Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Jefferson Arts Gallery (JAG) will feature artwork created with fibers in its January exhibit, entitled “Fiber-Acababra” The Magic of Fiber.
JAG invites the public to the opening of the exhibit, which will take place on Saturday, Jan. 7, from noon until 4 p.m. Exhibit openings draw together those interested in the local art scene and include refreshments along with opportunities to meet the artists and fellow art enthusiasts. “Fiber-Acababra” will display fiber art by a number of JAG members, so you'll be sure to see a variety of styles, techniques and materials used.
Fiber art may be created with natural or synthetic fibers and usually gives priority to aesthetics over practical use. Weaving is a prominent form of fiber art but, beyond that, artists may use the fiber medium for knotting, twining, knitting, plaiting, coiling, pleating, crocheting, lashing, stitching, interlacing, sewing, quilting, braiding, macrame, embroidery and the list goes on! Common types of fibers used might be cotton, linen, wool or silk, although some artists may work with other materials, such as hemp, bamboo, jute or even zucchini.
In addition to opening day for the exhibit, visitors can see this fiber art display through Wednesday, Feb. 1, during regular gallery hours, which are Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments outside of these times also are available by calling (850) 997-3311.
JAG was founded in 1998 by artists and those who appreciate art. The organization provides essential support for artistic activities and cultural events in the Jefferson County community.
JAG features a new art exhibit every month. Past shows have included the works of Jean Weiner, Lynn Priestly, Julie Boland, Sally Shovar, Ron Yrabedra, Stephen Bennett, Penny L. Anderson, Dr. Maguerite Foxon, Keith McCulloch, Donalee Pond-Koenig, Troy Spencer, Renee Lynch, Debby Brienen, Melinda Copper, Peter Murdock, Ruth Dryden-Deshaies, Linda Van Beck, Anne Hempel, Zaid Haynes, Andrew Greenwood, Strange Circus, Tadja Dragoo, Jo Shoupe, Eluster Richardson, Quia Z. Atkinson, Ann Kozeliskito, Natalia Andreeva, Pattie Maney and Mark Fletcher, to name a few.
In addition to the gallery experience, JAG offers studio space where artists can do their work among a community of creative people, and it has classroom space where classes and workshops are offered by local members and well-known artists in a variety of mediums. Currently, a clay class led by Jan Munn is being offered on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Those especially interested in working with fibers may wish to note that a workshop on spinning is planned for June with Bobbie Golden of Golden Acres Ranch.
While you're at JAG, be sure to take a look inside the gift shop, which offers affordable, original works by JAG member artists. You can follow JAG on Facebook at JeffersonArtsGallery.JAG and find more information at jeffersonsartsgallery.com.