Texture, color, patterning, innovative use of materials – these are just some of the characteristics of the fiber arts. It is a category of visual art that is difficult to describe because the media are numerous and the artists’ approaches are so varied, so personal.

From story quilts to abstract compositions; from small, intricate works to large-scale wall hangings; from practical to frivolous; from sumptuous substances to upcycled junk – an expansive variety of approaches to fiber art will be on display.

This exhibit is the special project of Sara Bauer, creator of the long-running Yarns at Yin Hoo: a podcast about the fiber arts and other post-apocalyptic skills. Sara has been deeply engaged in the fiber arts for more than fifteen years and derives a special sense of well-being and personal power from working with fiber. With this show, her first, she has gathered a group of artists whose work and whose approach to fiber she deeply admires.

“With fiber art,” Sara says, “the process is critical. The product is often secondary. Sometimes, the artist surprises herself into generating a product. The important thing, at least for me, is the persistence of engagement with materials. Doing so has helped me to save my own life.”

Extending the knowledge and understanding of each guest is important at Orange. Works displayed at Art of Fiber exhibit will each be accompanied with a QR code linking to information about the artist, the work, and materials.