Inaugural Exhibition at the State Museum in Harrisburg
One of the great things about being a member of FGP is the opportunity to meet, know and learn from accomplished fiber artists. Tina Williams Brewer, Master Visual Artist, is one of the most distinguished in our region. I had a chance to chat with Tina recently about her inclusion in the special Inaugural Exhibition at the State Museum, Harrisburg, Pa January 20, – February 15, 2015.
Governor Tom Wolf and Frances Wolf wanted “to celebrate the legacy of art in Pennsylvania” for this special exhibition. They worked with the Pennsylvania Council for the Arts to compile a list of museums and organizations throughout the commonwealth. Each was requested to submit a list of artists, past and present, for consideration. Tina was chosen from the list submitted by Laura Domencic, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. Her quilt Rising from the Thicket was selected from over 150 submissions and was exhibited with the work of, Charles “Teenie” Harris, Violet Oakley, Horace Pippin, Edward Redfield, John Sloan, Andy Warhol, Benjamin West and Andrew Wyeth among others.
On February 4th, Tina invited Laura to accompany her to the reception to celebrate the exhibition and give her the opportunity to engage with art advocates in Harrisburg and promote our region. Tina explained that Mrs. Frances Wolf, an artist herself, plans to hold exhibitions in the Governor’s first home. The Wolfs don’t intend to live there but envision using the space as a wonderful opportunity to showcase our state’s artists.
One of 55 pieces in the show, Rising from the Thicket “speaks to the under recognized and opportunity to rise up…it is a celebratory piece,” explained Tina. This quilt is part of a body of work that acknowledges ancient cultures that Tina created in a project supported by the Heinz Endowments/Pittsburgh Foundation’s Black Arts Initiative with Pittsburgh at Art Image Resources. What an honor, congratulations Tina!!!!!
To see more of Tina’s work visit her website: www.tinawilliams.com
To see a wonderful video of Tina:
Tina Williams Brewer, Master Visual Artist 2013 from PF/PCA on Vimeo.