Reflection Gallery to exhibit art by Phyllis Fredendall Dec. 6 - Jan. 31

South Face, fiber art by Phyllis Fredendall, is part of her exhibit "Look Both Ways…New and Used Works" in the Reflection Gallery in Hancock. (Photos courtesy Finlandia University)

HANCOCK -- The Finlandia University Reflection Gallery, Hancock, will host an exhibit of past, recent, and new work by Hancock artist Phyllis Fredendall from Dec. 6, 2012, to Jan. 31, 2013.

An opening reception for the artist will be held at the Reflection Gallery from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6. The reception is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served.

"Look Both Ways…New and Used Works" is a retrospective exhibit of Fredendall’s work that highlights the many ideas and memories that appear in her work.

Artist Phyllis Fredendall is professor of fiber and fashion design at Finlandia University's International School of Art and Design. 

"This has been a chance to gather favorite pieces that are in the collections of friends and family and reconsider them in the light of more recent work," Fredendall says. "Bodies of work document phases in the artist’s life. Family history, political events, maps, the relationship of place to memory, and the mine shafts all have served as inspiration."

A connection to Finland strengthens Fredendall’s work. In fact, it was there that she discovered her love of felting.

 Vaari's Passage, by Phyllis Fredendall.

"The unique properties of wool have kept my attention since I learned hands-on felt making techniques 15 years ago in Finland," Fredendall says. "But it was on Isle Royale when I realized that I could use this great medium to chart the paths of humans and animals that so fascinated me. That was 2002, and I have been working with wool as an art medium ever since."

Maps, pathways, and waterways; curves, lines, shapes, and color; wool, silk, and beads … and memory. All of these things are incorporated in Fredendall’s body of work, which she describes a "human attempt to reflect the complexity and glory of this precious planet."

 Of  Relics and Remembered Treasures, fiber art by Phyllis Fredendall.

Fredendall is a professor of fiber and fashion design at Finlandia University, where she has taught for almost twenty years. She has a master of fine arts from Goddard College, Plainfield, Vt. Her work has been exhibited in Finland and nationwide.

The Reflection Gallery is located on the second level of Finlandia’s Jutila Center campus, 200 Michigan Street, Hancock, MI 49930.

For additional information, call 906-487-7500 or e-mail finlandiareflectiongallery@gmail.com.