“The Art Cloth Network” by Catherine Kirsch

June 14, 2017

More than half the present members of the Art Cloth Network (ACN) are also current members of Surface Design Association, and in September 2017, they will be accepting applications for new members. Catherine Kirsch (a member of SDA and ACN) writes on behalf of both organizations as an invitation to the SDA community to join ACN’s group.

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As a thirty-member community of artists, we work together to encourage individual artistic development, to explore the boundaries of our medium, and to educate others about our art. We define “Art Cloth” as material transformed by adding or subtracting color, line, shape, texture or fiber to make a compelling surface and composition. We recently expanded the definition to include three-dimensional art and work meant for outdoor display.

We all work in cloth, but our pieces reflect our individuality. Some of us work with dye and stitch, others use photographs to guide them and still others explore the use of uncommon fibers and materials. Some artists address social issues and make art as a social service. Others address personal matters, while some are drawn to nature. Still others explore artistic principals and techniques.

Several important factors are worth noting as you consider submitting an application. We hold general meetings annually at venues organized by members in cities and towns across the country. New members are expected to attend the first scheduled meeting after acceptance. Thereafter, members are required to attend two of five consecutive meetings to remain active members.

Our next meeting will be at the Todd Hall in St Louis, MO, 3-6 May 2018.

We share expenses incurred by our meetings and nominal operating costs. Yearly dues are currently $65. We are cognizant of members’ financial constraints and we seek moderately priced meeting venues. Members exhibiting in our group shows are also responsible for the associated costs, including shipping and insuring their work.

The organization operates by committee and every member serves on at least one. Our five standing committees address membership, finances, exhibitions, public relations/marketing and meeting planning. Subcommittees support specific functions like the website, the blog and new member mentors. Exhibiting our work is part of our mission to raise awareness of art cloth as a fine art medium. We have a yearly call-for-entry. Members are required to submit work to three of five consecutive calls. These calls are arranged by theme, are juried by well-known artists, and are later exhibited in venues located by members. Previous jurors include Elin Noble, Catherine Ellis, and Bruce Hoffman. Previous exhibition venues include the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles in California; the Noyes Cultural Center in Evanston, Illinois; the Gamble Gallery in Dunedin, Florida; The Old School-Fiber in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; the Archway Gallery in Huston, Texas; and the Worcester Center for Crafts in Massachusetts. We work diligently to identify galleries, museums, and public spaces across the country interested in our work.

This organization offers a wonderful opportunity for connection with like-minded artists who foster growth and collaboration with respect and acceptance for different opinions, ideas and approaches to making art.

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Our call-for-members begins September 1st to October 31st, 2017. Acceptances will be announced 15 November 2017. Please contact Jeanne Sisson at Jeanne@jeannesisson.com for the online application link and visit our website at artclothnetwork.com.