InLiquid at the Bride Series presents
Exhibit 4

works by

Karen Henderson
Craig Matthews
Amy Orr
Kathryn Pannepacker
Jacqueline Unanue
and Bette Uscott-Woolsey

April 7 - May 27, 2006

First Friday receptions: April 7 and May 5, 5 - 7 pm

Painted Bride Café Gallery
230 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Click here for directions

Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 12 - 6 pm

Exhibit 4 looks at a group of contemporary artists working with fiber, presenting a range of techniques from traditional weaves to more concept driven designs. The exhibition will coincide with Fiber Month, a growing citywide initiative throughout the month of April that includes exhibitions, workshops and events that celebrate Fiber Arts. Artists include Karen Henderson, Craig Matthews, Amy Orr, Kathryn Pannepacker, Jacqueline Unanue, and Bette Uscott-Woolsey

Karen Henderson’s “internal landscapes” explore the universality of emotion through landscapes. Mixing a variety of dying techniques with weaving and fabric collage, the resulting works explore varying emotional responses associated with the seasons. Henderson received her BFA in Textile Design from Moore College of Art and Design and has exhibited in numerous fiber based exhibitions including Wax Eloquent, Massachusetts College of Art, Boston, MA, Common Thread, Phoenix Gallery, New York, NY, and Art from the Loom, Sangre de Christo Art & Conference Center, Pueblo, CO

Craig Matthews’ woven works are based on mundane objects, “...inspired by cotton pot holders that young children weave for their moms.”  Rooted in the complexities, or simplicities of the weave, this process becomes analogous with everyday life for the artist.  Matthews has presented his work in both commercial settings and in exhibitions, most recently in a group exhibition at Bucks County Community College.

Amy Orr’s mixed media based fiber works exceed the limitations of quilting. Twist ties, crack viles, plastic alligators, and superheroes have all found their way into Orr’s craft. In response to the recent tragedies in New Orleans, Orr is presenting a velvet security blanket that incorporates chicken bones with decorative hand beading. Orr has exhibited widely throughout the United States, and her works have brought her a number of grants and awards. Additional work from this series can also be seen at Snyderman Gallery, Philadelphia, where she is currently participating in their International Fiber Biennial.

Kathryn Pannepacker's newest weave illustrates the artist'sinterest in bridging the gap between her fiber works and her paintings. By using a color copy of one of her earlier paintings as a cartoon for the weave, she is recreating the painting on her loom.  Pannepacker has exhibited her fiber works both in the United States and Abroad. Her work can also be seen at the International Fiber Biennial at Snyderman Gallery, Philadelphia.

Jacqueline Unanue's work is rooted in her interest with pre-Columbian culture and her connection to an ancient past. Inspired by her visits to her native Chile, Unanue creates primitive textile designs reminiscent of signs and symbols found in rock drawings. Her work has been shown extensively in South America, in Europe, and The United States.

Bette Uscott-Woolsey describes her work as "a hybrid of artistic disciplines: abstraction and the decorative arts." Incorporating a variety of techniques including hand dying, machine stitching, embroidery and paint, Woosley's work builds strength through layers of marks and form. Her work has brought her a Leeway Foundation Award and has been included in a number of exhibitions including the 2003 – 2005 Quilt National, Traveling Exhibition. Her work can also be seen in Art Quilts at the Sedgwick, currently on view at the Philadelphia Art Alliance, Philadelphia.