Sedona AZ April 28 2010–A newly formed art group called “Fiber Arts Sedona” ( “FAS”), consisting of 5 local artists: Dee Durkee, Pam Gunning, Nancy Robb Dunst, Shirley Eichten Albrecht, and Margaret Anderson, has joined the arts organizations in Sedona.. These artists work with natural and man made fibers, including twigs, reeds, gourds, woods, paper, cloth, silk, yarns, string, thread, and odds and ends. They create non-traditional works, such as hand built and woven baskets, loom woven scarves and shawls, twig & thread sculptures, hand painted and sewn fabric wall pieces, hand made art books and paper, and hand sewn and machine stitched vessels. These professional artists include contemporary and functional concepts in their art making.
This group plans to hold a “fiber crawl”, better known as an open studio weekend, the first week of October, on the 2nd and 3rd from 10-5:00pm in each of their studios. In addition, they will present an exhibit of their works during the month of October at the Kinion Gallery in Uptown Sedona, in the vault room with an art reception on Friday, October 1st, from 5-8:00pm. One of the goals of this group is to develop greater awareness about, and access to, contemporary fiber art.
Dee Durkee creates hand constructed fiber vessels out of stitched recycled materials, rich with color and substance. These are strong works that stand by themselves, and have no hidden infrastructure, but rather their strength comes from the layers of fabric and thread and the structural design. Many are reversible, offering two views in one piece. She also makes wall art, fiber jewelry, journals and gouache paintings on artist made paper. Ms. Durkee’s fiber vessels are represented in galleries throughout the United States , and can be seen in Sedona at the Arts Center and at her studio by appointment.
Nancy Robb Dunst works with many different mediums, but fiber is her favorite and is also the medium with which she started as an artist 35 years ago. She creates large scale colorful weavings and fiber sculptures designed for public spaces. Her work can be seen at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport , The City of Yuma The Sedona Public Library, and the Sedona Medical Center and every two years she is invited to exhibit at the International Contemporary Biennale in Florence , Italy .
Pam Gunning is a well known Sedona weaver for twenty five years, weaves “one of a kind” clothing at her studio in the historic Arroyo Pinion Ranch property located in West Sedona . Its all about the inner beauty. “My weavings are worn in celebration of the unique beauty of each of my patrons. Exceptional women all, who fall in love with the brilliant colors of the Southwest and the stunning beauty of Sedona.” A nationally celebrated artist, Pamela’s work may be found in Tlaquepaque at Isadora and at her private Arroyo Pinion Studio.
To say Shirley Eichten Albrecht just weaves baskets is a misnomer. She creates basket designs the likes of which differ from the norm, and include Raku, gourds and antlers. Her baskets and gourds are colorful, thoughtful, sturdy and yet delicate. Some of them are even downright moody. Her work can be seen at the Sedona Arts Center , Enchantment Resort, Canyon Fine art gallery (Jerome) and her studio. . She has exhibited in many national juried shows.
Margaret Anderson mixes mediums by adding acrylic paint to compositions that also include hand appliqué and quilting on fabric. Margaret approaches her abstract designs intuitively and with a sense of adventure. As she spontaneously builds multiple layers of collage, her ideas gradually become increasingly defined until the final design emerges. Margaret’s award winning work has been exhibited in the prestigious “Quilt National” and “Quilt Visions” exhibitions.
These 5 artists are dedicated to working with fiber in the community, and would like to encourage others to become familiar with and explore the many aspects of it. During the October exhibition they will be presenting lectures at the Gallery. So in the fall, look for these exciting events: the “Fiber Crawl” and the Fiber art exhibition at the Kinion Gallery in Uptown Sedona. For more information contact Margaret Anderson at 928-203-4355.
