Wearable Art Designers and African American Art Quilters Sought for Annual Exhibitions in North Charleston

The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department is seeking entries from textile artists from across the nation for two exhibitions presented as a component of the 2014 North Charleston Arts Festival, taking place May 2-10. African American art quilt artists in the United States, Mexico, and Canada age 18 and up are invited to participate in the 8th Annual African American Fiber Art Exhibition, titled JOY. Wearable art artists and fashion designers in the United States age 18 and up are welcome to submit entries for the 2nd Annual Wearable Art Competition and Exhibition. Both exhibitions will be on display at North Charleston City Hall from April 30-June 20, 2014. A $30 entry fee applies to each exhibition opportunity and allows artists to submit up to four entries. Applications for these exhibitions are only available online and may be accessed via the links at NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com/apply. Deadline for entries is Monday, March 3, 2014.

8th Annual African American Fiber Art Exhibition: JOY

Quilt from 2013 (7th Annual) African American Fiber Art Exhibition
Anansi & the Pot of Wisdom by Carolyn Brackat

 

 

Curated by award winning and nationally exhibiting textile artist, Torreah “Cookie” Washington, this unique exhibition offers African American art quilters a showcase to display their original and innovative designs. This year’s installment calls for art quilts inspired by the emotion of joy. Joy can be seen in the eyes of a child or felt while dancing; it can be heard in an exuberant holler when we hear fantastic news or in a squeal of delight when receiving a surprise gift. We can express joy in many ways. The challenge for this year’s exhibition is for artists to show the world their joy through an art quilt. Entries may be hand or machine quilted and embellishment is encouraged.

Following the close of the show, up to thirty works will be selected to tour the state through the South Carolina State Museum’s 2014/2015 Traveling Exhibitions Program. Sites across South Carolina may request the exhibit to tour in their facilities, thus providing additional exposure for the selected artists. Additionally, organizers are proud to extend a special opportunity to young quilt artists who do not meet age eligibility requirements to enter the annual exhibition. Emerging quilt artists under the age of 18 may submit quilts for Our Next Generation, a parallel exhibition that will be on display at the Unity Church of Charleston.

 




2nd Annual Wearable Art Competition & Exhibition

Best in Show from 2013 Wearable Art Competition & Exhibition

Elegant Bits N’ Pieces by Kathy Knapp

Juried by Torreah “Cookie” Washington, with assistance from the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, this opportunity offers emerging and established designers a showcase to exhibit their inspiring fashion designs, wearable art garments and accessories of all styles. The goal is to present innovative and wearable work of the highest quality and to provide a forum to share the growing enthusiasm for an exploration of techniques and materials. Wearable art garments in all styles are welcome, including garments, hats, handbags and accessories. Garments for both men and women are encouraged.

The 8th Annual African American Fiber Art Exhibition and the 2nd Annual Wearable Art Competition and Exhibition will be on display 8:00am-8:00pm daily from April 30-June 20, 2014, on the 1st and 2nd floors of North Charleston City Hall, located at 2500 City Hall Lane in North Charleston. Admission is free. A public reception in honor of both exhibitions and announcement of winners for Wearable Art will be held at City Hall on Thursday, May 8, 2014, from 6:00-8:00pm. For more information about the North Charleston Arts Festival, these exhibitions, or other exhibition opportunities, contact the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at (843)740-5854, email culturalarts@northcharleston.org, or visit NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com.