A letter to share

Even before the World of Threads Festival 2014 officially opened, the announcements for it had me dreaming of attending - in large part because two of my favorite artists, Christine Mauersberger and Judy Martin have work in it. 

Since then, I have marveled at the quality of work in the exhibitions comprising the festival. A happy dance has been done each time a communication came from World of Threads that featured Christine's or Judy's work. The latest letter features both brilliantly and I couldn't resist sharing it.

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Hello Jennifer,

We wanted to give you an update about the World of Threads Festival 2014:

The Festival opening weekend was fantastic. We had nearly 1,000 people through one venue alone on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 1. We were thrilled to have 48 of the 97 artists participating in the Festival, in attendance on the opening weekend. These artists came form across Canada, the USA, from the UK and from France. Other artists have been visiting since and more are expected before the Festival closes. 

It's not too late for you to visit. The Festival is on for a further two weeks and closes at 5:00 pm on Nov. 30, 2014. Below are some photos. We'll be posting full albums after the festival on the website.

For full info, directions, maps, hours, etc., click:  http://worldofthreadsfestival.com/exhibitions_menu.html

Regards

Dawne & Gareth

Dawne Rudman - Festival Chair & Curator

Gareth Bate - Festival Curator & Designer

Not To Know But To Go On by Judy Martin of Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada, Solo Shows and Installations, Corridor Galleries of Queen Elizabeth Park Community & Cultural Centre, Oakville.

The Red and the Black exhibition, Installation view, in The Gallery, Queen Elizabeth Park Community & Cultural Centre, Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

Timelines by Christine Mauersberger of Cleveland, Ohio, USA, displayed in The Red and the Black exhibition, in The Gallery, Queen Elizabeth Park Community & Cultural Centre, Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

Winter by Melanie Siegel of Richmond HIll, Ontario, Canada, Solo Shows and Installations, Corridor Galleries of Queen Elizabeth Park Community & Cultural Centre, Oakville.

strung out and undone exhibition, installation view, at The Gallery Space, Living Arts Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

The biennial World of Threads Festival is a showcase of local, national and international contemporary fibre and textile art. It is based in Oakville, Ontario where it began in 1994. This year we expanded into Mississauga. The Festival is organized by Dawne Rudman and Gareth Bate and attracts visitors from around the world.

Featuring 255 artworks by 97 artists from Australia, Canada, France, Hungary, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, UK and USA.

Feedback from patrons and artists has been fabulous. People are amazed at the wonderful array of work on display.  We thought it would be fun to share with you some behind-the-scenes images.

We also wanted to mention that most of the artwork in the Festival is available to purchase. If you see anything that appeals to you and which you would like to buy, please let us know and we can arrange the sale.

Check the Website for info about: 

• All Exhibitions
• Downloadable Brochure
• Maps & Directions
• Artists Lists
• Artworks
• Weekly Fibre Artist Interviews and Curator Interviews

View 2014 Exhibitions

Be sure to subscribe on the website for updates.

We hope you get to visit.  The work is amazing, you're bound to enjoy it.

World of Threads Festival
Local, National & International Contemporary Fibre Art
Website:    http://www.worldofthreadsfestival.com
Email:        dawne@worldofthreadsfestival.com
Phone:       905 844-3847

The big 3-0-0 celebration winner

You know the saying the early bird gets the worm? 

The version used at our house was this morning was

the first twin up gets to pick the winner. 

I'm thrilled to announce that Ellie drew 

Judy Martin of Judy's Journal. 

I want to say a most heartfelt Thank You to all who were interested in winning my book of tea. The number of you who threw your name into the hat...glass bowl in this case made by Ruth Gowell...represented 7 countries - France joined the list Tuesday afternoon - and has me considering another give away in January to celebrate 3 years of blogging. Anyone interested?

A quick reminder that the search for Roy G Biv continues next Thursday with green.

Just couldn't resist taking a shot of this ampersand while out with the girls yesterday. It brought to mind Fiona's post about and.

Enjoy!

Reflective

As I sit here in the studio this morning, I find myself reflecting on the week and realizing just how tired I was...physically, mentally, creatively.

Odd that. One would think that a week's vacation would have provided the needed rest. One would think. However, try a week's vacation with very active 5 year old twins and...well...need I say more?

To those who sent a note, whether via this blog, email or Facebook, on my wistfulness during the week and the trials the week included - having to act as a human straight jacket to hold Ellie still enough so she could get the last two vaccinations required to begin kindergarten in the fall with her crying and screaming like a banshee the whole time - I say a most heartfelt Thank you! for your caring, understanding, sharing, wisdom and humor. 

Now...back to art before I get all teary eyed...yeah...I'm a softy at heart, but don't tell anyone.

If you've ever perused the list of my favorite art blogs, you'll have seen Judy's Journal listed. Continually in awe of Judy's work, I found myself reading her new biography and, well...becoming even more in awe of this amazing artist. So inspiring.

Yesterday morning while getting ready to Skype with Pam, the sun was streaming through the window nearest where I'd planned to sit and causing huge reflections on the computer screen. With visions of Elizabeth's - she of be...dream...play - gloriously covered windows dancing in my mind, I hung a piece of tea rusted cotton in hopes of softening the light.

Later, with the afternoon sun streaming in the covered window, I just couldn't resist taking a shot. The studio was bathed in a rusty tea glow.

house shaped sun catcher that was a housewarming gift from Pam when we moved to Connecticut

With shadows and reflections swirling in my creative mind, I walked back into the kitchen and looked at the refrigerator. The refrigerator? you're no doubt thinking. Yep. Our stainless steel refrigerator.

Liz Davidson - this one is for you. For Liz's stunning photos of reflections on her refrigerator, click here.

Here's to a lovely, creative weekend for us all!