VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

18 Hands Gallery presents Focus on Fiber, the Houston Area Fiber Artists 2010 Gallery Show from September 10 – 26, 2010 with an opening reception on Saturday, September 18, 2010 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., at 18 Hands Gallery, 249-B West 19th Street in the Houston Heights.

Focus on Fiber” is a juried competition representing the best work created by its members and reflects a diversity of materials, techniques and styles. The show, open only to Houston Area Fiber Artists (HAFA) members, provides an opportunity for the public to develop an appreciation of fiber as an art form.

The Judge, Liz Axford, is a nationally recognized and published fiber artist. Ms. Axford writes, ”Focus on Fiber” shows the versatility of the fiber medium. It features a wide variety of contemporary work, ranging from wall-hung quilts to soft sculpture, wire reinforced sculpture and sculptural and wearable jewelry.” “This show is not just about fiber,” she continues. “You will find fiber combined with gold & silver jewelry findings, copper, vitreous enamel, acrylic paints, wax pastels, charcoal and bronze screening, burned Tyvek and/or plastic fencing."

HAFA is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to maintain and advance fiber as an art form through the education of its members and to promote appreciation and encourage support of fiber as an art form by the public through exhibitions and educational activities. Members’ original designs in the fiber media include baskets, clothing, dolls, felt, books and paper, jewelry, quilts, stitchery, weaving, surface design and more.

Tracy Elliott, The Glass Tamer Featured Artist for September.
Introducing for the first time in 18 Hands Gallery: Tracy Elliott, The Glass Tamer. With artist flair, Tracy has artfully created each bead individually then masterfully assembled them into beautiful beaded jewelry pieces. Tracy is able to harness the beauty of art through creating hand fired beads. Simply amazing works of art! Don’t miss her new designs – hippos, fish and humpty dumptys.

A silent auction will be held with proceeds benefiting HAFA’s educational outreach program.

For more information about the exhibits and 18 Hands Gallery, visit www.18handsgalery.com  or call 713-869-3099.

About 18 Hands Gallery: As Texas’ premier ceramic arts gallery, 18 Hands Gallery is dedicated to presenting works by leading Texas-based and national artists through monthly exhibits and holds a unique place in the city’s cultural landscape. 18 Hands' mission encompasses showing a broad range of decorative, sculptural, figurative and functional work. Inviting and accessible, their friendly Houston Heights-based shop also includes a rotating selection of works for sale. Owned by six passionate clay artists, the Gallery also seeks to create a bridge between potters, the larger ceramic community, and with nonprofit initiatives such as ClayHouston and Empty Bowls Houston.

This exhibit runs concurrently with Earth, Spin & Fire: New Works by Kathy Blossom & Albert Goldreich.