HomeNewsAfrican American Fiber Artists Sought for Special Exhibition in North Charleston

African American Fiber Artists Sought for Special Exhibition in North Charleston

The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department is seeking entries from African American textile artists from across the nation for a special exhibition presented as a component of the 2016 North Charleston Arts Festival, taking place April 29-May 7 in North Charleston, SC. African American artists, ages 18 and up, working in fiber and living in the United States, Mexico, or Canada, are invited to participate in the 10th Annual African American Fiber Art Exhibition, titled A Piece of Peace. The exhibition will be on display at North Charleston City Hall from April 30-June 20, 2016. A $30 entry fee applies and allows artists to submit up to four entries. The application is strictly available online at www.NorthCharlestonCulturalArtsDepartment.SlideRoom.com. Deadline for entries is Tuesday, March 1, 2016.

Curated by award winning and nationally exhibiting textile artist, Torreah “Cookie” Washington, this unique exhibition offers African American fiber artists a showcase to display their original and innovative designs. This year’s exhibition calls for fiber art inspired by the concept of peace. The challenge for this special exhibit is for artists to create a fiber work, such as an art quilt, doll, wearable art piece, etc., that expresses their personal vision of peace. In today’s world, many are feeling lost, frightened, or overwhelmed. Often times life can feel tumultuous and fractured. Where can one go to find a “piece of peace”? How does one find a “true north”? For some, it is through a long meditation, a walk in the woods, or a good book. Others find their piece of peace through action – caring for a beloved child or aging parent, spending time with an animal friend, worshipping in a sacred space, or working towards social justice to help change the world in both small and large ways.  “We are all so very excited that we are celebrating ten years of producing high quality textile art as part of this magnificent festival,” says Washington. “Each year this show grows bigger and better, and we are particularly thrilled by this beautiful, healing theme.”

Following the close of the show, up to thirty works will be selected to tour the state through the South Carolina State Museum’s 2016/2017 Traveling Exhibitions Program.  Sites across South Carolina may request the exhibit to tour in their facilities, thus providing additional exposure for the selected artists.

The 10th Annual African American Fiber Art Exhibition: A Piece of Peace will be on display 8:00am-8:00pm daily from April 30-June 20, 2016, on the 1st and 2nd floors of North Charleston City Hall, located at 2500 City Hall Lane in North Charleston. Admission is free. A free public reception in honor of the artists will be held at City Hall on Thursday, May 5, 2016, from 6:00-8:00pm. For more information about the North Charleston Arts Festival, the exhibition, or other exhibition opportunities, contact the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at (843)740-5854, email [email protected], or visit NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com.