Mary Beth Bellah is an artist whose work continues to challenge the traditional understanding of what constitutes a quilt. Exhibiting widely in both national and international juried/invitational exhibits her work frequently involves a unique combination of cotton, wire, recycled elements and thread which may be free standing or wall mounted. Recent exhibits have included invited work at Ely Cathedral in Cambrigeshire, UK and Llangollen North Wales; Quilt National 2007 (OH) and Material’s Hard & Soft (TX). www.marybethbellah.com
Joan Griffin is a full time artist hand weaving tapestries for exhibitions and commissions; her work has been shown in numerous juried exhibitions throughout the country and internationally. Joan has woven tapestries for churches, corporations, hospitals and university libraries as well as for private residences. She also offers workshops in tapestry weaving in her studio several times a year. After undergraduate art school, Joan began her artistic career as a watercolor painter but soon began weaving about 40 years ago and concentrated on tapestry weaving about 30 years ago. “Tapestry is a contemplative medium; a contrast to fast paced life in the 21st century. I am intrigued by taking a detail element of a natural landscape and translating it into my own imagery. The relationship between color and form is the most important consideration, with combinations of fine wool, silk and metallic yarns plus beads and metal used because of the different way that they react to light. www.joangriffintapestry.com
Cynthia Harrison has enjoyed a 40 year career as a teacher and art therapist, and has supported people of all abilities in learning to use art as a tool to communicate, explore personal issues and to enhance self-esteem and self-confidence. She was lucky enough to retire in 2008, and is now focusing on her own art and creative work. Primarily working in fiber (making art quilts and painting on silk), she is also exploring working outdoors with stone and creating glass and tile mosaics. Harrison’s art has been shown in galleries as well as in solo and group exhibitions in the US and the UK. One of her recent paintings was selected to be a 2010 Easter Seal. Current work can be seen on her website, www.clharrison-silk.com
Lotta Helleberg comes from a background in graphic design and printmaking. She works primarily with linen and utilizes a technique in which leaves and other plant materials are coated with paint and pressed onto fabric. The impressions are incorporated into quilts and textile collages, and are combined with vintage components and stitching to enhance texture and character. The beauty of nature is a constant inspiration and a common theme for Lotta’s work. She was born in Sweden and now lives in Charlottesville, Virginia where she exhibits her work. www.lottahelleberg.com
Jill Jensen is a professional artist who creates fiber based work utilizing paint, printmaking and stitching. Jensen’s work has been included in national and international juried and invitational exhibitions and she has had eighteen one-person shows. In addition to exhibiting her artwork, Ms. Jensen has been an artist-in-residence in seventeen locations throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Her work is included in numerous public and private collections including the Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke, Virginia, Snidow Chapel at Lynchburg College, Centra Health System, Lynchburg, VA, and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. www.jilljensenart.com
Susan Skalak was trained as a mechanical engineer and spent several years as a design engineer and then teaching design at the university level. After having children, she turned to creating her own art. Primarily she concentrates on fiber arts: weaving tapestries, making art quilts, and designing knits and clothing, although occasionally she paints with acrylics. Susan still occasionally teaches, and recently taught a workshop on Science and Art Collaborations. One of her clothing designs was included in the book 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse by Garth Johnson.