Kuster’s Textile Art to be Featured in Stephens Gallery

University of the Ozarks will present the art exhibit, "Art as Teacher: Textile Art by Deborah Kuster," throughout the month of September as part of the Artist of the Month Series.

The exhibit will be held from Aug. 26 through Sept. 27 in the Stephens Gallery, located in the Walton Fine Arts Center on campus. There will be a reception to meet the artist from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, in the gallery.

Dr. Deborah Kuster is a professor emeritus of art at the University of Central Arkansas, having had the honor of preparing future art teachers in her 16-year tenure there. Her life's career is in the field of art education, with experiences teaching all ages in schools, museums, and community organizations in Texas and Arkansas.

Her textile art is her visual interpretations of the lingual. She has created her art in response to scripture, favorite authors, and even her grandchildren. Her work has been exhibited and published locally, nationally, and internationally. Additionally, Kuster authored and illustrated the children's picture book, "Jake the Deer-Hearted," published by Kharis Publishing in 2022.

"I create my two- and three-dimensional art by cutting, collaging, and sewing my personally hand-woven textiles," Kuster said. "My work is diversely influenced by weaving traditions such as the Kente cloth by the Ashanti of West Africa and the Mayan textiles of South America along with later American artists Anni Albers and Faith Ringgold. I am always amazed how my past weavings will fit into new artworks in ways I could have never predicted. The author, Madeline L'Engle expressed it this way: 'It is a joy to be allowed to be the servant of the work. And it is a humbling and exciting thing to know that my work knows more than I do.' My art has been my teacher and it has enriched my own teaching, mindfulness, and faith."

Kuster earned her Ph.D. in art education from University of North Texas. Her artwork can be viewed at www.deborahkuster.com

Topics: Art