Don’t you just love it when you meet an old friend and catch up on their adventures? Especially those friends who never cease to amaze you with their talents. You know, “those people”, the ones who make you feel as if you have been in a state of suspended animation while they have been creating like a whirling dervish?   Well, say, “Welcome back”, to a whole group of creative “dervishes”- the Art Quilt Group known as “Journey's”.  

We loved their inspiring show last year here at Sisters Art Works entitled, “Conversations in Fabric”.  Well, the conversation continues this year with their new show, “Elements of Nature in Cloth”.  Wait till you see what they have been up to! The show will be on display at the Sisters Art Works Entry Gallery, 204 W. Adams, in Sisters, from January 4 through February 28. An artist reception is planned for January 22 from 4:30PM to 6PM.   

“Journey’s” is a group of 12 like-minded women who have a passion for creating with fabric and fiber.  They meet monthly to encourage and inspire each other’s creativity while they explore new techniques and processes.  Some of their work has been inspired by classes they have taken together (if they see someone’s work they admire they are not above contacting them directly and setting up their own private sessions)  and  some by the new techniques with which they experimenting.

The group includes an impressive list of master quilters:  Betty Gientke, Charlene Kenny, Donna Cherry, Donna Rice, Jean Wells Keenan, Joanne Myers, Mary Ann Lisk, Mary Stiewig, Robin Ryan, Ruth Ingham, Tonye Belinda Phillips,  and Sue McMahan.

This year’s featured quilter and fabric artist is Donna Rice.  Donna has a long history working with fiber. Donna had sewn her own clothing and home decor but did not start quilting until 1990.  She says, “Both my grandmother and my mother had a great influence during my childhood.  Encouraging knitting, sewing and appreciation of all hand and machine work.”    

In 1997 she became a professional long arm quilter with her business partner, Robin Ryan.  Donna has made many award winning quilts, including Best of Theme at Pacific International Quilt Show in Santa Clara, California, “Earth, Our Common Thread” .  

Donna says, “I enjoy the experience of experimenting with different techniques, art mediums and embellishments.” Featured  in the show will be some of her pieces in which the Elements of Nature play a central role, including: “Gerbera”, an abstract creation based on a fractal image; “Central Oregon Wind”, a creation featuring Oregon’s dusty wind twisters; and an abstract piece, “Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water”.  

Another “Journey’s” member, Betty Gientke, was inspired by the theme and will include her piece, “Morning Glory Faded Glory”.  This was inspired by Yellowstone’s Morning Glory Pool.  The once “Morning Glory blue” pool has faded to a more greenish blue as a result of pollution.  It is still beautiful but is different from when it was named, “Convolutus”, latin for Morning Glory, in 1883.

Inspired by the hot pools, geysers and mud pots of New Zealand, Journey’s member, Ruth Ingham has made fabric speak in her interpretation of the Rotura Mud Pits.  A Black Butte Ranch resident, Ruth has a personal familiarity with fire which she has translated into her piece, “Fire”. 

Charlene Kenny created a contemporary wall quilt inspired by a piece of fabric she hand painted a year ago.  A brave artist, when faced with a series of curves she had added to the piece that just weren’t working like she wanted, she stood back and said, “Cut it up!”.  Her fearless actions created, “Mystical Wind”, a contrast in light and dark fabrics including hand dyed, velvets and batiks.  Hand stitching and couched ribbon add to the design which is lightly quilted with gold thread.  

Jean Wells Keenan continues her personal fiber journey by interpreting the Oregon landscape in abstract images and rich color.  Her contribution to the show includes her pieces, “Stone 1” and “Stone III”. These utilize hand dyed fabrics- a departure for Jean from solid colors.  Jean teaches quilt design exploration workshops and has written a book, “Intuitive Color and Design-Adventures in Art Quilting”. (Rumor has it that the group would have preferred, “Journey’s In Art Quilting”.)

Joanne Myers, chosen as the “Most Inspirational Instructor” as the 2010 Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, has a long history of quilting to draw upon. She will have several pieces in the show including, “Camp Sherman River”, inspired by walks with her grandchildren and enjoying the elements of nature.

Mary Ann Lisk and Robin Ryan have both expanded their use of new techniques including monoprinting.  Mary Ann’s piece, “Silken Leaves”, includes printed leaves on silk, embellished with decorative stitching.  Her piece, “Vibrant Fields”, uses intricate detail and waves of color.  Robin’s monoprints are incorporated into her piece titled, “Pathways”.  She included her experimentation with photography and silk organza to create, “From The Earth”.

“Playing with Fire” is a stunning wall hanging created by another Journey’s member, Mary Stiewig.  She created a red and black curved block which is piped with contrasting colors.  Her other untitled contribution features a landscape with flowers, trees, water and sky set on point and detailed with unusual embellishments that create a unique and restful scene.  

Come prepared for a rich and enlightening conversation with old friends who have been whirling, whirling, whirling and creating the most amazing collection of beautiful new work. HOME PAGE>>>