Uncommon Threads
The Handicrafts in Book Arts
September 23 - October 29, 2011
About Uncommon Threads
Book and paper artists have the ability to work with an enviable palette of artistic materials and techniques—including traditional handicrafts. Think knitting, embroidery, sewing, beading, felting, needlework, stitching, quilting and other myriad possibilities. Combine these techniques and materials with a strong concept, meaningful content or a compelling narrative and we have a new era in the art and fine craft of book and paper.
Come explore how artists are using these crafts in the book and paper arts realm. How do artists utilize these techniques, materials or subjects as a way to round out, illustrate or compliment a central concept? Can we dispel the myth that the handicrafts don’t have any part in meaningful art?”
Uncommon Threads showcases 47 artists from across the United States plus the UK, Canada and Argentina. Featured are 51 finely crafted works, from artist books to broadsides to blank books chosen from 227 works submitted to our call for entries.
Librarian's Choice Awards
Congratulations to our three Librarian's Choice Award winners for Uncommon Threads. We asked librarians from across the country vote for their favorite books in the show. The artists receiving the most votes are:
Susan Collard for Interlinear
Julie Shaw Lutts for Alterations & Adjustments
Doreen Barnaville for Fading Skills
Best of Show Awards
23 Sandy Gallery honors three artists with Best of Show Awards for Uncommon Threads. These three works are exemplary in content, concept, techniques, materials—and all have impeccable workmanship. Congratulations to:
Tekla McInerney for Lament
Elsi Vassdal Ellis for Notions & Fabrications | Remnants
Nanette Wylde for Between Us
Learn more about our choices for the Best of Show Awards here.
Juror's Statement
After much hand wringing and fretting over every one of the 227 pieces submitted by 120 artists we tried hard to create a cohesive and compelling exhibition that explores a variety of techniques, concepts, themes and topics. It is our belief, that in the end, making sure every artist’s voice is heard is what makes for a terrific show. Thank you to all of the artists who submitted to Uncommon Threads. It was an honor to consider each and every piece.
A special blog post about the jury process: Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes of a juried art exhibition? How do the jurors select the works? What exactly is the process? Did they really "get" your work? Click here to find a blog post on the 23 Sandy Gallery blog about jurying Uncommon Threads. Check out what happens when a juror is snowed under and bowled over by 227 incredible works of art.
Installation Photos
Top of page image credits, left to right: © Tekla McInerney, Susan Field, Aimee Howard
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