This show is high in fiber
Get moving — Fiber Fest show and classes return to Newport
The Newport Visual Arts Center is getting tactile with the return of Fiber Fest — a multi-gallery showcase and hands-on workshops running through Feb. 28. The winter festival spans three exhibitions across all floors of the center and includes five opportunities for the public to learn directly from fiber artists.
An opening reception for all three exhibitions will take place from 3 to 6 pm this Friday, Jan. 16, and will include live music and light refreshments.
“For our second annual Fiber Fest, we are showcasing both local and regional talent,” said center director Chasse Davidson. “From wearable art to eco dyes, felt and thought-provoking narratives, there’s something for everyone. It’s a perfect way to get cozy during the winter and explore the comfort of fiber art throughout our three galleries.”
On the first floor in the Runyan Gallery, “Stories Fibers Tell” features work by Shirley Cunningham, Kathe Todd-Hooker and Irina Belova, highlighting how fiber can be used to tell personal and cultural stories through visual narrative.
The third-floor Upstairs Gallery will host “Felt Fusion,” a solo exhibition by master felter Tash Wesp. The show includes hats, clothing and wall hangings created using techniques such as Nuno, wet and needle felting, along with ice dyes and eco prints.
On the second floor, the Coastal Oregon Visual Artist Showcase will feature “Harvested Color: From Garden to Garment” by Randi Stevens, owner of Tidewater Creations in Waldport. The exhibit follows Stevens’ process of transforming garden-grown plants into eco-printed textiles and garments using natural dyes.
The Newport Visual Arts Center is located at 777 NW Beach Drive and is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 pm. For more information, go to coastarts.com or call 541-265-2787.
Workshops & Classes
Textile Origami
Kristine Berg • Saturday, Jan. 31
Explore fabric manipulation through hand-sewing techniques inspired by the geometry of origami.
Introduction to Eco Printing
Randi Stevens • Thursday–Friday, Feb. 12–13
Learn how to transfer the vibrant colors of leaves and flowers directly onto fabric in this two-day workshop.
Block Printing on Fabric
Cheryl Horton • Saturday, Feb. 21
Discover the ancient craft of designing, carving and printing repeating patterns onto textiles.
Painting with Wool
Tash Wesp • Tuesday, Feb. 24
An introductory class on “painting” with colored fibers to create richly textured art.
Papermaking with Plants
Rhiannon Alpers • Thursday-Friday, Feb. 27-28
Explore the process of cooking, processing and pulling handmade paper from locally harvested plants.