Exhibit Hours: Tuesdays: 4-8 pm and Sundays: 1-3 pm
Opening Reception: Sunday, August 11th from 1-4 pm
Artist Talk: Sunday, September 8th from 1-3 pm
Closing Reception: Sunday, October 13th from 1-3 pm
Quilters: Marlene Clark, Sandra Ealy, Carolyn Campbell-Flowe, Sondra Hassan, Michelle Maat McClain, Rosalind L. Robinson, Lynora Williams
Reflections From Within is a group exhibition, curated by Marlene Clark, of works by seven local contemporary African American quilters. Quilts in this exhibit reflect very personal interests, feelings and concerns of the makers. The pieces cover all genres of quilting, including art quilts, traditional blocks, and original designs. Each quilter has her own unique quilting style and uses techniques to help the audience connect to the quilts through a shared love of textile arts.
Marlene Clark was first introduced to quilting when her sister-in-law bought a handmade quilt. Marlene immediately became intrigued by the different fabrics and had to purchase her own quilt made from her most cherished African fabric. Many years later, Marlene attempted to make her first quilt, which was before the advent of the internet and YouTube so learning quilting was a bit of a challenge. She found much respite in taking classes at a local quilt store and connecting with other women at a quilting guild, which eventually led her to form Wee Bee Quilters with eight other women. Within these groups, Marlene learned technique and found her vision and voice as a quilter.
Since 1999, New Community ArtSpace has served as a central space for curiosity, healing and connection. Through the ongoing support from New Community Church, ArtSpace has been committed to providing an affordable avenue for artists of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels to express themselves. Now in its 20th year, ArtSpace is opening up the space for new creative opportunities to emerge. Starting in September, we will begin an open studio model for artists with weaving, black and white darkroom photography, and ceramic experience to use our facilities on a regular basis.
New Community ArtSpace is located at 614 S Street, NW; 20001 – one block from the Shaw/Howard University Metro Station. For more information contact dc.artspace@gmail.com or www.artspacedc.org.