As the exhibition “Visions of America” draws to a close, Bucks County Community College’s (BCCC) Hicks Art Center Gallery announced it will host a hands-on textile workshop exploring local history through fiber art.
Led by exhibiting artist Duwenavue Santé Johnson and artist Rae Burns, the three-hour event “In Plain Sight” serves as a fitting culmination of the multimedia exhibition curated by Clifford Eberly, Senior Manager of Galleries and Exhibitions. Designed to examine the nation’s past, present, and future as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, the show pairs contemporary art with historical artifacts. In it, Johnson’s own textile work symbolically evokes the ethereal spirituality of 19th-century historic Newtown Quaker artist Mary Ivins Cunningham. This is a connection made all the more profound by Johnson’s recent discovery that Cunningham is actually a distant relative, said BCCC officials.
During the workshop, Johnson will share how her genealogical research has translated into contemporary fiber art. According to BCCC’s press release, she will also guide participants through creating their own original stitched pieces. Drawing inspiration from Cunningham’s botanical studies and Newtown’s rich local history, attendees will explore traditional 19th-century hand-stitching techniques using marbled fabric paper, silk, tulle, beads, and other tactile materials. Together, they will reflect on the stories, images, and natural elements of the local landscape that so often remain right in plain sight, yet easily overlooked.
The event will be held on Saturday, July 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. in Room H100 of the Hicks Art Center on the college’s Newtown Campus. The workshop costs $20 for adults and $10 for students and youth ages 12 to 16, with payment collected at the door and all materials provided. While general admission to the gallery remains free, advance registration for the workshop is requested by emailing gallery@bucks.edu.
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