Tag Archives: Gail Harker

Member Activites – July 2016

by SDA-WA Blog

Hi SDA-WA!  Here are some more activities from (and for) our wonderful members!

branchingCAMERON ANNE MASON

BRANCHING
July 7 – 23, 2016

Opening First Thursday, July 7, 2016 6 – 8 pm Artist will be in attendance

Foster/White Gallery is pleased to present a new exhibition with local textile artist Cameron Anne Mason.

The theme of nature and the evidence of human hands upon it permeates Mason’s work like the dyes used to color her hand-worked silks and velvet.

Deeply rooted in the Northwest Coast, Cameron Anne Mason’s relationship with nature is as much a part of her life as the artwork it inspires. Through deep meditations on our changing environment and by looking closely at our natural geography, Mason ardently layers and stitches her impressions into each sculpture. Her latest series, Branching, honors the history of the cloth she works with, embroider- ing stitch upon stitch parallel to a tree’s rings of growth.

Mason has been exhibiting her sculptures with Foster/White Gallery for several years. Her background in theater arts has also encouraged several installation projects throughout Seattle, including SAM Set the Table, MADArts, COCA’s Rootbound, the Bellevue Art Museum and this summer’s Bellwether sculpture exhibition at Bellevue City Hall. Mason has most recently been selected by Chateau Ste Michelle as the featured artist of their 2013 Artist Series Meritage to be released later this year.

Cameron Anne Mason’s work is in public and corporate collections throughout the Pacific Northwest and broader United States.

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maryMary O’Shaughnessy has a show of her new collage series: Hand Made Paper, Tea Bags, Image Transfers at Frame Works in the Under Town of Port Townsend (211 Taylor Street, suite B5).

Her art will be shown from July 2nd through July 30th, Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm.  She’d love for you to stop by and check it out!

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dorothy tetrahedron 3

 

Dorothy McGuinness has had her piece Tetrahedron 3 accepted into the Fiberart International 2016 show in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania through August 21.

Congratulations Dorothy!!

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carylCaryl Bryer Fallert has two pieces in the show Women by Women a new exhibition by The Surface Design Association: North Peninsula Chapter opened June 29 at Pippa’s Real Tea in downtown Port Townsend, WA.  The show will run through the end of August. Fifteen of artists have interpreted the theme, Women by Women, in our respective fiber media to bring you a broad range of images and techniques.

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Gail Harker Center for Creative Arts will be showing the works of some of their level-3 graduates on August 13th and 14th, 2016.   Congratulations to all of the graduates!

gail harker

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HoushmandB_TheTimeWatcher-224x300

Congratulations to member Barbara Houshmand for her piece entitled The Time Watcher winning People’s Choice Award at the Northwind Art Center’s show “Bits and Pieces”!

Experience the Glories of British Textiles with Gail Harker

by ceartquilts

custom_tourMany Washington state SDA members have had the pleasure of studying at the Gail Harker Center for Creative Arts, or even just visiting the studio for an exposition or a SDA group meeting.  Gail was also one of the featured speakers at the 2012 SDA symposium in Seattle.  Now a truly unique opportunity is being offered by Gail this October… a chance to tour and study art, design and stitch in Great Britain!  

The Littlebury Hotel in Bicester, Oxfordshire

The Littlebury Hotel in Bicester, Oxfordshire

Gail lived over 20 years in Britain, and has developed relationships that open doors to places that the general public will never get to see!  Tours to historic houses, museums and galleries will be guided by specialists, tutors and curators. If you have a keen interest in textiles of all sorts, including embroidery, quilts, and lace,  or a fascination with educational and historic sites, you should consider this trip, planned specifically to enhance appreciation of art, design and stitch studies.

The sense of camaraderie that Gail engenders in her students will be fostered during travel between venues in a comfortable coach where historic stitches and techniques will be discussed, demonstrated and even practiced.  Participants are also encouraged to keep individual sketchbooks on the tour.

Each night after activities the participants will return to the Littlebury Hotel, with the exception of 2 nights aboard a ferry when the tour goes to Normandy, France, to see the amazing Bayeux Tapestry and moving D-day beaches.  Returning to the same comfortable hotel each night allows students to share their experiences and not have the difficulty of packing up and moving multiple times throughout the trip.

A portion of the 70 meter long Bayeux tapestry, embroidered in approximately 1070 CE.

A portion of the 70 meter long Bayeux tapestry, embroidered in approximately 1070 CE.

17th century Frog purse from the Asmoleum Collection

17th century Frog purse from the Asmoleum Collection

The tour starts off with a special one-day event called “The Big Stitch” at the Ashmoleum Museum, Oxford.  There will be about 25 demonstrators throughout the museum, special talks, and a new exhibition of 17th century embroideries.

At the Victoria & Albert Museum, a textile specialist will be giving the group a personal talk while viewing incredible Tutor, Stuart, Georgian, and Victorian textiles.

One day is spent at the infamous Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra palace, where the height of stitched textile art is showcased each year, as well as an amazing vendor market of over 100 specialist shops.

17th Century red velvet embroidered Bible owned by James II, King of England (1633-1701.)

