There were 10 attending the March 2021 zoom meeting. 

Reminder: Challenge for the show is "Tea Time" and/or "Texture"

Show & Tell - watch for emails showing a few of the items including a coat made by Shirley.

Joann showed a work in progress using Mulberry paper felting.

Elaine finished a shamrock table runner.

Judy has a piece in the art league's current show "Retro"

Catherine's been teaching, making kits and showed a contemporary kimono-style jacket. She has a newsletter at Catherineredford.com.

Yvette is working on a McKenna Ryan woodland animals baby quilt.

Next meeting (zoom) April 26 at 7 pm.

 Meeting Notes – Fiber Art Divas 2/22/21

Ten Divas met via Zoom. We’re looking forward to the day we can meet in person.

Hope everyone is working on their challenge items for the show. The theme is Tea Time and/or Texture.

Check it out: 

Heidi Boyd kits   http://heidiboyd.com/softiekits

Zen Chic modern quilt patterns (Yvette showed a beautiful piece)

Naperville Art League’s Public Art Competition show is on display. There were 57 submissions with the theme “Abstract Symphony”. Their website and Facebook lists the winners. Go to the Naperville Art League Facebook page and vote for Viewer’s Choice award. Show ends 3/19.

An amazing solo exhibit is happening now through early September at the Art Institute:  Bisa Butler’s “Portraits” fiber art. https://www.bisabutler.com  She based her art on old black & white photos and made large, colorful wall quilts that will awe and inspire.  Her website is wonderful but hope to go see them in person sometime.

Sadly, all the AQS quilt week shows are canceled for 2021.

Houston is still scheduled for late October.

Next meeting will be March 22 at 7 pm via Zoom. 

Fiber Art Divas January 2020 meeting 1/27/20

The 2020 Divas challenge theme is Texture and/or Journeys. You can do one or both. The maximum perimeter size is 96 inches. It can be 2D or 3D.

Challenge pieces will be displayed at our annual show October 6 to 17.  Of course, there’s plenty of time to make other items for the show. We may invite a guest artist or artists to be a part of our show.

Monthly meetings.  We hope to have more demos or workshops this year. Some ideas: Joan showing us what she learned at a Miniatures class. Natalie giving a workshop on folding techniques for Shibori dying. Bring ideas for programs or what you might demo to the February meeting.

Some books that were recommended:  The Intentional Thread and Embeadery.

Show and Tell included Carol’s completed Nancy Pearson applique design, Natalie’s dyed towels, new member Joanne’s felted vessels and scarves, Heidi’s long table runner, Laurie’s applique tree work-in-progress, Margaret’s next circle, Sharon’s woven pieces, Yvette’s latest modern quilts, Alice’s beaded sewing bag, and more. 

Naperville Art League is holding it’s 17^th annual Public Art Competition with cash prizes. The theme is Juxtapose. See the brochure at www.napervilleartleague.com. Deadline is March 14.

See you at the next meeting on February 24 at 7 pm at the Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery!

Nov. 2019 meeting

Fiber Art Divas meeting notes - Nov. 25, 2019

We had a good turnout at our Nov. meeting. Planning for next year included:

The annual show – next year people would like more PR, more art, and perhaps a guest exhibit along with ours (ideas included Modern Art Quilt Guild, PAQA, a well-known fiber artist) Come to the January meeting with ideas.  Show dates are planned for October 6 to 17, 2020.

Challenge for 2020.  Come to January meeting with ideas and we’ll make a decision then.

We’d like more demos or speakers at our monthly meetings. If you would like to demo something or have ideas (surface design, embellishing, transfer techniques, felting, digital cutters were a few ideas). Come with ideas you guessed it, in January.

Congrats to Carol who got Best of Show at NSQC.

Joan took an interesting workshop about micro art. She’ll bring her work in January.

Show & Tell included hand-sewn nativity, small purses, a cute bird wallhanging, and the "tell" that the Naperville Art League's holiday sale is in the Gallery until Dec. 21.

Next meeting is January 27. Annual dues of $30 will begin to be collected at that meeting. Cash only please.  NO MEETING IN DECEMBER.

Having such a great group who share common interests is something to be appreciated. 

Happy Thanksgiving friends!

Linda V.

Divas meeting Sept. 23, 2019

A few notes from our meeting held prior to the wonderful workshop on color pencil drawing on paper and fabric presented by Paula Labno-Hintz.  Thanks Paula, and thanks to Dorothy for arranging the workshop.

Our show is October 29 through Nov. 9, 2019 at the Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery, 508 N. Center St in Naperville. Hours: 10 to 4. Please spread the word. Watch your email for an electronic version of the show postcard and pass it along to all your friends and family. Talk the show up on your Facebook too. If you want paper postcards or posters to promote the show, contact Yvette  yvetho@aol.com. Quilt shops love to display the info (and you might need an excuse to go there.).

Those who have paid their dues can exhibit in the show. (Since it’s at the end of the year, you probably will be granted a discount if you sign up now. Contact Dorothy or bring your money to the 10/28 meeting.) As always, if you haven’t paid the dues, you can still come to meetings for a $3 fee.

Bring your pieces for the show to the meeting 10/28 at 7 pm. The show will be hung after the meeting.

Send Yvette the writeups on your pieces no later than 10/24 via email.  Writeups should be no more than one short paragraph. (around 50-60 words max.).

The reception will be Sunday, Nov. 3 from 2 to 4 pm. Bring some cookies/snacks and lots of friends.

Demos. Can you do one? We typically have 3 or 4 people demoing something at the reception. Let Yvette know.

Challenge. The theme is “Triangles”. That opens it up to all kinds of possibilities for your fiber art. Maximum size is 96 inches perimeter. You have a month to complete something.  You can do it!

Other items are welcome and needed. Quilts should be wallhanging size. Wearables, other 3D work, gift-type items etc. are welcome. And, items can be for sale (the art league gets 20% commission so price accordingly.)

Let’s make this show special.  Naperville Art League reports each year that it is one of their best-attended Gallery shows. Get those machines humming!

Linda V.

