In new Dittmar exhibit, craftivism spurs climate action

Dittmar Memorial Gallery’s exhibit “Fabric of the Earth” opens Thursday, Nov. 7 in the Norris University Center. Weaving themes of climate change, ecology and social justice through fiber-based works, the exhibit will remain on display through Dec. 3.

“Situated within a history of ‘craftivism,’ the woven, sewn, quilted and stitched works on view aim to prompt climate action for the sake of the planet and people alike,” said exhibit curator Maggie Munday Odom, Dittmar Gallery’s student supervisor and a third-year student at the School of Communication.

Featured artists Bryana Bibbs, Bonnie Peterson, Daliah Silver and Katie Vota will present a series of interactive workshops during the run of the exhibit.

“Community members are invited to participate and intertwine their voices and stories in the creation of a fabric for our future,” Odom said.

Workshops are free and open to the public. Space is limited to 20 attendees per workshop. RSVP here.

Storytelling through weaving with Bryana Bibbs

Weavers will use cardboard looms to learn basic weaving on a frame loom using techniques such as plain weave and slit tapestry weave. Weavers are encouraged to bring materials from home (twigs, rocks, flowers, old clothes, etc.). Additional materials will be provided. All levels are welcome. The event runs 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Quilt poems with Daliah Silver

Quilts tell a story through design, material and any words the maker chooses to add to their quilt. Workshop participants will practice different embroidery stitches and learn to stitch their favorite poem, quote or passage onto a fabric quilt block. Take part 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18.

Accumulation as metaphor workshop with Katie Vota

Artist Richard Serra famously said “drawing is a verb.” Participants will reference Serra’s Verb List to create a sculpture. Based on modalities of reuse, participants will collect and transform objects into art, using provided fasteners and a verb of their choosing. Bring a bag of a collected material (ideally it should either fill a plastic grocery bag, or if the items are small, bring at least 100 pieces), all-purpose scissors, a fastener (such as wire or glue), an open mind, and a notebook and writing implement to take notes and sketch ideas. The event is 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

Dittmar Gallery will host an opening reception with the artists on Thursday, Nov. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information visit the Norris Center website.