Collage Sisthars' 'Keep Your Edges Glued Down' exhibit on display at Elmhurst gallery
"Keep Your Edges Glued Down, a Collage Sisthars Collaborative Exhibit" is on display through Nov. 30 in the Elmhurst Artists' Guild Gallery, 150 Cottage Hill Ave.
The exhibit includes several collaborative efforts along with individual works. The Collage Sisthars (pronounced "Sis-TAAS") work in a variety of styles, media and themes - all with a component of collage. Among the varied pieces on display are over 100 small masterpieces that have been created and exchanged.
The Sisthars' main focus is to explore and play with the wild world of mixed-media arts and to provide an outlet for sharing and nurturing each other's creativity. As one Sisthar explained, "I have found my tribe."
The women share techniques on painting, journaling, polymer clay, resin, surface design, fabric collage, jewelry and encaustic painting
The Sisthars have a variety of interests and backgrounds. There are graphic designers, bookbinders, painters, writers, interior designers, art quilters, photographers and jewelers. Some practice their art full time, others create when they can, but all are united by their love for paper and learning new techniques.
The Sisthars started meeting in 2004, when a group of nine women met at a collage class at the Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles. They had such a great time together, they decided to continue to meet - taking turns presenting different mixed-media techniques and ideas. Since those first nine, the email list has grown to over 100 names. The Sisthars just happen to be all women, but would love to welcome a male Sisthar into the fold - it just hasn't happened yet.
At the exhibit, to celebrate November as the month of gratitude, there will be a collection of collaged hearts created by artists with a donation box. This "on your honor" donation box invites the community to take a heart and give back.
The funds collected will be given to the Re:new Project, a Glen Ellyn-based organization which supports refugee women and helps them to thrive.
The exhibition can be viewed during regular exhibit hours, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
While admission to the gallery is free, admission to Elmhurst Arts Museum is $15 or $12 for seniors. The Elmhurst Arts Museum offers free admission to students with a school ID, children under 18, as well as members of the Elmhurst Art Museum. All visitors to the Elmhurst Arts Museum are admitted free on the first Friday of each month. More information is available at elmhurstartistsguild.org and elmhurstartmuseum.org.