P.S. Fine Art of Fiber show is the next week. Opening is Friday night Nov. 7 from 6:30 to 9pm. Show is Nov. 8 to 10, from 10am to 5 pm, at the Chicago Botanic Garden. See fineartoffiber.org.

Fiber Art Divas meeting July 22, 2019

Welcome new members: Sidney, Carol & Shirley! Anyone with changes to their address, phone, email, contact Joan Bratton.

Possible upcoming colored pencil demo. Dorothy to check with the artist instructor. There would be a per person fee.

Our show opens Oct. 29. Natalie is working on postcards. It was decided to print 500. Challenge theme is “Triangles”.  Challenge items are not to exceed 96 inches perimeter. Other wall-hangings-size and 3D items are encouraged. Items may be for sale with Naperville Art League getting 20% commission on sales.

Show & Tell was wonderful, as usual. Painted fusible, a beaded cow and the rivers of Illinois, an exquisite quilt featuring broiderie perse, Catherine’s colorful butterflies, Joan’s report on trips to Sisters show and the Sacred Threads show in which her quilt appeared, trips by others including a wonderful exhibit currently at the Cedarburg Museum, fiber art in Escanaba MI and Egg Harbor WI, and more.

Remember the Stitches Midwest show Aug 1-4 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center (see stitches.events/Midwest.) Easy parking.  Free admission Sunday. Catherine Redford is teaching several classes.

Hope everyone is working on pieces for the October/November show. See earlier blogs for details. Enjoy the summer and plan on attending our August 26 meeting!

Divas:  Use the Show Entry form for the upcoming FiberArt Divas show. Complete the form and return it to Yvette Thorn by Monday 10/22.    

Drop off of art is Monday, 10/29 from 2 to 4 pm.  (If you can't make those times, please arrange to have a friend drop off your art.) 

Pick up will be at the end of the show, Nov. 10 at 4 pm.

Your items can be marked For Sale.  Naperville Art League will take 20% commission on sales so price accordingly. 

You can also bring a limited supply of small gift shop type items (your original art), DVDs, or books for sale.  We reserve the right to limit the number of pieces and cannot store extra items.

Recall we decided earlier this year to collect an annual membership fee.  That covers monthly meeting fees and entitles the member to participate in the show.  We want your art in the show and it's not too late to become a member. In fact, if you join now you pay the half-year rate of $15.  Monday 10/22 at 7 pm is our next meeting at the art league so you can pay then or at drop off.  Of course, nonmembers are always welcome to attend meetings for a guest fee of $3.

Spread the word:  Tell your friends about the show. 

Fiber Art Divas present....

"Elements of Innovation"

Opening date:  Tuesday, October 30.  

Reception with free demos: Sunday Nov. 4 from 2 to 4 pm.  

Show ends: Nov. 10

Location: Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery, 508 N. Center St., Naperville

Hours:  Tuesday through Friday 10 am to 5 pm; Saturday 10 am to 4 pm.

Show will feature art quilts, felted art, wearables, 2D and 3D pieces, plus the "Adventure" challenge items.

June 2018 meeting notes.

I have big shoes to fill… taking over the blog updates from Laurie. Here goes:

Divas show dates are: 10/29 Monday drop off 2 to 4 pm. Show opens 10/30 and runs through 11/10/18. The reception will be Sunday 11/4 from 2 to 4 pm. We hope to have a small guest show along with our show and perhaps a speaker at the reception. Linda V will do the promotional postcard and flyer; hopefully Linda K will again help with PR. The Challenge for the show is themed Adventure. See past blogs for details.

Send Linda V snapshots of quilts you think might be a candidate for the postcard art by July 8. A more professional photo may be taken of the one(s) selected.

Some Divas have gone to the National Parks Quilt Exposition and applaud the shows at 4 local venues. Visit  ReconnectWithNature.org for details. Hurry, the show ends July 3. The show book is a winner too.

There’s a SAQA show at the Bloomingdale Park District worth seeing.

Naperville Art League is accepting new members. Fee is $50 for an individual. Members can display art in the Gallery each month plus get other benefits.

Next Divas meeting is 7/23. Happy 4^th of July!

Linda V.

April / May 2018 Newsletter

April / May 2018 Newsletter,...it is finally here!!!!!  Your official, world's shortest newsletter!!!!!
You are most welcome!  As always, our meeting in April was very interesting with great show and tell, interesting questions, as well as answers.  Glad you all could make it.

Our quilt show in October:

We are still waiting for the dates, but we already know it's in October, so get with it, McGoo!  Sew, felt, bead, fuse, paint,...and get these pieces completed!  Remember that in order to hang your work at this venue, you must pay your $30 membership fee.  Please and thank you!

Quilt show things to think about:

At our next meeting we need to discuss who would like to tackle advertising.  It's a much needed "chair" to fill.  I know there's a small part of someone that has always wanted to be in the newspaper business, smoking cheap cigarettes, running to a bank of telephones, screaming into them with the latest news, wearing those great hats that you never see anyone wear anymore unless they're in England or at the Kentucky Derby!  So dig deep into your subconscious, and see if that person is you.

     Alice has offered to type up the label cards for each piece entered.  This is in "quilt show style", with your name, title of the piece, media, as well as a section for your inspiration, explanations, whatever you need to write to help the viewer understand your piece.  We have found this to make the show more interesting.  Thanks, Alice!

     We also need to consider having a "guest showing".  In the past we have had Denise Havlan, as well as a PAQA exhibit hung next to ours.  It may help to fill in the show a bit, as well as bring more varied talents.  Hmmm....  What to do, what to do....  So bring an opinion, as well as an idea of how we can fill this void (if you want to call it that).

"Adventure" challenge:

The info is in a previous newsletter which is only a scroll away.  This is an excellent time to experiment with new techniques, and those ideas that have always been on the back burner waiting to present itself.  This project is also a nice piece to have in the show!  Did I say show?  We do need work for the show!  Show!  Show!  Show!  Ha!

Got anything you'd like to demonstrate?

We are always looking to learn new things.  If you happen to have learned something new at a class, or perhaps you noticed that you do things differently than most of the group, feel free to give a demo.

Please and thank you.

The Art of Pollinators Exhibit:

From this point until Friday, June 1st, the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook is having an exhibit of art work that, big surprise, is based on pollinators!  No confusion there!  The hours vary, as do the days that you can view this show, so go to 

http://www.dupageforest.org/mayslake-peabody-estate

to get more information.  Click on the pollinators exhibit spot to the right of the screen, and you can walk through their calendar.  (Which is a really poorly handled calendar, by the way!  Argh!)

Go to 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVF2PXoblHA

to see the work of Phil Ponce, WTTW's newscaster, who does his version of Mexican paper cutting banners on tyvek.  They are truly beautiful.  He has 2 pieces at the show.

Adios!  and no May meeting!

Thanks for reading.  Just a reminder, we won't have a May meeting due to Memorial Day.  I look forward to seeing you all at our June meeting.  Enjoy the planting season,...if not by actually participating, then by seeing the work of others.  Remember, $30 dues for membership and the ability to exhibit at October's show, or $3 per meeting.  Have fun.

xo,

Laurie     oops!  Became longer as I remembered things to add.  Sorry for the small lie!

March 2018 Newsletter

March 2018 Newsletter

Well, spring has almost sprung!  Actually I do believe that spring is laughing at us.  Good thing we're all made of good stock, and we can take a joke!

We now have real live dues!

It has been decided that members or guests can continue to pay $3 per meeting attended. That said, we encourage you to join officially with a $30 per year membership.  This membership will allow you into all of our meetings.  This will also allow you to show your work in our annual fiber show in October.  No full membership, no work in the show.  Pretty simple.  This new dues program will guarantee our being able to pay for our meeting space rent, as well as maybe a wee bit more for advertising, etc for our fiber show.  Thank you for considering this as an option.  And please bring your dues to the next meeting you attend.

Annual Spring Exhibit of Natural History Art

is being held by the Nature Artists' Guild of the Morton Arboretum!  Yay!  Saturday and Sunday, April 7th and 8th, 2018, at the Cudahy Room at the Morton Arboretum.  The artist's reception for both members and guests will be held on April 6th from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.  The arboretum is located at 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle, IL  60532

http://www.mortonarb.org/events/nature-artists%E2%80%99-guild-nag-spring-exhibit-natural-history-art

Fiber Adventures Challenge

Just a reminder of our latest challenge, which I believe is written up in the January newsletter.  No restrictions as to media, 96" circumference maximum, and let your adventures take you for a ride in fiber!  Keep in mind that you will need to write up your inspiration, maybe your media, as well as a definition of your title.  Let's get cookin', ladies!

A fun piece to work on, and at least one piece in the show!  I previously wrote up the deadline (which is sort of a joke,...more of an encouragement for you to get it done in plenty of time for the show,...maybe eliminate some of the panic mode!)

Over and out:

Our next meeting will be on Monday, April 23rd, at 7 p.m. at the Naperville Art League.

Unless you have paid dues, there will be a $3.00 charge.  Please feel free to bring any show and tell to share with us.  It's always fun and educational to see what everyone is doing!

Also, there will be no May meeting,...it would fall on Memorial Day, so there you have it.

Enjoy those tiny flowers that are poking their tiny little heads through the ground.  I have my scillas blooming in the yard.  Soon it will be a purple blanket out there, and I truly love them!  ( <--- font="" of="" photo="" scillas="">

Holy cow!  I just figured out how to do this after over 10 years of newsletter writing!

Amazing!

That said, I wouldn't have been putting many images up anyway in respect for your art pieces being private, etc.

Happy Easter!

xo,

Laurie

February 2018 Newsletter

Well, here we are with another February behind us.  That's a good thing!  Spring is just around the corner!  We had 13 members at the meeting, and all was good.

Dues:

We have been collecting $3 per meeting attended since the beginning of time.  Due to the donation to the Naperville Art League for the use of their room, as well as quilt show expenses, we are forced to make a yearly requirement of $30 per member.  This will allow you to continue to come to our meetings, as well as allow you to show your work in our exhibit.  Anyone who wishes to remain a member but on a per meeting basis can continue to join us at the $3 per meeting fee.  We hope this isn't an inconvenience to you, but this is what we need to do to survive.  Thanks for understanding.

Catherine Redford:

Go to www.catherineredford.com to visit our very own Catherine's site.  She's a fiber artist, author, teacher and speaker.  If you check her site, you can get free patterns for butterflies and moths, both for embroidery and applique, at the "A Year of Butterflies" prompt.  Check out the gallery, and you can see her embroidery work, as well as everything else she's up to/has been up to.  She mentioned that she also sells Turtle Moon batiks at her classes in 18" squares (if I caught that right).  They're supposed to be beautiful.  Contact her if you're interested.  (I could not find any info on them,...sorry.)

Newsletter and Directory:

Both the newsletter and directory have been "my babies" since the beginning of the group.  Blog-wise it's been over 10 years.  Previous to that I just emailed you the newsletter.  It is time to hand over the baton.  Joan will be handling the directory immediately, and Linda will be writing your newsletters beginning in June.  Yay!  Thank you, ladies!!!!

Challenge:  Fiber Adventures:

The challenge info is written up in the January Newsletter, so you can hit that for details.  Remember that anything goes!

It's a wrap!

That's all the news that's fit to print!  Our next meeting will be on Monday, March 26th, 2018, at 7 pm at the Naperville Art League.  Be sure to bring projects you're working on for show and tell.  They do not have to be completed.  Also anything that you want opinions on, ideas, etc.  Remember to bring your $30 membership fee (or $3 if you'd care not to join and exhibit your work at the show).

And as a heads up to you, there will be no meeting in May due to Memorial Day.  I look forward to seeing you all in March.  

xo,

Laurie

January 2018 Newsletter

January 2018 Newsletter

Happy New Year, everyone!  As always the year shows promise in so many ways.

