California is a large and complicated place, where dreams are formed and sometimes realized, and where homelessness, want, and xenophobia are all too prevalent. Stitching California: Fiber Artists Interpret the State’s People, Life, and Land, a new traveling exhibition appearing at Turlock’s Carnegie Arts Center from September 13 to December 31, showcases an exciting collection of art quilts that interpret the complexities of the Golden State. Viewers will enjoy a balanced show of beauty, originality, thought-provoking content, realistic and abstract imagery, and quality workmanship.
Presenting a well-rounded picture of a complex state, Stitching California displays works from over 40 artists working in California and neighboring states today. Their dynamic offerings pay tribute to iconic California views, and to the beautiful native flora of the state. But other, more challenging themes also emerge: the impacts of climate change through drought, flood, and fire; the lasting detrimental effects of the Gold Rush; and the persecutions faced by California’s Indigenous peoples, Hispanic population, and Japanese Americans interned during World War II. Rendered in diverse ways, Stitching California’s 2D and 3D fiber works contain references to industry, economy, geography, and topography, and run the emotional gamut from hope to despair.
A reception celebrating the start of the 2022-23 season at the CAC will take place on September 30 from 6-9 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public and will include a preview look at the CAC’s Artober online fundraising auction.
Additional related programming includes Family Friday activities, gallery talks with artists, and arts lectures with experts in California history and geography. For dates and details visit the website, https://www.carnegieartsturlock.org/calendar
Stitching California originated at the Grace Hudson Museum in Ukiah, CA and is traveled through Exhibit Envoy in partnership with Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA).
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