An Exhibit to See

Bluebird with Happiness #2 by Laura Wasilowski

Decades ago, I was encouraged to teach my very first textile class. My kind mentor, Denise Kavanagh, suggested a two-day workshop at the Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles, Illinois. Students created a kimono-like jacket similar to those I made and sold in boutiques throughout the country. Thus began my teaching career!

Bluebird with Happiness #1 by Laura Wasilowski

I no longer teach there but am exhibiting artwork at the Fine Line Kavanagh Gallery. Two of my hand embroideries, Bluebird with Happiness #1 and Bluebird with Happiness #2, are part of the Bird on the Wing exhibit that extends through August 10. I hope you can see it.

This regional arts center has classes in ceramics, jewelry and paper making, dyeing, weaving, glass blowing, and even blacksmithing. You name the art or craft, and the Fine Line has a class for it. It is also a warm and welcoming venue that nurtures artists and beginners like me!

An Exhibit to See: Ruth Funk Gallery

loisrusselmagicbusThere is still time to see a terrific exhibit at the Ruth Funk Center for Textile Arts in Melbourne FL. I recently visited this gem of a gallery on the Florida Tech campus and really enjoyed their latest exhibit Rooted, Revived, Reinvented: Basketry in America. You’ll see the history of American basketry from early indigenous pieces to contemporary fine art like this extraordinary vessel by Lois Russell called Magic Bus (2012).

Better get there soon. The exhibit ends December 14. But I see there is a bead work exhibit coming up. Wish I could see that one too!

Roots and Wings

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Natural Gardening (detail) by Laura Wasilowski

Sometimes a good person gives you an opportunity that changes your life. That’s what happened to me over 25 years ago. The director of the Fine Line Creative Arts Center, Denise,encouraged me to teach a class there. This was my first teaching job ever and started my career as a textile instructor.

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Natural Gardening by Laura Wasilowski

The Fine Line supports so many artisans. They provide a great selection of classes, inspiring art exhibits, and an atmosphere of welcome and encouragement. That’s why I’m proud to be part of the FL@40 Roots & Wings exhibit April 5 – May 11 in St. Charles IL.

My embroidery, Natural Gardening, will be on display with other works of art by past and present Fine Line faculty members. Please visit us!