C’ville Arts is happy to present a combined exhibit exploring yarn art from two directions by our talented members Jan Russell a weaver, and Mary Whittlesey a knitter. Both gifted women have been working their magic with yarn for decades and it shows. They will be at the gallery to share their new collections on February 2, from 4 pm – 6 pm for the Historic Downtown Mall’s First Friday celebration.
Jan Russell has been weaving for over 50 years. She believes that her love of weaving was inspired by the richly colored and patterned textiles of Greece, Cyprus, and Iran where she lived while growing up. Jan likes to experiment with color, texture, and shape in her wall pieces. Some of her wall art hangs freely in layers, while other pieces are mounted on rice paper or fabric and framed.
Jan thinks of her scarves as color sketches. Wearable drawings that come to life when worn. It fascinates her that each piece takes on a personality of its own when worn and, like things in nature, no two are exactly alike. Her hope for each piece, whether a scarf, dish towel or a wall piece, is that it brings the person viewing, using or wearing it warmth, beauty, and enjoyment.
To learn more about Jan’s work visit https://www.facebook.com/JanRussellFiberArt
Mary Whittlesey, a third-generation knitter brings her love of nature and imagination to C’ville Arts. In this show Mary will debut her new product, fingerless gloves, inspired by knitting outside on cold, sunny days.
She will also include her very popular mittens and puppets. Mary’s beautifully designed puppets inspire creativity, promote hands-on discovery, help develop early language skills, and become a child’s lovable companion to be treasured for years. Using high quality materials like washable wool, acrylics, and occasionally mohair or alpaca to bring her friendly wildlife friends to life, each design touches your heart with a softness you can remember for ages.
Contact Mary with any questions via email Marywhittlesey@gmail.com
This is an exhibit you will enjoy, inspiring warm wishes and cozy dreams you can carry home with you.
For additional information, contact Genevieve Story at 434-972-9500. The gallery’s web site is www.cvillearts.org. The C’ville Arts Cooperative Gallery, located on the historic Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, is open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m.
ABOUT C’VILLE ARTS – C’ville Arts, a cooperative membership gallery of more than sixty local artists and crafters, was established in 1997. Original works include photography, painting, glass, fiber, clay and pottery, quilling, mosaics, jewelry, leather, wood and gourd art.