This last meeting had 11 members with wonderful show and tell.  Here's what we discussed:

Challenge for the year:  Fiber Adventures:

Your piece needs to have a maximum circumference of 96".  That's maximum, so obviously it can be smaller.  You may use any interpretation of the name "fiber adventures".  You can go safari, adventures in new techniques used, it's always an adventure to go into the drawers of my refrigerator!

and the list goes on.  Have fun with this.  The due date will be the September 2018 meeting, and will be shown in the October quilt show.  Obviously if you finish it the day before the show's drop off time, you're still good.  Also there is no color requirement to be used,...except for you, Sharon!  You have to use some purple!  (Not!)  As with all of our quilt show entries, you will need to have information for a card explaining your techniques, medium (sp), inspiration, etc.

Quilt Show at the Art Institute in Chicago:

Making Memories:  Quilts as Souvenirs is the quilt show in progress through April 1st.  I have attached the website for your convenience.  You can purchase tickets online if you're interested. Word is that it's an excellent show.

http://www.artic.edu/exhibition/making-memories-quilts-souvenirs

Anderson Arts Center, Kenosha WI show:

There is an exhibit worth a road trip to Kenosha!  It combines work from SAQA ("Stitched Together" fiber art), the Women's Journeys in Fiber ("Boxes:  Treasure, Structure, Expression".  This portion ends on March 3), and work by Jan Debevic ("All Things Wool and Felt").  The show runs through March 17th.  The art center is in a beautiful old mansion that adds to the pleasure of attending.

https://www.andersonartscenter.com/exhibits.htm

Stitchers Garden:  There's a new store in town, ladies!

This shop is in Naperville, and seems to cater to the needle arts.  Cross stitch, embroidery, crewel work, etc.  I hit shop online and it showed printed canvases to buy, but did not go into the available threads, needles etc that you can see on the walls in the background of the store.  Dorothy gave it rave reviews.  Be there or be square!

https://www.stitchersgardenil.com/

For your beading needs:  Beadcats!

...and for all of your beading needs, go to Beadcats!  Alice says she likes to order size 10 to 12 needles depending on the bead hole size.  She is also swearing by the Clover needle threader for easier threading.  It took her about 4 times initially to get the hang of it, but it has been a gift for those with threading issues!  Be sure to check out the gallery!  Amazing!

http://www.beadcats.com/

The Future of these Newsletters:

After writing these newsletters for 10 years, I do believe it's time to resign.  I am looking for someone who'd like to take this on.  It's an easy enough job.  You take notes, type them up, do a little research on different shows, books, etc to add in, and hit publish.  Voila!  Another newsletter is up and running.  As a group, we need to decide if this is the format that we'd prefer.  Do we want to continue with the blog?  Or should the newsletter just be sent in an email the way it was initially done pre-blog days?  (Which means I've actually been doing this since the group was conceived!)  So please consider taking on the newsletter job.  We have no real officers, or elected "officials" in this group. People always seem to step up to handle whatever job needs to be done, and for that I am grateful.

Next Meeting:

will be on Monday, February 26th, 7 pm at the Naperville Art League.  $3 per person.  Please bring in your show and tell, any work you'd like an opinion on, or perhaps ideas on what to do next or how to handle a problem.  We're all here for each other.  Enjoy your February, and try to stay warm!

xo,

Laurie

November 2017 Newsletter

November 2017 Newsletter:

Hello, boys and girls!  Welcome to another update to the Fiber Art Divas.

Recent quilt show thoughts:

~It was agreed that this was another very nice quilt show.  We do need more pieces in the show.  I think the count was just under 40 pieces.  As nice as it is to have a gallery look with lots of space, people come to what is basically a quilt show expecting and hoping to see more.

~We all felt that the description cards were a nice addition to the show.  Thank you, Yvette, for taking care of that for us.

~The artist's reception was very nice, and the demo's attracted many of the visitors.  Lots of questions asked and answered.  Thank you for volunteering for that.

~We discussed perhaps asking PAQA or SAQA if they'd like to have a small traveling exhibit hang with our work.  That would help to take the pressure off of our trying to produce more, or get more members to participate.  One can only produce so much in any given year, individual circumstances being a large factor.

~Someone mentioned that people were asking about local quilt shops.  Apparently they were looking to spend some money!  Last year a member had kits available to sell.  Maybe something along those lines?  

~Another option is to enclose more pieces to sell.  One year many of us covered 8" x 8" canvases, donated them to the art league as part of a fund raiser.  They sold well.  Perhaps we can think about something along those lines.  In this case, you'd keep the money (minus the very reasonable 20% for the art league), and they sold for over $40 apiece!  If something like this is to be considered, 6" x 6" may be an easier size to find.  Any ideas are welcome.

Quilt show 2018:

Dates to be announced.  Next year's show will probably be around 2 weeks long, rather than the 3 weeks of this year's show.

Naperville Art League's Gallery of Gifts:

http://www.napervilleartleague.com/

That's the site for info about the art league's holiday show and sale.  There are some very nice pieces there,...we got to take a peek last night!  You are able to sell your work during this show by joining the art league.  I'm sure that info is at this site as well.

Challenge ideas:

We are hoping everyone will arrive at the January 2018 meeting with some challenge ideas, and a name to go with it. So please give it some thought, and we can see what works best for us.

Dues increase?

I would like everyone to consider raising the dues from $3.00 per meeting (which it has been since we started at the art league around 10 years ago) up to $3.50 per meeting.  As it is we average 10 people per meeting.  At $3 per person, that brings in $30, which is the exact amount to cover the rental space.  When we are short, Dorothy is covering it out of pocket, which is not the way it should be.  (And Dorothy, I'm hoping that you reimburse yourself when possible!)  We do not make any money with this group.  What comes in at a meeting is left that night for the art league (unless it's over $30!). 

If we have a slow night attendance wise, we aren't reaching the $30 mark.

If we increase the dues to $3.50 per person x 10 (the average attendance), that makes the income for the night $35.00.  That is an overage of $5 which may help to cover the cost of a meeting that doesn't make the $30 mark.  Fifty cents will not make or break most of us, and is not an unreasonable amount to ask for.

If you are concerned about the overage getting to be too much, it can go towards guest speakers, classes, or an educational movie.  The key word here is towards because there is no way that any overage will amount to much.

