REGULAR REPEATING PROGRAMS
Friends of Fiber Art International programs are designed to inform and inspire potential collectors by offering privileged visits to art collectors’ homes. These are usually concurrent with important contemporary fiber art shows and events, such as:
EXPOSITIONS that serve collectors like SOFA Chicago held annually. Artist-Friends speak at two SOFA programs on Friday morning. This is followed by a networking lunch. A special event is often scheduled at a Chicago gallery or museum on Saturday morning. Our annual Sunday bus tour takes members to a private collection, important fiber or craft shows in town, a possible architecture visit, group lunch and airport drop off. Usually SOFA management gives VIP passes to our sponsor ($100) and higher members.
EXHIBITIONS such as Quilt National (next 2013) and the International Triennial of Tapestry (next 2013) in Poland which surveys the state of fiber art around the world.
CONFERENCES presented by artist organizations like ATA, HGA, NBO, SAQA, SDA, SPIN and one which serves curators and scholars, the Textile Society of America (TSA).
March 8 to 11, 2012
Join Friends of Fiber Art's weekend tour of Phliladelphia to visit four extraordinary collections in private homes and see a dozen exhibitions in museums and galleries including the "Distinguished Educators" exhibition which is supported in part by a grant from Friends of Fiber Art. This cluster of shows was selected as the best on view in March of contemporary work among more than fifty scheduled in 44 different venues between January and July in the biennial extravaganza called FiberPhiladelphia.
Also scheduled (on Friday) is a show-and-tell artist-Friends' lunch (begins at 9:00 AM). The number of time slots for presenters are limited and must be requested in advance, priority assignment will be to registered tour participants with remaining places for local artists. Speakers not registered for the weekedn tour will pay $40 for lunch.
In addition registrants will enjoy other congenial meals with like-minded Friends, comfortable deluxe transportation and all admission fees in the tour cost. Friends with membership at the sponsor ($100) or higher level may register. Basic members may upgrade to qualify. Per-person registration fee is $750 for program beginning on Thursday at 4:00 pm through optional airport drop off at 3:30 pm on Sunday. Transporartion between your home and Philadelphia is not included.
Special hotel rate of $149 plus tax per night at the Philadelphia Downtown Marriott. Call (215)625-2900 or (877)212-5752 to reserve your room on or before February 15 for the discounted block of rooms held for Friends of Fiber Art International.
September 19 to 22, 2012
Friends will piggy back some meetings for our members during the Textile Society of America Symposium titled, "Textiles and Politics." More about this as the TSA schedule develops to present appropriate opportunities for our programs.
SOFA Chicago, November 1 to 4, 2012
Each year presents many extraordinary opportunities to see contemporary fiber art at Navy Pier, in nearby museums and galleries, and, in outstanding private homes. Members registration forms with new detailed program is mailed in the late summer.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1
5:00 pm – SOFA Chicago opens with a VIP preview party. If you’re a contributing member of Friends of Fiber Art (Sponsor at $100 or higher) you are eligible for a free admission pass for two to this preview and all subsequent SOFA Chicago days plus one copy of the fine SOFA catalog.
7:00 pm – Post VIP preview admission. Friends at the basic level and the general public may purchase public admission tickets (usually $50 each) at the Navy Pier box office to preview the displays on opening night.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4
9:30 to 11:00 am – Traditionally Friends' Sponsored lecture programs is offered to all SOFA attendees at this times. The recipients of the Friends’ annual grant awards are announced by President Camille Cook. Friends’ Board Member, Fern Grauer hosts the programs.
11:00 to Noon – A very special program closing our year-long celebrations of Friends' 20th anniversary will explore the World-Wide state of contemporary fiber art. To be presented by Edinburgh historian/scholar Jessica Hemmings who visited several European fiber survey exhibiions on a New Voices grant awarded by the Art Fair Conpany.
Noon -- Sign up for our annual post-lecture networking lunch in a private room of Riva Restaurant (direct access from the Festival Hall to the restaurant on Navy Pier). Exchange ideas with fellow members and guests and enjoy a great meal at Navy Pier’s best restaurant.
After lunch continue viewing the works displayed by Friends' galleries Jean Albano, BrownGrotta Arts, Perimeter, Jane Sauer and Snyderman-Works. In the evening make discoveries visiting member-galleries outside of Navy Pier.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5
Possible special coffee reception at a gallery this morning, then return to Navy Pier to enjoy more lectures and to complete your rounds of the many galleries presenting top-notch art in craft materials.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Our annual bus tour will take member registrants to other Chicago area locations in museums, art centers, schools and private homes to enjoy the fiber art on display. Often an important architectural stop will be included. Members will receive detailed announcement of the program and registration form. Non-members may return to this site later to learn what has been scheduled.
Triennial in Poland 2013 and 2016
In May 2010 18 collector-Friends traveled to Poland for the opening of the 13th International Triennial of Tapestry (actually contemporary fiber art). Five artist-Friends exhibited work in the 2010 Triennial, Regina Benson, Lanny Bergner, Nancy Koenigsberg, Tim Harding and Mary Zicafoose.
Save the dates -- Our sixth very special Friends' tour will be offered in May 2013 for the next Triennial. Mark your calendar.
Triennial catalogs are available for purchase from Friends' headquarters, call 708-246-9466 for information.
