Friday, June 6, 2014

Alexandra Brownell at Needlework

Image courtesy of Hamilton Spectator Collection, Local History & Archives, Hamilton Public Library 


Things have been chugging away with Pulling Strings since our library launch event at Needlework in April-- we are already at work on our summer program.  Behind the scenes for the last few months, Thea and I (Tara) have been working with a talented recent grad of Sheridan College's textile program, Alexandra Brownell, on her first exhibition.  This opportunity stemmed from a Sheridan class that Thea teaches where I was invited to give a guest lecture on my practice as an independent curator as well as guest curate an installation of student work based on an assignment that was structured like a call for submissions.  I juried the submissions alongside the wonderful Liz and Kate from Needlework.

It has been a real pleasure working with Alex and getting to know her and her great work.  Don't miss her installation (inspired by cotton and photographs found at the Hamilton Local History Archives!) that officially launches at Art Crawl next Friday! For more info about Alex and the show, see below.

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Alexandra Brownell
Sweet Fibre

A window installation at
174 James Street North, Hamilton

Opens at the James Street North Art Crawl on
Friday, June 13, 2014

Alexandra Brownell is from the rural hamlet of Leskard, Ontario. She grew up catching frogs, exploring the woods, and writing scary stories. This curiosity and creativity stuck with her and eventually she attended Sheridan College for the Craft & Design of Textiles. She continues to practice her craft in the GTA.  www.alexandrabrownell.com

This installation was organized by Thea Haines (Faculty, Department of Crafts and Design, Sheridan College), Tara Bursey (Independent Curator) and Kate Hunter and Elizabeth Simpson of Needlework.