So, please think about this increase of fifty cents per meeting.  It will help take the burden off of Dorothy who has sat quietly all of this time without complaining.

Cheryl Sleboda!  Sew Much Cosplay:

Cheryl came to last night's meeting with lots of fun info and stories.  She is a fine example of when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!  After loosing her job in the comic book industry, she has moved into sewing costumes for comic book hero costumes.  That moved her towards products that help the costume makers with things like stand up collars, etc. She continues to do the quilting circuit, classes, lectures, etc.  But this is a new sideline that

is very exciting and interesting.  Check out her website at www.sewmuchcosplay.com.  At that site you'll find her blog, product line, etc.  Very exciting, and we're proud to have you as a member, Cheryl!

Also, she's been asked to run the blog for two magazines:

Machine Quilting Unlimited, and Modern Quilts Unlimited.

Be sure to check these sites out.  This is the future of quilting, and these are all things that will gather more than we "gray haired quilters" into what could possibly be a failing craft and art market.   We need new, young blood!  May the force be with us!!!

Happy Holidays, and until next year...

Happy holidays, and until we meet again next year.  We never meet in December, so our next meeting will be on January 22nd, at 7 pm at the Naperville Art League.  I don't know if our dues will still be $3 or will increase to $3.50 at that meeting.

xo,

Laurie

September 2017 Newsletter

Hello one and all.  There were 9 women at the meeting last night, with some great show and tell! Thank you for bringing your work to share!  Okay, off and running here, so I'll move on to what's important:

A Different Point of View quilt show:

We are proud to present a years worth of work by some very talented women.  I hope you will all take the time from your busy lives to slow down, and enjoy our show.  The following information includes member info such as drop off, take down,...the rest is for the actual show info and artist's reception.

Show dates and times:

Drop off will be on Monday, October 23rd, the day of our meeting.  Please bring it to the meeting that night.

The show will open on Wednesday, October 25th.

The Artist's Reception will be on Sunday, October 29th, from 2 to 4, and will include our members working on their crafts.

The last day of the show, as well as take down is Saturday,

November 11th.  (Take down is always at closing time)

The show will be from October 25th through November 11th, 2017.

Hours:  W, Th, F - 12 to 4

        Sat - 10 - 4

There is no entrance fee.

www.napervilleartleague.com

Fine Line Creative Arts Center, St. Charles, IL:

From September 8th to October 14th, the Fine Ltne will be hosting Marianne Williamson with her exhibit "Light and Motion in Textiles".

The artists reception will be on September 8th from 6 to 8 pm.

More information can be found at 

https//fineline.org/pages/kavanagh-gallery

37W570 Bolcum Rd, St. Charles, IL  60175

info@fineline.org for the actual art center.

There is also an open air exhibit going on through October 28th on the grounds.  And don't forget to go into the shop they have in the next building!  Way cool!

Artoberfest!

Gallery 200 in West Chicago is celebrating Art for all Seasons.

The opening reception is Friday, October 6th from 6 to 9 pm.  I have attached their site below which shows the show flyer.  I am confused, and could find no information if this exhbit lasts longer than the one evening.  Sharon, if you could please help us out on this, I'd appreciate it.  Anyway, Sharon will have her work there (which we got a peek at some of it...Very fun!  Be there or be square!

https://www.facebook.com/Gallery200/photos/rpp.224673397635725/1088384601264596/?type=3&theater

Ann Loveless:

It was suggested at last night's meeting that we look into Ann Loveless as a speaker for the group.  I'm sure it would be open to the general public.

You may have seen her very long piece at the Rosemont show back in April,...started at one end with a photograph on paper (a fiber), and moved on to a quilted forest scene.  Beautifully amazing!  So, take a look at the web sites below, and we can talk later.

www.quilts by ann.com, and workshops and programs at www.annlove@charter.net.

Art Prize, Grand Rapids, MI:

Last night we discussed how wonderful Art Prize is, so I've attached the info.  I get the feeling we might have missed it this year, but check it out, and maybe make a note for next year!  It sounded like a gallery hop kind of thing.

http://www.artprize.org/blog/artprize-daily-september-26-2017

Fine Art of Fiber at the Chicago Botanical Garden:

This has historically been an epic sort of show.  As a matter of fact, this is the show that I first heard of Carol Bryer Fallert,...as a stewardess she'd done an art piece that was the Northern lights from the air.  It was beautiful, and one of the first art quilt pieces I'd seen. Our very own Alice will have work there,...beaded of course!  You go girl with unmatching shoes and fun ideas!  I've attached the website below for your convenience.  Note:  Parking is VERY expensive, and I believe entry into the show is free.  If you are a Morton Arboretum member, parking is free (weekdays parking is $25, $30 on the weekends and holidays!  OUCH!!!!  Carpool ladies!)

https://www.chicagobotanic.org/fiber

That's all the news that's fit to print!

Hope to see you all at the next meeting, which is on Monday, October 23rd, at 7 pm at the Naperville Art League.  $3 will help pay for the room rental.  I look forward to seeing the upcoming show.  We are fortunate to have so much talent in our little group!  Thank you for being members.

xo, Laurie

August 2017 Newsletter

August 2017 Newsletter

There were 11 of us who met last night.  There was some great show and tell, it was a very informative meeting, and here's what they had to say:

A Different Point of View quilt show:

I'm going to break this down into specific sections.

Show dates and times:

Drop off will be on Monday, October 23rd, the day of our meeting.  The times will be announced later.

The show will open on Wednesday, October 25th.

The Artist's Reception will be on Sunday, October 29th, from 2 to 4.

The last day of the show, as well as take down is Saturday,

November 11th.  (Take down is always at closing time)

Hours:  W, Th, F - 12 to 4

        Sat - 10 - 4

There is no entrance fee.

Pricing for sale pieces:

Be sure to have a price in mind if you intend to sell your work.  A simple NFS will suffice if you don't intend to sell (not for sale).

