Northwestern University

01/11/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 02/11/2024 01:37

In new Dittmar exhibit, craftivism spurs climate action

In new Dittmar exhibit, craftivism spurs climate action

'Fabric of the Earth' weaves themes of climate change, ecology and social justice through fiber works
November 1, 2024 | By Stephanie Kulke
Daliah Silver's quilting process. Image courtesy of the artist.

Dittmar Memorial Gallery's exhibit "Fabric of the Earth" opens Thursday, Nov. 7 in the Norris University Center. Weaving themes of climate change, ecology and social justice through fiber-based works, the exhibit will remain on display through Dec. 3.

"Situated within a history of 'craftivism,' the woven, sewn, quilted and stitched works on view aim to prompt climate action for the sake of the planet and people alike," said exhibit curator Maggie Munday Odom, Dittmar Gallery's student supervisor and a third-year student at the School of Communication.

Featured artists Bryana Bibbs, Bonnie Peterson, Daliah Silver and Katie Vota will present a series of interactive workshops during the run of the exhibit. "Community members are invited to participate and intertwine their voices and stories in the creation of a fabric for our future," Odom said.

Workshops are free and open to the public. Space is limited to 20 attendees per workshop. RSVP here.

The schedule is as follows:

  • Storytelling through Weaving with Bryana Bibbs
    Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6 to 8 p.m.
    Weavers will use cardboard looms to learn basic weaving on a frame loom using techniques such as plain weave and slit tapestry weave. Weavers are encouraged to bring materials from home (twigs, rocks, flowers, old clothes, etc.). Additional materials will be provided. All levels are welcome.
  • Quilt Poems with Dalia Silver
    Monday, Nov. 18, 6 to 8 p.m.
    Quilts tell a story through design, material and any words the maker chooses to add to their quilt. Workshop participants will practice different embroidery stitches and learn to stitch their favorite poem, quote or passage onto a fabric quilt block.
  • Accumulation as Metaphor Art Workshop with Katie Vota
    Wednesday, Nov. 20, 6 to 8 p.m.
    Artist Richard Serra famously said, "Drawing is a verb." Participants will reference Serra's Verb List to create a sculpture. Based on modalities of reuse, participants will collect and transform objects into art, using provided fasteners and a verb of their choosing. Bring a bag of a collected material (ideally it should either fill a plastic grocery bag, or if the items are small, bring at least 100 pieces), all-purpose scissors, a fastener (such as wire or glue), an open mind, and a notebook and writing implement to take notes and sketch ideas.

Dittmar Gallery will host an opening reception with the artists on Thursday, Nov. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information visit the Norris Center website.

Dittmar Gallery is located on the second floor of Norris University Center,1999 Campus Drive, on the Evanston campus.

Never miss a story:
Get the latest stories from Northwestern Now sent directly to your inbox.
Subscribe