An exhibit by Marie Watt, "Blanket Stories," will be on display in the ArtSpace Main Gallery at the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts, 240 S. Glenwood, Jackson, from Friday, June 13 through Thursday Aug. 21. The exhibit is free and open to the public.Here's a description from the JH Center for the Arts web site:
On a wall, a blanket functions as a tapestry. On a body it functions as a robe and living art object. In Marie Watt's work, stacks of blankets form columns 20 feet in height that reference structures as linen closets, memorials and sculpture reminiscent of Northwest Coast house posts, forests, architectural elements and modern art. The surrounding walls will feature related lithographs, photographs and blanket banners.
Watt will attend an artist reception starting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, when she also will give an informal talk about the exhibit. Watt also will lead a sewing circle 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, June 21. All ages and experience levels are invited to help Watt stitch recycled wool blankets into an intricate design. Participants are encouraged to bring fabrics and recycled clothes to integrate into their work, or they may share in a community box of fabric. Finally, Watt will be collecting and stacking an array of colorful blankets, donated by the public, in the Center Lobby. Printed tags attached to the blankets identify their provenance, including stories of their significance. Donations can beginning June 1.
Those who participate in The Sewing Circle or donate blankets to the Community Blanket Stack receive a Marie Watt silk-screen print, courtesy of the artist.