Description cards:

It was agreed after last years show that we will write description cards to go with our entries.  We realized that a little bit more info will make the show a lot more interesting.  We will give you more info on that later.  You will type it up, probably email it to Yvette who will transfer it to another sheet...Thank you, Yvette. The fonts will all be the same, card size, etc.  We will set a limit on the number of words.  Please include your inspiration, a bit about your techniques, medium, etc.

Post cards:

Post cards will be ready by September 7th,...thank you, Linda.  They will be available for pick up at the Naperville Art League on that date.  Please pass them out, mail them, and get them to as many individuals and stores as possible.  This will also be emailed to us so that we can send it on electronically.

Advertising:

The quilt guilds will be notified by the other Linda,...thank you. other Linda!  But if your guild happens to have a google network for your members, it would help to have it sent to them as well.  All advertising is good advertising.  Feel free to make copies and pass them out as well.  Don't forget the quilt shops!

And remember, maybe due to the fact that this is fiber and not their normal displayed pieces, this show gets the most traffic of all the shows at the Naperville Art League.  Personally, I'd like to think it's because our work is exceptional! 

Challenge:

Be sure to remember to include a photo or drawing of your inspiration for you challenge.  You can bring that when you drop off your piece.

Artist's reception:

The more of us that are there, the better.  We've decided to have any members who would like to sit and work on their pieces to come and do so.  This will be in lieu of actual demonstrations.  People will be sure to show interest, ask questions, and ask you for mini-demos of what you're doing.

A mistake I made:  I was working on applique, which is done in matching thread.  When asked to show how I stitched, no one could really see what I was doing!  This time I'll bring a separate piece to actually demo on with thread and fabric that will allow me to show the process easily.  So, you may want to keep that in mind.

We'll discuss other aspects of the reception at a later date.

Intuitive Color and Design by Jean Wells:

This is an older book that has been updated.  Jean has a way of abstracting what she sees, very straight lines broken up by color.

Very nice, and a very interesting book to check out.  It's believed that she has added more to this version.  It's not a reprint, it's an updated version.  Check it out!

Faithful Circle Quilters presents "Bouquet of Quilts" quilt show:

Saturday, September 16 from 9 to 5

Sunday, September 17 from 10 to 4

Jefferson Junior High School, 7200 Janes Ave, Woodridge, IL

$7 entry, children 12 and under free.

This includes all the normal quilt show things, and is a very nice show to see.  Both traditional and art quilts.  Go to

www.fcquilters.com for more information.

Riverwalk Fine Art Fair:

September 16 and 17 from 10 to 5, at Main and Jackson in downtown Naperville.  This is the Naperville Art League's 32nd annual event.

Go to www.napervilleartleague.com for more information.

Fine Line Creative Arts Center, St. Charles, IL:

From September 8th to October 14th, the Fine LIne will be hosting Marianne Williamson with her exhibit "Light and Motion in Textiles".

The artists reception will be on September 8th from 6 to 8 pm.

More information can be found at 

https//fineline.org/pages/kavanagh-gallery

37W570 Bolcum Rd, St. Charles, IL  60175

info@fineline.org for the actual art center.

There is also an open air exhibit going on through October 28th on the grounds.  And don't forget to go into the shop they have in the next building!  Way cool!

Next Meeting:

Our next meeting will be September 25th, 7 pm, at the Naperville Art League.  $3 to cover fees.  Just a heads up, due to the quilt show, there will be no October meeting.  But November is still on, and we always skip December for obvious reasons!  I look forward to seeing you all again.  Enjoy the end of this season.

xo,

Laurie

July 2017 Newsletter

Hi there!  Yes, it's August 1st, but this is in regards to the July meeting.  Thanks to summer being such a busy time, there were a mere 7 ladies present at this meeting.  But the show and tells were really wonderful.  Finished pieces, unfinished pieces, some with questions attached,....  Very nice.
This will be short and sweet, and entirely concerning our upcoming show.

Elements of Innovation:

Our next quilt show will be at the Naperville Art League.

Our drop off date is Monday, October 23rd.

The show opens on Wednesday, October 25th.

The open house will be on Sunday, October 29th.

And the last show day and take down will be on Saturday, November 11th.

Quilt Show Publicity:

We are looking for volunteers for publicity.

Linda VK will be in charge of guilds and the press.  

We will all be sent a copy of the flyer to be printed up and passed out.

There will be postcards to pass out or mail, available at our August meeting.

Quilt Show Registration Forms:

The registration forms will also be available at the August meeting.  We will also be emailing them to you. 

Descriptions of Your Entry:

This year in addition to the normal made by, medium, and if it's for sale, we will be including a brief description of your piece.  Your inspiration, your choice of medium,...a little story so that your piece is understood by the viewer.  Similar to a quilt show rather than a gallery.  I noticed when I brought guests to the last show, they were more interested in the pieces that I had a story to share.

These short descriptions will need to be emailed to Yvette at an, as yet, undetermined date before the show so that they can be typed up.  (That means I won't be able to whip up a piece the day before the show goes up!  Argh!)

Challenge:

Let's not forget about your challenge pieces!  We got to see a completed one at the meeting!  All of the info you need is listed in a previous newsletter.  Just scroll down to get the info you require.

Adios!

That's it for now.  Short and sweet!  Our next meeting will be on Monday, August 28th at 7 pm at the Naperville Art League.  Three dollars would be appreciated to help cover the cost of renting the room.  Bring your show and tell, your questions, and don't be afraid to ask for advice or help with ideas.  We're always looking for people to give demos, so keep that in mind.  Enjoy your summer.

xo,

Laurie

June 2017 Newsletter

June 2017 Newsletter

Well, happy day to you all!  Last nights meeting had 10 members, 2 of which were new!  Yay! Naperville Art League members, and now Divas as well!  Oh so many hats!  Welcome to our humble group.

Paint Pours:

Last night Yvette and Dorothy shared with us their Paint Pours they did with Ute.  Amazing! I have attached a youtube video giving you the basic explanation, supplies, and technique.

So much fun with paints and a canvas.  Very tripy!  Let's find out if this is something we can do during a meeting.  OR maybe do at a park or something as a special class!  (Electricity needed if using a heat gun rather than a torch)  Thanks for sharing your work with us.  It was way fun!  Oh, and ladies, absolutely no painting experience necessary.  Watch the video and you'll understand.  But I do suggest you start looking around to see what color combinations you like.  Again, color can make or break your work!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtxNmp2kEGA

PAQA Exhibit:

PAQA (Professional Art Quilt Alliance) is displaying their work at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles, IL.  I have attached the website below.  Do not go by the "This event has passed" flag.  That is for the artist's reception only.  The show is on until July 15th.

Enjoy!

http://norrisculturalarts.com/event/paqa-art-quilt-exhibit-reception/

Bloomingdale Park District Exhibit Info:

There is an exhibit in progress now at the Bloomingdale Park District.  I lied,...there are 2 exhibits currently in progress.  Wearable Art, and Loose Threads present "Quilting Americana".  I have attached the website for you to get more information.  If you're looking for a map, etc, just hit home to get other info.  For those who are interested in other exhibits, the Illinois Watercolor Society will be showing from  August 5 through September 9.  Also, a juried mixed media exhibit, "Off the Beaten Path", will be from September 23 through October 28.  Check it out!

http://www.bloomingdaleparks.org/facilities/bpd-museum/exhibitions.htm

Quilt Challenge:

Ohhhhhhhhhhh!  The quilt challenge cometh!  Start it if you dare!  Check out the March 2017 newsletter for all the details.  The only change that has been made to that is the color has been changed to your very own interpretation of what spring green is.  You have your choice of the 3 challenge options,...never been done before!  Something else to think about:  Yes, there is a deadline of the fall show.  That said, if you should happen to not have the time to get it done by then, but are still interested in pushing yourself within the listed parameters, do it whenever you want or can!  You can always put it in the 2018 show!

That's it!

That's all the news to print!  Thank you for reading this.  Our next meeting will be on the fourth Monday of the month as usual, July 24th, at 7 pm at the Naperville Art League.  Three dollars will get you in, and pay for the room.  We look forward to seeing you all there.  Remember, keep producing your art.  Our show is coming up in the fall, and we'd love to hang your work for all to admire!  This show gets a lot of viewers, and is always fun and interesting to attend.  Continue to enjoy your summer.

xo,

Laurie

May 2017 Newsletter

May 23, 2017
Hello one and all!  What a weird month, but life goes on.  We're from Chicago, and nothing weather wise surprises us.  I apologize for no newsletter last month.  Missed the meeting, but made this one.  It was on the quiet side, so not much to report.  Here goes:

Color and Design Workshop: open to the public!

I'm letting you know about an upcoming class that is being hosted by the Fiber Art Divas at the Naperville Fine Art Center and Gallery.

All the info is listed below, including a description of the class.  Now, the first thing I want you to consider when you read the heading, is the following:

Design and color are the two things that can make or break the end results of your work.   This class will give you the basics we all need to build on to produce visually quality work.

I haven't had design and color classes since 1974.  I have already signed up because a refresher course is what I need.  And I'm hoping many of you will consider joining me there!

If you look at Heidi Parkes work on her website, you will see that she is off in a direction that many of us are not. Don't let that scare you off.  She is not teaching us her designs and techniques.  She is teaching us design and color.  She was previously a high school art teacher, so will be super qualified to walk us through this.

So be there or be square! Broaden your horizons, increase your skill levels, and sign up for Heidi Parkes class.

Elements of art, design, and post-modern principles

Instructor: Heidi Parkes

Fri., June 16        9:30am – 3:30pm

Register through Naperville Art League  630.355.2530

$60                         Adult

Min 15/Max 20

Learn how to use elements of art (line, shape, form, value, space, texture, color)) plus design concepts (balance, contrast, emphasis, pattern, movement, rhythm, unity), and post-modern principles (recontextualization, juxtaposition, identity, text, gaze, hybridity, appropriation and more) in your art. Lecture, hands-on exercises, discussion, visual aids, and handouts will give participants confidence to try new approaches to their art. Heidi Parkes is an award-winning contemporary fiber artist and a fine art instructor. Principles taught in her workshop are applicable to all. Supply list at www.napervilleartleague.com. Bring own lunch or order out.

 

Supply list – Elements of art, design, and post-modern principles

Colored pencils, crayons, or markers in a variety of colors

Colored paper

A magazine to cut

Scissors

Straightedge ruler

Glue stick

Pen

Pencil

Unlined paper, min. 30 sheets

Possible Gallery Show in our Future!!!

Yvette brought it to our attention that we have been contacted by the Norris cultural Art Center in St. Charles, Illinois in regards to showing our work at their gallery!  Yay!  We are talking about doing this in 2018.  We'll keep you posted as more info comes in.

Challenge:

Don't forget to get cracking on your challenge!  Info on that is in previous newsletters.  This should produce some very interesting pieces.  Can't wait to see the end results!

The End:

That's all the news that's fit to print, folks.  Our next meeting will be on Monday, June 26th, at 7 pm at the Naperville Art League. Three dollars would be appreciated per person to keep a roof over our heads!  Please and thank you.  Until then, enjoy your spring.

xo,

Laurie

April 2017 Newsletter

Well, hello there one and all.  Spring is springing as only spring can.  My scilla's looked lovely, and now my red bud is in full bloom.  Life is good.  Eleven members at our March meeting, and it was nice to see each of you.  Thanks for joining us.

Heidi Parks' Class:

We have decided to go with Heidi Parks.  Plans are underway, and everyone will be notified when it's all settled.  At this point we are talking June 16th, 2017 at the Naperville Art League.  The art league will be handling everything for us.  The maximum head count for the class will be 20.  We already have 8 interested people.  If you are interested as well, you will need to work quickly with getting enrolled and your check in.  There will be a very small window before it's opened to the public.  At this point, we're hoping that the class will be around $50.  It will be a combination of lecture, slide show, exercises for us, and a lunch in the middle (your dime!).  (Design and color)

And that's all I have for now.  More later.

