Spiced aromas fill guests’ nostrils as they step into “Dwelling.” The colorful, intimately created art exhibit breathes heart and soul, and it leaves viewers longing for a simpler time.
Senior art and fibers majors Krista Feld and Heather Anacker have collaborated with one another to create a cozy exhibit in which each piece is truly made with love in every stitch.
Viewers can cozy up on multi-colored hand-sewn pillows and blankets, where they can look around the gallery in awe of the crocheted quilts on walls or beautiful silk-like tapestries. They can walk around to observe every detail of the sewing stations, where no needle is out of place.
Handcrafted ceramic utensils and bowls are lined up along shelves next to spice cabinets, a crocheted chair hangs from the ceiling, and a wooden kitchen table and veiled bedroom ensure that the exhibit features all of comforts of a home. Feld and Anacker said they were able to feed off of each other’s ideas when bringing “Dwelling” to life.
“We were constantly bouncing ideas off each other,” Feld said. “It was a great flowing, creative environment.”
Their exhibit clearly wasn’t made overnight, with some projects having been started before the idea for “Dwelling” was conceived.
“Since the beginning of the semester until now we’ve been working,” Anacker said. “Some of these projects have a really long history.”
Pieces in the exhibit were not made simply for the exhibit but because they were necessary in Feld and Anacker’s own lives. According to Feld, the kitchen island that Anacker made was created because she needed it, and then it found its way into the exhibit.
“Dwelling” is available for viewing this week, and students can also come and participate in hands-on activities and even enjoy a lunch if they arrive early enough. Activities include a demonstration of yarn making, a demonstration of dyeing yarn and a crocheting demonstration. Each day will bring a new activity.
Feld and Anacker said they want “Dwelling” to encourage interaction between art pieces and people. Their artwork is just as practical and useful as it is aesthetically enjoyable.
“Dwelling” is open for viewing Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 5 p.m. and Wednesday from noon to 7 p.m. in the Max L. Gatov art gallery located on upper campus.
