Reception Saturday for ‘Transitions’ exhibit of textile art at Axel’s
April 6, 2022 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
Using the 1939 Matisse masterpiece “The Romanian Green Blouse” as inspiration, artist Anne Standish presents "Matisse Plus” using cotton, vintage satin, velvet, brocade, silk and synthetics to illustrate transitions from small to large, simple to complex, black and white to color. Courtesy photo
Axel’s Gallery and Frame shop hosts a reception on Saturday, April 9, in conjunction with a new exhibition of textile art.
Titled “Transitions," the show features work by the Vermont Surface Design Association, a local arm of the international organization focused on inspiring creativity, encouraging innovation, and advocating for artistic excellence in textile-inspired art and design.
The exhibit opens this week and runs through April 30 featuring work by 17 artists exploring the transitions of color, shape and material using embroidery, knitting, quilting, rug hooking and other techniques depict various conceptions of transition.
Gallery owner Whitney Aldrich shares this description: “Transitions surround us, create us, define us. There are transitions we see and feel as we move from winter to spring, from land to water, from illness to health, from isolation to community, from youth to old age. Others reflect emotional and intellectual states as we move from beginner to expert, from naiveté to wisdom, from ignorance to knowledge.”
Made from a recycled plastic bottle, newspaper and cardboard, yarn, wood, polyester stuffing, polymer clay, and nails, “Take Me With You" by Leslie Roth speaks to both the hope and apprehension sparked by our anticipation of change, leaving, and loss. Courtesy photo
Exhibiting artists include Sarah Ashe, Sarah Aubry, Cari Clement, Judy Dales, Jennifer Davey, Rosalind Daniels, Elizabeth Fram, Claire Graham-Smith, Eve Jacobs-Carnahan, Marya Lowe, Agathe McQueston, Heather Milne Ritchie, Leslie Roth, Susan Snider, Anne Standish, Fern Strong, and Sharon Webster.
The reception is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 9. This event is free and open to the public. Masks will be encouraged.
With the exception of special events, Axel’s Gallery and Frame Shop is open Wednesday – Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.