Challenge Color Update:

We are having trouble finding just the right green.  If you go to the previously listed website to try to match the "Greenery" color,...well, good luck with THAT!  With the backlight of the computer screen, it's going to be a cold day to get a match.  I tried printing a sheet from the site showing the color and a mug, tried to match it to a paint chip....  We gave up at the meeting, and decided to just go with a spring green.  So, get hustling, and get your crazy challenge on, folks!

Nature in Fiber Exhibit:

Nature in Fiber, featuring the work of our very own Sharon Malec is coming up!  Gallery 200 at 

103 W. Washington St, West Chicago, Il  60185 (630-293-9550).  May 4 - 28, 2017, with the opening reception on May 5 from 6 - 9 pm.  Enjoy the show!

Adios!

That's it for now.  Hope to see you at the next meeting, which will be on Monday, April 24th, 2017,

7 pm at the Naperville Art League.  $3 will get you in, and you get to see some fun show and tell, and share yours as well.  Enjoy this weather.

xo,

Laurie

March 2017 Newsletter

Well,...hello everyone.  It's a snowy day out there, and as pretty as it looks, GO AWAY!!!!!!!  We've tasted spring, and we LIKE it, so stop messing with us.
Our February meeting was 10 women strong, and was actually very nice, as well as informative.  I'll try to pass that on to you in the following paragraphs.

Adjusted Challenge Options:

I was informed at the February meeting that I had missed a third option, which has been added below for your viewing pleasure.

A Different Point of View:

Due date: Our September meeting, to be hung at the October show

Maximum size: 96" perimeter

You have several options on this one, so pick the one that makes you happy.  Remember, the whole idea behind a challenge is to challenge yourself.  Go figure!  So don't necessarily choose the one that will make you the happiest.  Also, if there's another one that I somehow forgot to add in, please hit reply all and write it up.

Option 1:

We'll all be given the same quilt block (not yet chosen) to abstract in some way.

There will be one color (listed below) that will be the theme fabric for both options.

You may add as many other colors as you'd like.

Remember, you are abstracting this block, not just making a bunch of them in

different colors.  This is not to be a traditional quilt.

Option 2:

Recently I sent out a website that had some interesting challenge ideas.

They had taken 2 images and combined them into one.

So, for example:  a bird in one shot, a photo of seeds in another.

Now it's a bird made of seeds.

This could be very interesting, and very much a challenge!  

You get to choose whatever images you'd like and work from that.

Again, you'll need to use the one color (listed below), but can add other colors.

Website for this concept: http://imgur.com/gallery/tUQ99

Yes, this was probably done on computers, but depending on which images you choose, it's still doable in fiber. At the bottom of the first page there's a spot to hit to see more images.  One in that set shows cubism, for

example.  Very easily done in fabric.

Option 3:

The abstraction of anything (such as a photo or picture).  Remember to include a reference (such as the photo or picture you took this from).  Also you must use the color "Greenery", with the info listed below.

Color: Greenery 

Found at: www.pantone.com      (I imagine you can print it)

click on COLOR INTELLIGENCE

click on Color of the year

click on 2017 Greenery

So, there's your heads up.  Put your thinking caps on, and make this the most bestest challenge ever.  And again, I have to admit that my challenge pieces are some of my favorite pieces ultimately, and that was because I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone.

Also remember that you have the option of bringing your work to our meetings for help, suggestions, and fresh ideas.  This is not a blind challenge because we're all working towards our own personal goals.

Upcoming Class Discussion:

We are still discussing a speaker/class/demo option coming up soon. We need to move quickly, so your participation would be greatly appreciated.  One of the issues is to keep the cost down.  That will mean having it somewhere other than the Naperville Art League.  And free places get filled quickly.

That said, you may already know that we have been discussing having Heidi Parkes come to teach us color and design.  These are 2 elements that can make or break your finished product.  And color, especially, scares the living bejesus out of me!  I have a lot of respect for color.

The group has asked for people to suggest any other subjects or instructors.  So far, nothing has been said.

The group has asked for people to comment on Heidi Parkes teaching us color and design.  Only one person has made a comment to the email I sent out.  (Thank you, Margaret!)

If no one votes, then you have no voice.  We can see where that got us back in November!  Obviously this is on a smaller scale, but it can still have an effect on the group.  I'd really like to see the Fiber Art Divas grow in more ways than in volume.  A class like this at cost (and that means no travel or lodging costs included with Heidi), split between "x" number of students, is an excellent deal that will never be duplicated at any of the big shows.  Take advantage of this. Take advantage of the fact that you can make other suggestions for topic and speaker/teacher.  That said, only do this if you intend to be a student of the class you suggest.  There are many silent divas out there that are divas in name only.  So, please let us know how we can help you in the realm of speaker/class/demo options, and perhaps spark your interest in coming to the meetings again.  Your vote counts!  This matter will be decided at the next meeting in a couple of weeks.  Hope to see you there!

Quilt Show Update:

The drop off and hang 'em up date is October 23, 2017.  The show opens on October 25, 2017.  More later.  Keep sewing!

Mayslake Peabody Estate Alliance of Fine Art "Best of the Best" Exhibit:

Our esteemed member, Linda K. has been accepted in the Best of the Best show at the Peabody Estate!  Yay!  Congratulations, Linda!

www.mayslakepeabody.com has all the info.  This exhibit will be from March 1 through April 30th, M - F, 9am - 3pm. Sat, 9am - 1pm.  Linda says she believes hers is the only fiber piece in the exhibit.  VERY nice, LInda!  She represents us all!  The ARTIST'S RECEPTION will be on March 16th from 6 to 8.

Stash Reduction Sale:

This sale will be on March 31st and April 1st.  Several women are cleaning up their stashes, and passing on these bargains to us, the people who have stashes of our own but are powerless to resist buying more!  I love being one of those people!  More information will be sent to you via email when it's available.

Winding this up now!

Well, it's with a sad heart that I stop babbling.  Our March meeting will be in the classroom as normal, but our April meeting will be in the gallery.  Nice place to meet, but the lighting isn't the best for show and tell.  So, we'll be seeing you with your $3's gripped tightly in your fist on Monday, March 27th at 7 pm at the Naperville Art League.

xo,

Laurie