Women are no strangers to the history of sewing in art, and this show of 11 nationally acclaimed female artists acknowledges that history. However, the different approaches to thread as a medium range from the traditional to the experimental, producing a compelling exhibition. Janet Henry’s toy dolls or “tchotchkes” use thread to hold the photographic and plastic elements together. Other artists like Emily Barletta sew directly onto paper; her red thread compositions create textures and motion in order to “filter pain out of my body through my hands.” Gina Phillips’ installation, “Life Lasagna,” occupies an entire room with faces, eagles, teeth and abstract forms packed with fabric layers and machine-sewn thread, based on imagery from her rural Kentucky upbringing. The variety of works also includes quilts, 3-D diorama-style pieces and sculptural forms made from industrial wool. Art/Sewn hangs at the Asheville Museum of Art through Jan. 6. Admission is $8 for non-members, free on the first Wednesday of each month. http://www.ashevilleart.org
Thanks for reading through to the end…
We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.
We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.