International weavers exhibit featured at St. Charles art gallery

When you think of weaving, you can't begin to imagine what's on display at this year's Small Expressions exhibit, presented by Handweavers Guild of America, which opened in St. Charles on June 1 and runs through Sept. 7.

Each year, HGA chooses a different location in the United States for this show. Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles is thrilled to host this annually juried exhibition, this year.

A wide range of weaving techniques, such as basketry, dyeing, needlework, beading and more, have been incorporated into remarkable works of art by 31 weaving artists from 17 states and three countries.

Three artists from Japan each have a piece in this year's show, including the mesmerizing “Twistingle” by Noriko Tomita, that won second-place in the show's opening night judging.

In first place is the complex “Ceremonial Semblance: It's in the Cloth,” by Tori Kleinert of Kentucky

Laura Foster Nicholson, the juror of this year's show, also presided over the judging at the opening reception.

“The winning piece represents the cross-cultural ethnicities in the weaving world,” said Lynn Caldwell, director of Fine Line.

Every piece in this show is one-of-a-kind, and all are smaller than 15 inches.

“This is an interesting juried show. (Laura Foster Nicholson) said the artists use regular, traditional materials as would be used for much larger pieces. Adapting them for this size is a challenge,” Caldwell said.

Each unique piece in this year's Small Expressions show is captivating, and stands on its own. Together, these works of art create an amazing, unparalleled exhibit worth coming to see at Fine Line Creative Arts Center.

The Handweavers Guild of America – Small Expressions is open through Sept. 7 at the Fine Line Creative Arts Center, 37W570 Bolcum Road in St. Charles. The Kavanagh Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Visit www.fineline.org.

For more information, call Fine Line Creative Arts Center at (630) 584-9443, email info@fineline.org or visit www.fineline.org.