Fiber Artists Thread Work With Technology, Politics, and Pop Culture

The 2019 New Jersey Crafts Annual
New Directions in Fiber Art

February 9, 2019 – June 16, 2019

MONTCLAIR, NJ January 17, 2019—New Directions in Fiber Art, a dynamic exhibition from the Montclair Art Museum (MAM) opens to the public on Saturday, February 9. This highly anticipated exhibition features 42 New Jersey-based artists and more than 50 stunning works of contemporary art. The works, which are all constructed out of some form of fiber, draw inspiration from science, technology, politics, pop-culture, and traditional fiber art techniques.

For many, the term fiber art conjures up a specific image (think Grandma’s knitting), but MAM’s upcoming spring season plans to celebrate the contemporary voices of the craft. Selected by a jury, New Directions in Fiber Artfeatures a range of artists from throughout the state and including the renowned artist such as Faith Ringgold. All chosen for their striking diversity and point of view, the works features a variety of fiber art techniques–from embroidered photos and tapestries to fiber sculptures and large-scale installations.

“Embracing the ever-evolving nature of fiber art is allowing the Museum to reach beyond our walls and bring the beauty of fiber art into the community” says Lora S. Urbanelli, MAM’s Director, “MAM is planning to yarn-bomb the trees on our grounds—and is asking the community to join in!”. By partnering with local artists, shops, and community groups MAM plans to turn the corner of South Mountain and Bloomfield Ave into the most vibrant spot in town. Learn how you can get involved at https://montclairartmuseum.org/content/mam-yarn-bomb.

All works were completed by NJ-based artists no earlier than 2015. “Hosting the 2019 New Jersey Arts Annual gives MAM the special opportunity to focus on the unique talents of NJ based artists,” says MAM’s Chief Curator, Gail Stavitsky, and the Museum plans to work with the exhibition’s artists throughout the show. The Store at MAM is partnering with many of the artists to create one-of-a-kind works of art for sale at the Museum for the run of the exhibition. Priced under $100 these small-scale works of art are all original works of art created specifically for MAM.

The Museum is excited to roll out a new group of family-oriented gallery labels with this exhibition. These labels are meant to guide children throughout the exhibition, and encourage family discussions about art.

Using ancient and contemporary methods, New Directions in Fiber Art, redefines the public’s perception of fiber art.

Press Preview
You’re invited to attend a Press Preview of New Directions in Fiber Arton Thursday, February 8 at 10 a.m.

Tour the exhibition with MAM’s Chief Curator, Gail Stavitsky. Food to be served at the conclusion of the tours.

Press Room: https://www.montclairartmuseum/press-fiber

RSVP by emailing vcoughlin@montclairartmuseum.org

About the Montclair Art Museum (MAM)

The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) boasts a renowned collection of American and Native American art that uniquely highlights art making in the United States over the last 300 years. The Vance Wall Art Education Center encompasses all the Museum’s educational efforts, including award-winning Yard School of Art studio classes, lectures and talks, family events, tours, and the mobile MAM Art Truck. MAM exhibitions and programs serve a wide public of all ages, from families and seniors to artists, educators, and scholars.

Address: 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042

Website: montclairartmuseum.org

Phone: 973-746-5555

Gallery & The Store at MAM Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays, 12–5 p.m.

Free First Thursday Nights: 1st Thursday of the month (October–June), 5–9 p.m.

Student & Senior Fridays: 1st Friday of the month, 12–5 p.m. Free admission for students and seniors with valid ID

Admission:

FREE members

$12 nonmember adults

$10 veterans, seniors, and students with valid ID

FREE children under 12

All Museum programs are made possible, in part, by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, Carol and Terry Wall / The Vance Wall Foundation, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and Museum members.

About The New Jersey Arts Annual

The New Jersey Arts Annual is a unique series of exhibitions highlighting the State’s visual artists. One exhibition takes place each year in either fine arts or crafts, in alternating sequence. These exhibitions are open to any artist currently living or working in New Jersey. The Arts Annual series is sponsored by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner Agency of the National Endowment of the Arts. Works for this exhibition were selected by the jurors, Carol K. Russell, a tapestry artist, teacher, curator and writer, Judy Wukitsch, artist, arts administrator, curator and educator, Gail Stavitsky, MAM’s chief curator, and Alison Van Denend, MAM’s curatorial Assistant.

Featured Artists

All featured artists live or work in New Jersey and all works have been created from 2015 to the present.

###