Finlandia student, alumni fiber art, fashion design exhibit to open at Reflection Gallery Apr. 25

HANCOCK -- The Finlandia University Reflection Gallery, Hancock, will host an exhibit of fiber arts and fashion design artwork April 25 to August 26, 2011.

Finlandia University Fiber Arts/Fashion Design recipients of 2010 Kuhlman Foundation grants are pictured here with Phyllis Fredendall (far right), Finlandia associate professor of fiber arts and fashion design. Students are, (left to right) back row: Eric Hinsch, Abbi Zablocki, Eileen Sundquist, Audrey Chamberlain, Sara Heikkinen; front row: Amanda Moyer and Susie Danielson. Some of their work will be exhibited at Finlandia's Reflection Gallery April 25 - August 26, 2011. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

An opening reception and artist talk will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 25. The reception is open to the public and refreshments will be served.

The exhibit, titled "Thank You, Barbara L. Kuhlman," features the artwork of students, graduating seniors, and alumni of the International School of Art and Design, all of whom have received grants from the Barbara L. Kuhlman Foundation.

The show includes sculpture, dyed and printed textiles, garments made from hand-dyed silk, and objects made with up-cycled cloth. Artists include Audrey Chamberlain, Sara Heikkinen, Susie Danielson, Amanda Moyer, Eileen Sundquist, Eric Hinsch, Kari Heikkinen, Emily Pierce, Ansley Knoch, Ronda Jones, and J. R. DeMers.

The exhibit celebrates Kuhlman Foundation support; the success of Finlandia Fiber Arts students; and this summer’s Midwest Weavers Conference (June 20 to 25), which will be hosted in Hancock by the Buellwood Weavers Guild and Finlandia University.

The New York-based Kuhlman Foundation provides merit-based grants to fiber arts students across the country. Barbara L. Kuhlman was a fiber educator and her legacy provides support to encourage and sustain fiber arts education in the United States. Since 2004, 19 Finlandia Fiber Arts students -- some of them more than once -- have received the annual grants.

For information about the Finlandia University Fiber Arts/Fashion Design program, contact associate professor Phyllis Fredendall at 906-487-7376 or phyllis.fredendall@finlandia.edu.

For information about the Reflection Gallery, contact Yueh-Mei Cheng, Finlandia professor of studio arts, at 906-487-7375, or e-mail FinlandiaReflectionGallery@gmail.com.

The Reflection Gallery is located on the second level of Finlandia University’s Jutila Center campus, 200 Michigan St., Hancock.