Cloth, baskets, containers, nets, fences, dwellings, even paper — all originated from fiber and plants. Human ingenuity has made the manipulation of plant materials even more beautiful. From May 17 to Aug. 28, 2016, the Sturt Haaga Gallery at Descanso Gardens will present “Woven,” an exhibition centered on the art of weaving.
Weaving has been used for thousands of years for both practical and decorative purposes. With an abundance of possibilities present in the plant kingdom, “Woven” will present the work of 17 artists. As with many technologies, weaving has also become a fertile field for artists. Curated by John David O’Brien, “Woven” will present artwork that illustrates, represents and celebrates the diverse vision weaving inspires.
The artists from “Woven” include: Marsia Alexander-Clarke, Melanie Ciccone, Clifford Eberly, Susan Feldman, Agustin G Garza, Jenny Hart, Nicholette Kominos, Dinh Q. Le, Kristin Leachman, Jairlyn Mason, Thinh Nguyen, Echiko Ohira, James Richards, Meriel Stern, Andrew K. Thompson, Joan Weinzettle and Pontus Willfors.
To further explore the artistic expression used through weaving, “Woven” artist Jenny Hart will teach an embroidery class, “Embroidering in Architecture,” from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, in the historic Boddy House adjacent to the gallery. Learn beginning hand embroidery techniques from this noted artist and stitch her original design inspired by Descanso Gardens. Hart has spearheaded the resurgence of interest in embroidery through artwork and her hip hop embroidery design business sublimestitching.com. Cost of the workshop is $110 for members and $120 for nonmembers, and includes supplies. Pre-registration required: (818) 949-7980.
“Woven” is funded in part by Heather and Paul Haaga and the Pasadena Art Alliance. Additional support for Sturt Haaga Gallery exhibitions is provided by Wells Fargo and Richard Carlson and Erin Maclean Culley.
Founded as a public garden in 1953, Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. Descanso Gardens is open daily (closed Christmas) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults; $6 for seniors and students with a school I.D.; $4 for children 5 to 12, and free for ages 4 and younger.
Descanso Gardens is a member-supported garden accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Join Descanso Gardens and enjoy free admission and early entry year-round. Information: (818) 949-4200 or descansogardens.org.