17th Century red velvet embroidered Bible owned by James II, King of England (1633-1701.)

Another highlight is getting to visit the British Library where the group will get to see 16th-17th century books with embroidered pictorial bookbindings.

There are so many wonderful stops and details that it’s difficult to pick just a few to highlight here.  On the Gail Harker Center for Creative Arts website (http://www.gailcreativestudies.com/) you can download a full packet that describes all the details and places the tour will cover, as well as having some fantastic links to textile collections and online galleries.

 

 

To find out all about this incredible tour, you can go to: http://www.gailcreativestudies.com/about/england-tour-2014 and scroll down to see the highlights and download the complete packet on the tour.

margaretLaytonCoat

Margaret Layton waistcoat (1610-1615) at the Victoria & Albert Museum, made of linen, embroidered with colored silks, silver and silver-gilt thread, lined with silk.

 

41 Harker Students Exhibit at the Schack Art Center in January

by surfacedesignwa

Ever wonder what kind of art comes as a result of taking classes at the Gail Harker Center for Creative Arts in La Conner?

Susan Lenarz_LRYou can see for yourself Jan. 10 through Feb. 16, 2013 at the Schack Art Center in Everett when 41 Harker students present Complex Threads.

Visitors will be astonished at the diversity of work created, which includes intricate embroidered vessels, large 3-dimensional wall hangings, soft sculptures, complex designs, and other contemporary fiber art and multimedia pieces.

“The items on exhibit exemplify the skills in design, media, and technique that are the hallmark of our courses,” said Gail Harker, Center founder.  “I’m really pleased that that the work of these artists will have a platform for wider appreciation.”

Exhibitors include students from Portland, OR, Seattle, and several cities in California and British Columbia, among others. To download a PDF of the full list of artists and view small thumbnails of the work, click HERE.

The Harker Center was recently featured in Fiber Art Now.  You can find a PDF of the article by clicking HERE.

For more information, see the Gail Harker website or call (360) 466-0110; or visit the Schack Art Center.

A Few Highlights from the Surface Matters Symposium!

by surfacedesignwa

SURFACE MATTERS
SYMPOSIUM
MARCH 3, 2012

Several weeks has passed since 150+ eager fiber-loving people attended Surface Matters, a symposium, exhibition and studio tour produced by SDA-Washington. A team of SDA volunteers is still working to bring closure to this hugely successful event. Thank you to everyone who returned our request for feedback. We had a 67% return rate on our survey which is really incredible! Most of the response was overwhelmingly positive. Bottom line, most everyone was enriched by their experience at Surface Matters and most everyone is interested in further SDA sponsored happenings. Stay tuned for what is next!!

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The program line up for the day-long symposium was power packed!! We will report in more detail about the event in the weeks to come but for now, here are just a few highlights:

  • Eager attendees lined up early to check in for Surface Matters while a team of volunteers processed 150 people in less than 30 minutes!
  • The day opened in a general session with a keynote panel discussion Surface Design: Past, Present & What Lies Ahead. Moderator Barbara Lee Smith guided a rich and compelling conversation with Jane Dunnewold, Lou Cabeen and Marci Rae McDade.

After a quick break, attendees attended one of two concurrent sessions:

  • Artist Trisha Hassler generously shared about the progression of her personal style with humor and openness – all were inspired and awed!!

Lunch time offered more than just food!! Symposium attendees enjoyed delicious box lunches from the Portage Bay Cafe and also had time to network and play!!

  • A spirited team from Artist & Craftsman Supply in Seattle’s University District provided us creative-types with a hands on activity making print blocks. The room was packed standing room only and the creative juices were flowing! Check out this colorful display!
  • Over 150 swatches showing surface design processes and techniques were available to be fondled! How inspiring!! The SDA Swatch Library is one of the many SDA member benefits and can be checked out for use at any SDA event.

After a midday break to fuel and network, attendees choose two of four more concurrent sessions:

  • Gail Harker shared her wisdom and insight from many years of experience teaching art, design and textile arts in her presentation Awakening The Creative Spirit.
  • Michele Wipplinger indulged participants with her expertise about Color: Trends in the Culture of Cloth.
  • Jane Dunnewold did not disappoint with her inspiring talk about Exploring Your Visual Language.
  • Michael Cepress is credited for wearing the snazziest jacket of the day and it’s no surprise that he wowed us with his presentation Fashion Forward: Where We Are Going & How We Are Getting There.
  • At the end of a full day, all attendees gathered together once again for the day’s keynote presentation by Bellevue Arts Museums’ Stefano Catalini. Stefano shared his perspectives about Artists Working In Fiber.

And finally, SDA Board Member and Washington State Area Rep Peggy O’Heron shared some thoughts about what is next for SDA in the NW region. An incredible team of volunteers were acknowledged for the hours of work they gave to make Surface Matters happen. The event’s generous sponsors were appreciated and, everyone in attendance experienced an ‘Oprah Moment’ as abundantly stuffed goody bags were distributed to all!

