April 23, 2024

On display: Art and Fiber Club as October gallery feature

Arts and Fiber Club currently on display at Creston Restored Depot

By SARAH SCULL
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An art quilt made by Cinda Long and Pat Cain features members of the Art and Fiber Club. From left are Val Russell, Leisa Beheny, Sharon Wasteny, Barb Hudson, Pat Cain, Diane Clayton, Deb Mathes, Joyce Franklin, Karen Seley, Cinda Long, Cindy Cameron and Diane Ide. (CNA photo)

This month, a collection of wall hangings by a local group of women – self-dubbed the Art and Fiber Club – appears to be quilts at first glance, but a careful examination of the submissions reveals meticulous needlework, hand-dyed fabric, creative composition, mixed-media and even photographs of some familiar faces and places.

Circle of friends

The Art and Fiber Club started in 2004, when a group of experienced quilters and textile artists, who are friends, started meeting in their homes to share their work and the latest techniques they have learned, with each other. Members include Diane Clayton, Diane Ide, Cindy Cameron, Barb Hudson, Karen Seley, Deb Mathes, Leisa Breheny, Joyce Franklin, Val Russell, Pat Cain, Cinda Long and Sharon Wasteny.

“When one of us learns a new tip or trade then we share it with each other,” said Hudson.

Challenges

The friends don’t just use the gathering as an excuse to socialize, but to also challenge themselves to learn new things and become better at their craft. Every so often, a group member will come up with a way to challenge the others, such as asking them to recreate one pattern with limited or certain colors and supplies. One challenge quilt on display – “the round robin” – involved adding on to the work of another until all members of the group added to the project. Hudson said not all members could participate, but the work of four women is shown.

“You started with a 12-inch block in the middle and then you passed it on to the next person. You didn’t know who the next person was going to be and you didn’t know what the next rule was going to be,” said Hudson.

The Arts and Fiber Club is a private group, however, individuals interested in learning the techniques seen at the gallery can view a list of classes at Pieceworks Quilt Shop in Winterset, which is owned by Joyce Franklin of Creston, a member of the Art and Fiber Club.

First Friday

The traditional “First Friday” artist reception for the month of October has been rescheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11. at the Creston:Arts Gallery located inside the Creston Restored Depot, 116. W. Adams St.