table at The Point.

Denise taught a Handbound Mini-Notebook, incorporating her Gelli-printing fabrics and papers; Louise taught Zipper Roses, constructed from colorful recycled zippers; Beth coached participants in designing a mailable Double Duty Doodle postcard; and April led everyone in assembling Embellished Name Badges from wood, chipboad, fabric and precut letters.

Here are a few pictures of the jam-packed evening.

Left to right: Mixed-Media Mania boss Chuck Baber models one of the new DAFA aprons, which will go on sale at the November meeting. Denise Spillane demonstrates the pamphlet stitch. Beth Swider (standing) shows Mary Lou Smith how to package the doodle postcard for mailing.

Left to right: Take-home projects for the evening included name badges, zipper roses, notebooks with Gelli-print covers, and double-use doodle postcards. Louise Schubert smiles for the camera In the midst of happy chaos. April Soncrant and Chuck Baber confer at the name badge table.

                                               

                                                                                                                                            --Carolyn Skei

Gay Young Presents Thread Paintings, Quilts

ART QUILTER GAY YOUNG demonstrated various methods of thread painting and presented a trunk show of her art quilts at DAFA’s meeting on Monday, Sept. 23. Among a number of DAFA’s members who exhibit their work widely, Gay explained ways in which she thread paints over original photos printed on cloth and sometimes uses free-motion techniques to thread paint on double layers of water-soluble stabilizer. Video projection by board member Chuck Baber enabled mini-workshop goers to watch closely as Gay demonstrated at her machine.

Left to right: Gay Young prepares to demonstrate thread painting “live” to her audience. Gay’s thread-painted butterfly. The video projection of Gay’s demo.

During the trunk show that followed, Gay showed some of her early work, followed by a variety of recent quilts that have been juried into shows and publications. Her landscape quilts, including a series of Aspen Quilts, have attracted the attention of gallery owners and show jurors in several states. Her quilt “Portland Reflection” was featured in the February 2012 issue of Quilters’ Newsletter magazine, and “Headwaters” is included in Lone Stars III: Texas Quilts Today, 1986-2011. She has been a devoted contributor to the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative.

Gay describes her “Nebula” quilt. Carol Regan and Chuck Baber perform duty as Quilt Vannas, displaying Gay’s Mesa Verde-inspired quilts. Audience members gather after the presentation to get a closer look at textures and quilting techniques.

-- Carolyn Skei

The Mind's Eye Is Live!

You have heard a lot about this special show over the past several weeks. Thanks to all the artists who submitted pieces to Let’s Make Alzheimer’s a Distant Memory: The Mind’s Eye’.

The windows make the colors of the baskets "pop." Debbie Snider puts the finishing touches on the show.

With a lot of work from many volunteers, the show was hung Sepetember 4 at the Lover's Lane United Methodist Church.   A portion of each sale will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Dallas Chapter for research and caregiver support.

A luncheon was held September 8 celebrating the artists and the opening of the show. It was a fun afternoon and chance for some of the artists to meet with members of the congregation.

The DAFA artists clean up for the luncheon. L-R Jules Rushing, Deborah Boschert, VET, Gay Young, Sherrie Tootle and Carolyn Skei.

There is still time to see the show. The exhibition runs through October 17, 2013 at the ArtReach Gallery, Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, 9200 Inwood Road at Northwest Highway in Dallas. The show can also be viewed on DAFA's website.

Sara Miller-Moe Presents Trunk Show

Art quilter and mixed-media artist Sara Miller-Moe brought a lively program and trunk show to DAFA’s regular meeting on Monday, August 26. In a presentation titled “From Stitches to Strokes” she recounted her non-stop adventures as a fiber artist in recent years, showing her audience dozens of colorful quilts, many fabrics and templates that she has designed, and a group of recent abstract collages. Curves abound in her work, and one of her refrains was, “Quilts don’t have to be square.”

Left to right: Deborah Boschert and Brenda Wyatt display one of Sara’s earliest quilts. Sara’s most recent quilt, built using a wide variety of her templates. Sarah holds up one of the painted fabrics that became part of her fabric collection.

Left to right: Flo Barry displays one of Sara's quilts built with her curved templates. Sara shows Audrey Legatowicz one of her her non-traditional pieces. A group of Sara’s collaged works on wood.

Louise Schubert led the mini-workshop in August, providing fabrics, beads, trims, guidance and inspiration as members created "Art Doll Pins." The resulting scores of colorful pins were as diverse as their makers.

Left to right: Louise Schubert helps Mary Lou Smith with fabric draping. Four of the resulting art doll pins. Louise enjoys a humorous remark.

Several mini-workshop participants display their art doll pins during the Show & Tell session.