Drawing, Felt and Sketchbook Classes at the Gail Harker Creative Studies Center

by surfacedesignwa

Do you long to draw but are afraid to begin, thinking you aren’t good enough?

Drawing and Painting for the Terrified and Picture It in Collage and Stitch

The Hare 2 by Richard Box

Well-known international tutor Richard Box can help you overcome your fears. He is returning to the Gail Harker Creative Studies Center in La Conner to teach two of his popular courses in March.

Box, from the UK, joins guest tutor Pat Sparks in kicking off a number of guest classes being held at the Creative Studies Center this year.

In Drawing and Painting for the Terrified, Box helps you develop your powers of perception, overcome your self doubt and begin to draw and paint with confidence as he teaches you simple principles and skills.

Box’s first class, Drawing and Painting for the Terrified, will be held March 9-13, and Picture It in Collage and Stitch will be held March 16-18.

Drawing and Painting for the Terrified Brochure / Registration

Picture It in Collage and Stitch Brochure / Registration

 

Watercolor Felt Inlay

Pat Sparks will offer her Watercolor Felt Inlay course April 20-22 at the Center.

"Linn County Petunias" by Pat Spark

In Watercolor Felt Inlay, students use wool to paint felt much like one does using watercolors to paint on paper. Students learn by doing a series of samplers, and then, with confidence, create their own designs.

Watercolor Felt Inlay Brochure / Registration

Two Day Sketchbook Class

Gail Harker is offering her popular Sketchbooks: A Journey of Visual Discovery class, over a weekend, March 31 and April 1, and as a 2-day condensed class rather than over the usual 5 days.

To learn more about these and the upcoming Level 1 courses, visit our website at Gail Harker Creative Studies Center 

Gail Harker’s Online Color Studies to begin January 12!

by surfacedesignwa

Twenty-six students from Wisconsin, Michigan, California, and several cities in Washington to British Columbia, and Australia registered for Gail Harker Creative Studies Center’s first-ever online course, Level 1 Color Studies.

Many more students expressed interest in online Color Studies but didn’t want to start the first six-week segment during the holidays, so Gail is offering another Level 1 Online Color Studies course starting January 12.

Level 1 Color Studies is a hands-on course that teaches students about color theory. It also gives them guidance, practical experience, and resources on how to use color in their work – no matter what media an artist uses. Harker helps students understand color and gives them a hands-on foundation they can use throughout their work.

Watch the video to see what Gail teaches in the three six-week sessions, what students can do with their sketchbooks, and what they may achieve through the use of color mixing.   Click here to see the brochure.

Level 1 Color studies is just the first of many courses the Gail Harker Creative Studies Center plans to offer, said Harker. In 2012, she plans to debut several shorter courses, including one on Sketchbooks.

Gail Harker Creative Studies Center adds online art course to reach students worldwide

by surfacedesignwa

Internationally known textile and fiber artist, author and educator Gail Harker will launch the Gail Harker Creative Studies Center’s first online course Nov. 29, Level 1 Color Studies.

Unlike other art courses taught online, Level 1 Color Studies is a hands-on course that teaches students about color theory and gives them guidance, practical experience, and resources on how to use color in their work – no matter what media an artist uses.

“Many people are intimidated by color,” said Gail Harker, founder of the 17-year-old Creative Studies Center. “They think everything is black or white, right or wrong. But there is no right or wrong. We help students understand color and teach them how to make sense of it, giving them a hands-on foundation they can use throughout their work.”

The Level 1 Color Studies Online course will be delivered through video instruction, Power Point demonstrations, and office hours during which students may speak with the tutor directly. Students will also have e-mail access for questions and comments, participate in group conference calls, and receive 400 pages of online content.

Level 1 Color Studies Online course is comprised of three units. Students will move through the coursework on their own schedule, but will complete each unit within a six-week period. In this course Harker guides students to see color in new ways, work with color directly through the use of papers and paints and lays the foundation for future work with color.

For the past 17 years, students had to travel to Oak Harbor, and more recently La Conner, to learn from Harker, who studied art in Canada, England and Scotland. She earned her diploma from the London City & Guilds Institute completing the Design and Embroidery course with Distinction. Harker was granted the Senior Award of Licentiateship (LCGI) by the London City & Guilds Institute in London, Great Britain.

Harker plans to offer other courses online in the future. In addition to color studies, the Center helps students artfully implement color into surface design and textiles. Since its beginnings in 1994, more than 1,500 students have taken courses in textile art, multimedia art & design, color studies, dyeing of fabrics and threads, machine stitching (machine embroidery), hand stitching (hand embroidery), painting fabrics, papermaking, sketchbook studies and collage.

Contact: Gail Harker, phone: (360) 279-2105 / email: gail@gailcreativestudies.com

About Gail Harker Creative Studies Center

Internationally known textile and fiber artist, author and educator Gail Harker has the equivalent of a Masters in textile and fiber art as well as contemporary embroidery, also known as stitch. More than 1,500 artists have studied at the Creative Studies Center, which offers professional certificate and diploma programs in design and stitch. Several students have gone on to win national and international recognition. Learn more at the Gail Harker Creative Studies Center website.