STEP UP GALLERY NEWS RELEASE
A new exhibit of fabric art from artists with deep ties to the greater Los Alamos community opened February 17 in Step Up Gallery at Mesa Public Library. The colorful and diverse fabric art pieces draw visitors in the door and leads them from wall-filling quilts to humorous figures of dragons only 8 inches tall. An Artist’s Reception is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, March 12 from 2 p.m. –4 p.m. The public is invited.
Five artists, well-known in our local arts community, include: Gloria Sharp, Valentina Devine and Samuel Buelow of Los Alamos, Katy Korkos of White Rock and Nicole Dunn of Albuquerque, formerly a long-time Los Alamos resident.
Gloria Sharp exhibits her batik dye paintings, bold, full of color and movement. She says the process of creation of every piece is a lot like dancing. An astute viewer can hear the music behind each and want to move with it’s rhythm.
Valentina Devine calls herself a Creative Knitter, follows no patterns, but is inspired by the shapes and colors in nature. Through dying her own yarn and using natural fabrics, Valentina’s wall hangings and “wearable art” are true, one-of-a-kind creations.
Samuel Buelow’s art defies categorization, with crocheted and felted figures and wall hangings. His newest creation, a joint project with fashion artist Sara Myers, is a wonderful, coquettish, 18-inch, Rococo-era lady called “Keep My Secret,” made of felted wool and mixed fabrics.
Katy Korkos has taken up a life-long challenge of expressing her creative attitude, beliefs and practical priorities in fabrics of all kinds. A room-full of fabric collected over decades, fuel her passion around social justice and themes that defy the often ego-centric inspiration of many artists.
Nicole Dunn focuses on art quilting, some with the practical use of a bed quilt, a California King-size bed quilt at that! Other quilts are designed solely as an art piece to display on the wall. Those pieces are exciting, innovative and carry her unique spiritual message. These inspiring fabric art pieces, many available for purchase through the artist, can be viewed until the exhibit closes on March 15.
Threads of Community in Step Up Gallery at Mesa Public Library, 2400 Central Ave., Los Alamos, can be viewed during regular library hours: Monday –Thursday 10am – 8pm; Friday 10am – 6pm and Saturday 10am – 5pm. Closed Sundays, free admission.