Transcending Functionality

On exhibit: November 6 – 16, 2018

Opening Reception: Saturday, November 3, 4 PM – 7 PM

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM

Atlantic Center for the Arts at Harris House, 214 S. Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach, FL

A unique exhibition of fiber art that connects themes of creative aging with celebrating the journey.

Fiber Artists have been known to take something considered “Women’s work,” and transform yarn, thread and fabric into a work of art that celebrates repetition, focus and creativity.  Not only has working with your hands been proven to relieve stress, but research shows crocheting can be very effective in rehabilitation.  Historically, sewing, knitting, embroidery and quilting were skills that a thrifty housewife should display, not skills that were praised.  This type of work has been undervalued and overlooked for centuries.  As the Feminist movement developed, artists like Judy Chicago illuminated the world of Fiber Arts, showing people that these techniques  passed down in maternal lineage are more than worthy of celebration.  This show celebrates female artists, who use domestic materials to create works of Fine Art.

Curated by Bethany Bennett Behr (MFA), this exhibition features local and regional artists and will be on display throughout the month of November.

Bethany Bennett Behr is an interdisciplinary artist who earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of Central Florida and her Masters of Fine Arts from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The art work she produces question women’s equality and role in society. Her investment in the community is to boost others confidence and self-worth through artistic practices. Currently she works with the Children’s Home Society of Florida and Atlantic Center for the Arts, offering art courses to children in group homes.