Working from Inside-Out

above: Milagros and Apocolyse

I was chided by a friend and sister fiber artist last night for not telling her (and others) about my recent award (first) at the Fiber Artists of San Antonio exhibition at Gallery Nord here in San Antonio. Not really false modesty -- I simply have not been able to get to the exhibit to take some en-site photos!

2009 NW Military Highway
San Antonio, TX 78213
GOOGLE MAP
T: 210.348.0088
F: 210.348.6862

Gallery Hours
Weds-Sat Noon-5pm
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

But since time is flying, and the exhibit goes down at the end of the month, here's the notice (Gallery Nord is open Wednesday through Saturday in the afternoons) and a bit of back story:

First, the work that was recognized by Juror Ilsa Aviks was one of the series I worked on this August about the death and life of my father, James Lee McAtee, Jim, who died earlier this summer. This particular work is called Milagros, and is about the gifts of spirit, teaching and everyday life that blessed my life through my father's care and conversation, from writing letters, to important facts of the heart.

Ilsa, I heard from one of the artists present at the judging, recognized the joy and meaning in this piece. I think I benefited from having her judge the show, as Ilsa is a strong proponent and advocate of working from a personal narrative, whether literal, figurative (as in my work right now) or abstractly, as she does with her own stitched works.

I am also really happy to have work in this gallery because of its wonderful modern design. The space was created by architect Allison Peery, who I had the privilege to know in my youth. This gallery is a wonderful space to be in. From the gallery website:

ALLISON B. PEERY, AIA

1924-2005

Allison Peery considered himself one of San Antonio’s few uncompromising modern architects. The exterior of the building is simply dramatic with its soaring, winglike roofline balanced by an abstract design of stained glass and mosaic tiles at the main entrance. The interior, with its plentiful natural lighting, consists of three gallery areas - two on the main floor and an upper gallery reached by a curved staircase. Peery’s modernist ethos of expressed structure, honest and coherent use of materials creates the perfect environment for exhibiting contemporary art.

Art Quilts at Baylor

Jack Brockette sent along this photo -- his wife Ann took it, I think.

This exhibit at Baylor University's Martin Museum is up through the weekend, Nov. 14. If you are in Central Texas, please stop in and see the wonderful and diverse work by the participating artists: (in no particular order) Jack Brockett, Sue Benner, Liz Axford, Connie Scheele, Jane Dunnewold, Ann Adams, and me. I am honored to be included in such a group of stellar artists!

The exhibit was curated by Mary Ruth Smith, who is on the faculty at Baylor, and beatifully installed by the museum staff headed by Karin Gilliam. We were hosted by the university at a luncheon and lecture by Kay Lenkowsky, quilt artist and author of Contrmporary Art Quilts. It was a treat to meet her, and to spend time with all of these talented artists. Our work is so different and the exhibit revealed much to the local audience -- many of whom I think had never seen a quilt that wasn't made for a bed.

I grew up from age 12 to 18 in Waco, so it was a particular treat for me to be part of this show and to have all my family and relatives there able to attend. My father taught at Baylor for many years, my uncle was a dean and VP and my aunt also taught there, plus brothers and sister-in-laws, all are grads. My parents don't travel much anymore, so it was really wonderful to have them attend the reception.

Here are a few pictures from the reception:

Kate and Liz deep in talk.

 You can catch a glimspe here of Jack's hanging work and Jane Dunnewold's piece on the wall.

Here's a few other pictures from artists who participated, with their permission:

Sue Benner's "Cellular Structure VII"

Liz Axford's "9-patch" take with felted stitched work: