They say opposites attract, and that seems to be the case for the current LowellArts exhibit. The gallery at 223 W. Main Street is currently hosting Mayfield & Mosaics, which brings together art from the Mayfield Fiber Art Guild and the Mosaic Artists of Michigan.
“I just think it’s an exceptional show with the two mediums together,” says Betsy Ratzsch, a member of the Mayfield Fiber Art Guild who has several dry needle felted figures on display.
However, time is running out to see the exhibit. Mayfield & Mosaics will close on Saturday, May 26, to make way for Location, Location, Location, the next exhibition scheduled for LowellArts.
Hard and Soft Mediums in One Place
What makes the Mayfield & Mosaics exhibit so unique is the juxtaposition of two art styles that use very different materials. While fiber arts feature soft textiles, mosaics use pieces of glass, stone and similar hard materials.
Jennifer Gould, a dollmaker and member of the Mayfield Fiber Art Guild, says the fiber arts on display include wall hangings, clothing and framed art. “It complements the mosaics,” she says of the fiber pieces.
Together, the fiber arts and mosaics make for a dynamic exhibit that is sure to appeal to a wide variety of tastes. “It’s gorgeous,” Gould says of the exhibit. “It’s highly beautiful.”
Not the Art You Might Expect
Those not familiar with contemporary fiber arts and mosaics may be surprised by the types of items on display at LowellArts. “People think of hand-embroidered tablecloths, coverlets and log cabin quilts,” Gould says of the general impression of artistic textiles.
While those are certainly made by many artists, the Mayfield Fiber Art Guild includes members who are taking new and innovative approaches to creating items with textiles. “Our work is just radically different,” Gould says. Among other things, members in the show are exhibiting hats, scarves, dolls, 3-D vessels and modern wall-hangings, including some with a unique take on the Wizard of Oz.
The mosaics on display are likewise eclectic. There are woodland and lake scenes, but also a carousel horse, framed hedgehog, cheeseburger and teapot. One artist even took a coyote skull and bedazzled it for the show.
To see these unique pieces for yourself, stop by the LowellArts Gallery on or before Saturday, May 26. Admission is free. Gallery hours are 10am-6pm on Tuesdays through Fridays and 10am-5pm on Saturdays.
For more information on the exhibit, visit the LowellArts website.
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