-- Carolyn Skei

Dianne Hicks Presents Watercolors, Collages

Metroplex artist Dianne Hicks was DAFA’s guest artist on July 22, leading a mini-workshop on figurative collages and presenting her history as a watercolor and collage artist. Mini-workshop participants worked with an assortment of printed faces and Dianne’s printed papers to turn out wonderful, unique collages based on simple human shapes.

Left to right: Diane demonstrates how she shades her collages to achieve more depth; four of the many exciting collages created by mini-workshop participants; Diane chats with Sara Miller-Moe, who will present DAFA’s program in August.

During the main presentation of the evening, Dianne showed pictures of her studio in Lewisville and explained her fascination with patterns and hand-printed papers. She incorporates the patterned papers into many of her works, which range from handbound books to watercolor collages.

Left to right: Members admire Dianne’s work and shop for hand-printed papers and other goodies; detail of one of Dianne’s large hand-carved E-Z-Cut printing blocks; one of Dianne’s watercolor collages.

-- Carolyn Skei

Gelli Printing Techniques Day

DAFA members and friends filled the studio at Asel Art in Uptown Dallas on July 20 for a day of experimentation with their Gelli plates, stencils, paints and assorted papers and fabrics. DAFA member Denise Spillane coached the group in beginning techniques, showing them how she uses her Gelli plates to make monoprints, ghost prints, overprints, grunge-look prints, and many other papers and fabrics for use in her art.

Left to right: Denise Spillane displays some of her prints; Chuck Baber, who helped members place orders for their plates. is in the background. Colorful prints. Gail Sellers cleans up tools at the Asel Art sink.

While gelatin plate printing is a time-honored technique for artists, the new synthetic Gelli plates are one of the newest tools on the market for artists. DAFA has scheduled a second Gelli Printing Techniques Day for Saturday, August 17, 2013. See the DAFA website for details.

Left to right: Lynn Baskind checks the garbage for beautiful or useful cast-offs. Participants' prints, made with a variety of paints and techniques.

-- Carolyn Skei

DAFA Scholarship Winners Recognized

Two University of North Texas students each received a $500 scholarship from Dallas Area Fiber Artists at the May 28 meeting. Introduced by UNT faculty member Amie Adelman, the fibers coordinator in UNT’s College of Visual Arts and Design, Analise Minjarez and Delaney Smith took the microphone and presented their stories and fiber work to an admiring DAFA audience. Both are skilled artists, and we congratulate them on their many accomplishments!

At left, books made for an installation by Delaney Smith; Amie Adelman (center) with Delaney Smith (left) and Analise Minjarez; Analise’s assemblage featuring cyanotype and wood working.

During the mini-workshop hour on May 28, Carrie Noess told the story of her colorful and picturesque “Knot Gardens” and her studies at England’s Royal School of Needlework. Carrie’s canvasworks feature a wide variety of needlepoint techniques and experimentations with a variety of threads. She has earned certification through classes taken both at Hampton Court Palace and at the RSN’s studio in San Francisco.

Carrie Noess shows an out-of-print book about needlework knot gardens; DAFA members examine Carrie's stretched canvases; closeup of one of Carrie's knot gardens in progress.

"High Fiber Diet" Closing Reception

The Closing Reception for DAFA's Annual Show, High Fiber Diet, was a night full of inspiration, amazing work, and lots of good food. Jules Rushing's piece, Truck Quilt, was awarded Best In Show by juror Cynthia Padilla. Cynthia's rich background in textiles and design help provide thoughtful insight as to what makes a succesful piece.

Left to right: Penny Hurst, Best Felted Art winner Amber Waves of Grain; Jules Rushing, Best of Show winner Truck Quilt; Juror Cynthia Padilla and Sherrie Tootle

Fancy Fibers Farm, Quilt Country, and Creative Stitches and Gifts donated wonderful prizes for the winners. These supporters helped make it a special night. And thanks to Lu Peters, Sherrie Tootle and all the others who helped make this another successful show.

Left to right: Heather Pregger, Best Art Quilt winner, Resonance; Lu Peters, Judge's Choice winner, Dinner Jacket; Lisa Covert, Best Hand Stitching winner, Gestalt I

April Soncrant and Denise Spillane closed the evening announcing the winners from the Community Service project, Connections. Each quilt submitted to this part of the show will be donated to the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative which raises money for Alzheimer's research. DAFA has helped raise over $2,500 for AAQI.

Left to right: Cathie Mercer, Viewer's Choice winner, There Is Beauty All Around; Brenda Wyatt, C.C. Young Award winner, Connections In The Brain's Tangled Garden; Varda Main, Best Interpretation of a Theme, I Miss You Already; Community Service chair April Soncrant announces the winners.

