"Northwest Corner" by CTFAC - Opening in May at Norfolk Library

A new exhibit by the members of CTFAC will open the first weekend of May at the Norfolk Public Library in Norfolk, CT.  Check back for additional details.

"Spring Thaw" Opens at Duncaster in Bloomfield

The Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective exhibit "Spring Thaw" at the Duncaster Center in Bloomfield is open now through March 28, 2014.

What a lovely venue. We were literally wined and dined by the art committee and entire Duncaster community. Here are some pictures from the opening reception.

"Fishing Season 2" by Rosalind Spann

"Donna's Iris" by Carol Eaton

"Geraniums" by Christina Blais

"Vintage Garden" by Karen Loprete

"Acadia" Grey Challenge by Carol R. Eaton

"Sand Ripples" by Diane Cadrain

"And This Tree Doesn't Grow in Brooklyn", Grey Challenge by Wanda Seldon

"Roses and Old Lace" by Mary Lachman

Antonia Torres, Carol Vinick, and Mary Lachman listening to audience questions during the gallery talk. 

Rosalind Spann and Carol Vinick in gallery talk 

Spring Thaw

An art quilt by Carol Vinick

This weekend a new exhibit of art quilts by members of the Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective will open at the Duncaster Retirement Center in Bloomfield, CT.

In addition to spring-themed quilted wall hangings the group will present the Grey Matter Challenge in its first public showing. Each member of CTFAC received a small packet of grey fabrics and was asked to use at least 2 of the fabrics in a small open-themed art quilt. Finished pieces were then mounted on 11"x14" stretched canvas.

The opening reception is Sunday, March 2, 2014 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Three members (Carol Vinick, Christina Blais, and Diane Cadrain) will be presenting gallery talks and other members of CTFAC will be available to answer questions about their work and inspirations.

I hope you can join us at the reception.

Duncaster Retirement Center
40 Loeffler Road
Bloomfield, CT 06002
http://duncaster.org

"Spring Garden" by Mary Lachman

CTFAC reveals The Grey Matter Challenge

Recently the members of CTFAC met for our monthly meeting at a local cafe. After the business was sorted out we revealed our completed Grey Matter Challenge pieces to one another. This challenge was posed early last summer when each member was given a paper bag containing several strips of grey hued commercial cotton and asked to create a small art quilt using at least 2 of the fabrics.

As always, because CTFAC is composed of such a diverse group of talented individuals, the reveal was exciting and the quilts were all very different from one another.  Some members added beads and paint, others used tulle to create shadows and water effects. Everyone added their own distinct pattern of stitching to the pieces.

Rosalind Spann's Grey Matter

Christina Blais

Karen Loprete

Carol Vinick

Carol Eaton's work with Antonia Torres looking on

The assemblage, lower right work of Mary Lachman

All of the Grey Matter Challenge pieces will be exhibited at our next show at the Duncaster Center in Bloomfield next month. The "Spring Thaw" exhibit will be at the Duncaster March 1 to March 28, 2014. The opening reception is Sunday, March 2nd from 4:00-5:30 p.m.

CTFAC members in 2014 from left to right and first row to second: Antonia Torres, Diane Cadrain, Karen Loprete, Christina Blais, Wanda Seldon, Carol Vinick, Carol R. Eaton, Mary Lachman, Rosalind Spann

CTFAC Begins 2014 Welcoming New Members

Yesterday our group gathered in Hartford to tour the 100 Pearl Street Gallery and Theaterworks exhibit area in anticipation of our upcoming exhibits.

Afterward we had a wonderful brunch at Diane C's home followed by our first general meeting of 2014.

We are thrilled to welcome Wanda Seldon (left) and Christina Blais (right) to the group!

Then, we did a little "shopping" when Diane and Carol V pulled out bin after bin of a late friend's stash that they wanted to share with us. Thank you!

CTFAC Welcomes New Member Christina Blais

We would like to welcome Christina Blais, owner of One Bobbin, Bridgeport, CT to CTFAC.

Christina comes to art quilting from a background in engineering and data analysis and although having learned to sew starting at age nine, and having more than a few traditional quilts under her belt, has only been art quilting for a few years.   She already has several honors to her credit, including two artworks in the SAQA regional traveling show, Local Color, and an Honorable Mention in the All People Quilt Grand Central Quilt Challenge. 

One Bobbin is Christina's business in the American Fabric Arts Building in Bridgeport. She provides space and instruction for individuals and small groups to work on sewing projects. Christina is an accomplished teacher and provides support and direction for individuals who are just starting out. 

We encourage you to visit One Bobbin on Facebook. 

CTFAC Announces Exhibit Schedule for 2014

At our December meeting our exhibition plans for 2014 were finalized. These are the shows we are planning:  

Duncaster Retirement Center, Bloomfield, CT

Spring Theme - Title TBA

March 2014

Legislative Office Building, Hartford, CT

"Impromptu Fibers 2" in conjunction with Sisters in Cloth and Women Against the Grain

April 16-30, 2013

Norfolk Library, Norfolk, CT

Title TBA

May 2014

100 Pearl Street Gallery, Hartford, CT

"Jazz Tones" with special guest artist Edjonetta Miller

June 15 - August 23, 2014; Reception Thursday, June 26

Connecticut Department of Transportation

Title TBA

September 9 - October 23, 2014

TheaterWorks "Woody Sez", Hartford, CT

August 8 - September 14, 2013

CTFAC at the Pearl Street Gallery in Summer 2014

Excitement is mounting for CTFAC as we just learned that we have been accepted into the 100 Pearl Street Gallery in Hartford, Connecticut for an exhibit in the summer of 2014.

