"Common Threads: A Glass Exploration of Kantha Embroidery" is the title of a new installation by Hilltop Artists students. An opening reception will take place at the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Tacoma’s Wright Park tomorrow evening, April 15th. Kantha embroidery is a textile artform from South Asia that Hilltop Artists students learned about when Cathy Stevulak and Leonard Hill, co-producers of the documentary film Threads, visited the program to discuss their film, which profiles a self-taught artist who trained poor women in Bangladesh to translate their life experiences into Kantha. The Hilltop Artists students were encourage to translate what they learned into allegorical works of glass art.
To create the work in the exhibition, students employed a variety of glassmaking techniques. Sandcasting objects with personal meetings allowed the students to press jewelry, mementos, and toys into the sand to make a duplicate in glass. Other works were made using glassblowing, mosaic techniqeus, and fused glass.
The public’s first opportunity to purchase glass art in the installation will be in the Sneak Preview on Friday, April 15. Festive food provided by Gateway to India as well as beverages are included with the event. Tickets are $20, and can be purchased at www.hilltopartists.org/common-threads-installation.
IF YOU GO:
Hilltop Artists "Common Threads: A Glass Exploration of Kantha Embroidery" April 15 to May 26, 2016 (opening reception: April 15, 6 PM to 8 PM) The W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory 316 South G Street Tacoma, Washington 98405. Exhibition website Tel.: 253 571 7670