Reception Monday February 10, 6-8 PM

I Have Brought You Something is a collection of 101 audio recordings of stories from the artist's life, accompanied by hand-embroidered visual responses. The work explores the effects of time on memory and truth in personal narrative--time elapsed, time shared, and time invested in a daily practice of making by hand.

In Human Time uses textiles, poetry and video to consider the human experience of manipulating time.

Loran Diehl Saito is a graphic designer and writer living in Florence. She recently earned her MFA at Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Carolyn Bessette

Artist's statement: I am a textile artist who uses stitches, threads, fabrics, and found objects to create one of a kind art pieces. I am inspired by traditional patterns but my work is very organic and free-flowing. I let the fabric "speak" to me and play with designs and color until I feel a sense of harmony and balance. I especially like using silks from Thailand and batik cottons from Indonesia. I also frequently use recycled materials from local thrift shops. Tablecloths, curtains, bedding, and vintage clothes, especially ethnic textiles I find at yard sales and flea markets find their way into my works.

My quilts and fiber art pieces are meant to be in visual harmony while giving a feeling a movement and life. I always remember that the fibers I use are spun and woven into cloth that provides a tactile memory of the process. Thank you so much for supporting my work!

Tekla McInerney

Tekla McInerney's books and book-like objects employ a wide-range of forms and are most often one-of-a-kind pieces that are created spontaneously. She embraces the belief that artist's books are for the individual to develop an aesthetic and communicate a story using common materials. Tea bags, worn fabrics, hand-embroidery, knitting, and typewritten text are typical in her books. Her intent is to elevate common or "honest" materials into visually appealing and widely accessible work.

A native of the Valley, McInerney is an artist and designer currently living in Florence. Her books have been exhibited nationally, been recognized with Best of Show and Judges Choice awards, and can be found in the collections of Yale University and the University of Washington.