Diane Cadrain was the major impetus behind the application and it paid off. Check back for additional details on that exhibit and others that are being planned for next year.

CT Fiber Arts Collective Creates High Energy!

The CT Fiber Arts Collective not only creates fabulous art but they also keep the energy level high wherever they go! The collective recently met at the Wheeler House Restaurant and from the moment the meeting started there was a fun vibe in the air...  sometimes you just need to dance!

Mary Lachman, Rosalind Spann, Diane Cadrain and Carol Vinick!



The Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective announces the 2014 Exhibit Calendar

Autumn breezes are quickly replacing August heat and the Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective is finalizing its exhibit calendar for 2014.

Look for us and our new works at the following venues:

• Duncaster Center, Bloomfield, CT in March
• Norfolk Library, Norfolk, CT in May
• CT Department of Transportation, Newington, CT in September

CTFAC Exhibit and Sale in Norfolk

The Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective continues an exhibit and sale of handmade gift items at the Norfolk Artisan Guild in September. If you are looking for a nice, leisurely drive to a quiet corner of Connecticut, a trip to Norfolk just might be the right thing over Labor Day weekend or anytime in September!

Hands-On Demonstrations by Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective Members!

 This past Sunday the Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective presented hands-on demonstrations at the Norfolk Artisans Guild, Station Place, Norfolk. The weather was perfect and the visitors friendly.

Please stop by the guild and pick up an early holiday gift. Be sure to say "hi" to the guild mascot!

Our members will have artwork for sale through September!







Diane Cadrain showed us how she creates felted jewelry

Diane says making felted balls is soothing and relaxing!

Diane strings the finished felted balls into beautiful necklaces

Carol Vinick demonstrated how to use recycled silk ties
to create new designs on silk scarves

Carol laid recycled silk scarves on top of a plain silk scarf.
Next she folded the scarf in half and rolled all layers up with plain cotton.

Carol took the rolled up fabric and boiled with 2 TB. white vinegar and water for 45 minutes

Once the fabric was cooled Carol unrolled to discover to discover the design from the ties
has transferred to the plain silk scarf... magic!

Rosalind Spann shared her techniques for wrapping fibers around
cording to create unique and beautiful jewelry



Rosalind talks about the best qualities when it comes to
choosing the many fiber options available.

Rosalind discussed how she combines varies colors and fibers
to achieve specific results

Rosalind shows off her beautiful jewelry!

The day was a lot of fun and we hope to see you at the guild soon!

Norfolk Artisans Guild Hosts the Collective

During August we have handmade fabric and fiber items for sale at the Norfolk Artisans Guild in Norfolk, CT.  Visit and you will find hand-dyed silk scarves, felted flower brooches, embellished eyewear cases, clutches, felted wool hats, and stuffed animals...and of course a few art quilts!

An opening reception and art demonstrations is scheduled for Sunday, August 4th from 1-4 PM.  Now is the perfect time to enjoy the charm of northwest Connecticut and stop in to meet members of The Collective.  It is also a wonderful time to purchase a few unique and one-of-a-kind gifts for that special someone?

The Norfolk Artisans Guild is located in the town of Norfolk. It would be a great side trip for anyone attending the Litchfield Jazz Festival or Infinity Hall! And remember there are several good eateries right around the corner and plenty of easy access parking!

Diane Cadrain's Quilt in Lowell Life magazine

"Buddhist Temple", a quilt created by Diane Cadrain, is featured in an article about the Lowell Quilt Festival in August.  We hope you have a chance to visit the show. 

The Lowell Quilt Festival is August 8 - September 7, 2013. http://thebrush.org

Carol Vinick at the Brush Gallery, Lowell MA - "Tangled Up in Blue"

A quilt by Carol Vinick was juried into the "Tangled Up in Blue" exhibit at the Brush Gallery in Lowell, MA as part of the Lowell Quilt Festival! This is an image of her amazing work.

"Tangled Up in Blue" by Carol Vinick
Photography by Tim Becker

For more information:
Art Quilts Lowell 2013: A Juried Exhibition
The Brush Art Gallery and Studios
256 Market Street, Lowell, MA 01852
http://www.thebrush.org/

The exhibition is open August 8 - September 7, 2103

Bartlett Arboretum Reception and Exhibit

Meet the CTFAC artists today at the Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford for the opening reception of Botanical Inspirations: Capturing Nature in Fiber. The reception is 12 noon to 4 p.m.

The exhibit continues through the month of June.

Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens

151 Brookdale Road

Stamford, CT

Political Quilts of Carol Vinick

Carol Vinick is presenting a trilogy of quilts with a political message at the Charter Oak Cultural Center in Hartford, CT www.charteroakcenter.org

Community Quilt: Linking Communities Together One Thread at a Time
June 6 - July 20, 2013
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 6, 6:00-8:00 PM

Calendar Girls

In anticipation of the upcoming Bartlett Arboretum exhibit the Collective members took a break from all the stitching and dyeing and general creativitity to have a photo shoot in the backyard.

Left to Right: Carol Eaton, Antonia Torres, Carol Vinick, Karen Loprete, Diane Cadrain, Mary Lachman, Rosalind Spann

Botanical Inspirations

Our next exhibit is Botanical Inspirations: Capturing Nature in Fiber.

The opening reception is Sunday, June 9, 2013 from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Flower Power - Karen Loprete

The following are examples of the work that will be in the show. Please come and join us at the reception.

Charter Oak - Diane Cadrain

Connecticut Season Change - Karen Loprete

Black-Eyed Susan Vine - Carol Vinick

Orange Daisy - Carol Vinick

Rosalind Spann

Harvest Moon
Mary Lachman 2012