Becky Jackson Presents “Journeys”

ART QUILTER BECKY JACKSON gave the audience a rollicking account of her creative journey from traditional quilting to art quilting at DAFA’s March 25 meeting. Becky presented a trunk show of her work, displaying quilts of all sizes and shapes, and a wide variety of techniques. She talked about taking many workshops, escaping for a year to study in New Mexico, and incorporating humor, musical inspiration and much more in her work. Becky, who is a DAFA member, also led our mini-workshop, “The Ins and Outs of Beading on Quilts.”

 

Left to right: Becky shows mini-workshop participants her beading stitches; Becky’s colorful Indian blanket quilt; Chuck Baber displays her unique musical chairs quilt as Becky explains.

Renita Kuhn Presents Her Creative Clothing

ART-TO-WEAR DESIGNER RENITA KUHN presented “From Barbie to Kimonos and Mud Cloth,” a trunk show of her exciting creative clothing, at DAFA’s meeting on Feb. 25, 2013. Guild members Vet, Michelle Knoerzer, Carol Regan, and Angie Vangalis served as models for the fashion show of colorfully collaged and brightly embellished tunics, kimonos, and vests. Renita’s designs incorporate a variety of beautiful fabrics, ranging from silks to mud cloth, and borrowing from a wide variety of ethnic traditions.

Left to right: Renita Kuhn describes her Lady of Guadalupe vest as Angie Vangalis models; Carol Regan displays a mud cloth vest; Renita shows her colorful pillows; Michelle Knoerzer models a silk kimono.

Left to right: DAFA members admire Renita’s garments up close; the appliquéd back of Renita’s Frieda Kahlo vest; beading and other adornment on another vest; DAFA president Vet models a striking pieced garment. 

Funny Bunnies Workshop

TRACI HUTTON led a light-hearted and beautifully organized workshop for DAFA on Feb. 9, coaching a class of nine participants through the construction of unique “Funny Bunnies.” Participants could choose from Traci's wonderful assortment of felts and accent fabrics and a mind-boggling collection of buttons and trims. These photos, courtesy of Denise Spillane, will give you just a taste of the fun.

The Funny Bunnies were as individual as their makers. In the second frame, Traci Hutton assists Joyce Van Dermark at the sewing machine.

Mixed Media Mania

A BIG THANK YOU to the four DAFA members who led us in a wonderful Mixed Media Mania round robin on Jan. 28. Because of Alisa Banks, Olga Brock, Sherrie Tootle, and Angie Vangalis, we all know a lot more about fabric transfers, aluminum can art, paper constructions and Zentangles. Participants went home with plenty of handmade treasures and new ideas. Thanks, too, to Chuck Baber, who organized this evening of hands-on fun for all!

Our teachers in action, left to right: Sherrie Tootle, Olga Brock, Angie Vangalis and Alisa Banks.                                                                                                                                  -- Carolyn Skei

DAFA 2012 Holiday Celebration

Members and guests celebrated the festival season on Monday, Dec. 17, at DAFA’s annual Holiday Potluck and Silent Auction at The Point. Vice president Lisa Covert and her committee pulled out all the stops, giving us an delightful event and a terrific fundraiser. The Silent Auction, which benefits DAFA scholarships, special programs, workshops, etc., pulled in record-breaking contributions. Cathie Mercer’s steampunk doll was queen of the night as the most fought-over and high-dollar auction item. Thanks to Lisa, Vet, and their committee members and to all our imaginative contributors for a party to remember!

Left to right: December diners dig into the potluck offerings. Cathie Mercer’s steampunk doll holds court. Shoppers consider their bids on such items as Jules Rushing’s hand-dyed Christmas trees.

November’s Program and Workshop

Crazy quilt aficionado Sherrill Lewis came all the way from The Bead Ranch in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in November to bring us her beads and crazy quilt trunk show. Her collection includes some mouth-watering antique crazy quilts in pristine condition, as well as her own creations – crazy-quilted clothing, wall hangings, and quilts with non-stop embellishments. Thank you to Sherrill and her husband, Gene, for the long trip on our behalf. (A new tire gave out on them before they got home in the wee hours of the morning.) Look for them at the Dallas Quilt Celebration in 2013.

Left to right: Detail of one of the antique crazy quilts. Gene and Sherrill hold up one of the prized antique quilts in their collection. One of Sherrill’s creations – a lavishly embellished wall hanging.

WEAVING MINI-WORKSHOP

DAFA member Mary Berry came bringing looms and fibers galore to our November mini-workshop, where she led participants in explorations of free-form weaving. Mary is the owner of Fancy Fibers Farm in Farmersville, a favorite home base for knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers, and fiber dyers. Thanks to Mary for making individual looms for us and for preparing so thoroughly for this new and different mini-workshop!

Left to right: Mary measures a piece of yarn for Carol Regan, as others consider choices from the wealth of fibers. Mini-workshop chair Chuck Baber watches as Mary demonstrates to the group. Patsy Davila gets help from Mary.