Monday, August 24, 2015

Martha Brownscombe talks about "Parts of Trees"

The Lakeshore Fiber Arts Guild’s first meeting of their program year will feature Martha Brownscombe of East Lansing talking about her recent exhibit of hand weavings called ”Parts of Trees” on Wed., Sept. 2, at the Holland Area Arts Council, 150 East 8th St., Holland, MI 49423, starting at 6:30pm.  Non-members are asked to pay $5 toward the speaker’s fee. 

Much of Martha Brownscombe’s work incorporates natural materials with weaving. She will talk about where her ideas originate and how she integrates them into her work.  She will also lead the audience in a hands-on project related to found sticks.  Her “Parts of Trees” exhibit was held at the Lansing Art Gallery in June-July.

Brownscombe has an undergraduate and graduate degree in textile design and has been a weaver and fiber artist for more than 40 years.  She has long been deeply involved in local, state and national organizations supporting fiber arts.  She has exhibited her work in a many galleries and institutions, and has won numerous awards over the years. “I have been attracted to textiles for my entire life.  One of my passions is to learn about the textiles of other cultures.  I spent some time in Africa as a student, an experience that started a lifetime journey of travel and collecting textiles.”   Over the years Martha has curated and co-curated a number of textile exhibits at the Michigan State University Museum, such as “Rags, Rugs and Weavers,” “Textile Treasures” and “Fascination with Fiber.”  Martha has served on the East Lansing arts commission for 10 years.  Presently she is a member of Grove Gallery Studios in East Lansing, and maintains a studio in East Lansing and Chicago.

The Lakeshore Fiber Arts Guild invites anyone interested in the textile fiber arts to their monthly program meetings held the first Wednesday of each month at the Holland Area Arts Council.  For more information, visit the guild’s blog at lakeshorefiberartsguild.blogspot.com or contact jgould1526@gmail.com or 616-878-1526.