Voices of American Design Spring 2016 Series Features Artists Working in Tapestry, Quilting and Fiber Art

Kurie Fitzgerald: [email protected], 202-994-6461

Maralee Csellar: [email protected], 202-994-7564

 

This spring, the George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum will host the “Voices of American Design” lecture series, which explores contemporary design in a range of different media—from textiles to woodwork. Four celebrated artists will offer their perspectives on the creative process.

 

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016; 6 p.m.*Space is limited for this lecture

Considered by many to be the nation's leading contemporary tapestry artist, Mr. Riis creates artworks populated by figurative motifs that challenge ideas of beauty and mythology. His tapestries—recognized for both their provocative content and their stunning execution—are found in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and recently The Textile Museum. Join the artist himself for a special lecture spanning works from his decades-long career. 

 

Thursday, March 10, 2016; 6 p.m. 

A studio furniture maker and designer for more than 40 years, Mr. Kopf specializes in the art of marquetry decoration—meticulously fitting together pieces of wood and other natural materials to create intricate designs and pictures. In 2015, Kopf was named a Master of the Medium by the James Renwick Alliance of the Smithsonian Institution. His lecture will explore how traditional craftsmanship can survive in the digital age.

 

Thursday, April 14, 2016; 6 p.m. 

Mr. James’s non-traditional quilts feature complex patterns that blend abstract and recognizable images. In this talk, James will address the ambiguity inherent in his work and reflect on his long career in studio production. Mr. James chairs the Department of Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and his textiles are included in the collections of New York’s Museum of Arts and Design, the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Smithsonian Institution’s Renwick Gallery.

 

Thursday, May 5, 2016; 6 p.m. 

Award-winning Philadelphia artist Ed Bing Lee has been making art pieces in macramé for more than 30 years after retiring from a career in commercial fabric design and manufacturing. Working with colored thread and thousands upon thousands of knots, Mr. Lee transforms simple materials and common techniques into a unique form of contemporary fiber art. In this talk, he will discuss his sources and influences, the importance of materials, and the new direction of his current series, Intimate Narratives.

 

The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum

701 21st St., NW

Washington, D.C. 

Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro (Orange, Blue and Silver lines)

 

Tickets are free for museum members and current GW students, faculty and staff, and $10 for the public. Advance registration is required. Register online or by calling 202-994-7394. 

 

“Voices of American Design” is a series of lectures that explore contemporary design in a range of different media. Celebrated artists working in these media discuss the process of developing their own personal style and the future of design. Past speakers include internationally recognized textile artist Stephanie Odegard, woodturners Philip and Matt Moulthrop, glass artist Dan Dailey, and beadwork and performance artist Joyce J. Scott.

 

The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum opened on March 21, 2015, on GW’s Foggy Bottom Campus. The custom-built museum displays The Textile Museum’s globally recognized collections of more than 20,000 textiles and related objects, and artworks owned by the university, including the Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection of 1,000 artifacts documenting the history of Washington, D.C. The museum offers educational programs, including the “Voices of American Design” series. Visit the online calendar for details.

  

Admission is free for museum members, children and current GW students, faculty and staff. A suggested donation of $8 for non-members will support the museum’s exhibitions, collections and educational programs. The museum is open Monday, Wednesday–Friday 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m.