Exploring the World of Fibers: January 8 to 30, 2022

“Exploring the World of Fibers!” marks the recent transformation of the LexArt Weavers Guild into the Weaving & Fiber Arts Guild. To celebrate the broadening of their mission, the LexArt artists invited participation from other local and regional weaving guilds and fiber artists. The exhibition “beautifully represents the breadth, vibrancy, and innovation of this region’s fiber artists,” said juror Beth McLaughlin, Interim Director, Artistic Director, and Chief Curator of the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton. McLaughlin stated, “It was a pleasure to serve as juror for Exploring the World of Fibers and to experience the stellar submissions.”

“LexArt is turning its focus outward. We are striving to broaden and redefine community, to reach out, engage and be welcoming, to nurture, express and celebrate our collective creativity and humanity,” says Matthew Siegal, Executive Director of LexArt. “We wish to share our facility, our studios, and our beautiful, newly renovated Molly Harding Nye gallery. In support of that mission, the Weavers Guild at LexArt has opened its doors to all the new and exciting developments in the world of fiber arts, to many new friends and members, and to all the potential and opportunity that comes with fostering an inclusive and open environment.”

The Weaving & Fiber Arts Guild, co-chaired by Jodi Colella and Pat Pervane, has been a long-time part of LexArt. Historically focused on weaving, the guild is now branching into a variety of other fiber arts. Members are at various stages of their fiber arts journey and have access to a 892 square foot studio at LexArt with a mix of floor, table and tapestry looms, plus all the trimmings. While the guild has been meeting remotely during the pandemic, they look forward to being back in the studio and welcoming new members. “Our members actively participate with the rest of LexArt – collaborating with artists from other guilds, volunteering for organization-wide shows and events, and contributing items for sale in the Nye Gallery and online,” says Pervane.

“This exhibition expresses an exciting time for LexArt and the Weaving & Fiber Arts Guild,” states Colella. “The guild now engages members and workshops from all genres of fiber arts including weaving, felting, embroidery, mixed media, dyeing and more. It is a vibrant inclusive group focused on building skills and community. There is a creative curiosity among its members who are eager about learning, interacting with each other and teaching all things fiber.”