Chicago Botanic Garden

for immediate release

Fine Art of Fiber Event Features
Show, Sale, Lectures, Demonstrations and More

Chicago Botanic Garden, Nov. 6 – 8

 

Media Only:
Julie McCaffrey
(847) 835-8213, direct
jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org

GLENCOE, Ill. (Aug. 31, 2009)—Stunning quilts, lovely knitted artwear, woven wonders and breathtaking beadwork are among the abundant handcrafted items on view and for sale during the Fine Art of Fiber on Friday, November 6, through Sunday, November 8 at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The area’s oldest, largest and most unique fiber art event will be held in the Regenstein Center. Known for its distinctive fiber art, from original quilts to wall hangings, clothing, dolls, fabrics and beadwork, the event is hosted by Illinois Quilters, Inc., North Suburban NeedleArts Guild and Weavers Guild of the North Shore. A complimentary opening night, including early buying privileges, is held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 5.

“Fiber and plants share a history that goes back thousands of years, which makes the Garden a most appropriate setting for this show,” says Stephanie Lindemann, Manager of Flower Shows, Chicago Botanic Garden. “Plant materials were used in the construction of fabric, baskets, even shelter – and are to this day. Until the 1850s, all textiles were dyed by natural plants and materials. Today, fiber artists continue the long history of using plant materials to create woven, embellished, knitted and quilted pieces.”

Visitors can view an exhibit of more than 150 pieces, including quilts, various types of needle arts, knitting, weaving, wearable art, dolls and jewelry. Sales boutiques offer a wide variety of items for sale, such as woven and knitted items, wearable art pieces, traditional and contemporary quilts, handmade holiday and gift items and much more. This year's show will feature a special exhibit from Women's Journeys in Fiber titled, "Ten Easy Pieces: Reflection of Life." Fashion shows, a lecture, silent auction and raffle are also included.

The show, sales boutiques and demonstrations are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day in the Regenstein Center. A lecture by Debbie Wada of Kasuri Dyeworks titled, "Japanese Textiles" will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday. A silent auction of unique, hand-made pieces will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Great Wear Fashion Shows are presented at 11 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Items seen during the fashion show are available for purchase.

Admission to the Garden and to all Fine Art of Fiber events is free. Parking is $20; free for members. For more information, visit the event website at www.fineartoffiber.org, call (847) 835-5440, or visit the Garden’s website.

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Editors, please note: The Chicago Botanic Garden's newsroom is online at www.chicagobotanic.org/pr. For digital images, contact Julie McCaffrey at (847) 835-8213 or at jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the green treasures of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 24 distinct display gardens surrounded by lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year. Admission is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. The Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Ill. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org, or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society. It opened to the public in 1972 and is home to the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, offering a broad array of adult classes in plant science, landscape design and gardening arts. Through the Division of Plant Science and Conservation, Garden scientists work on plant conservation, research and environmental initiatives that have global impact. The Center for Teaching and Learning brings the wonder of nature and plants to children, teens and teachers. The Garden's Horticultural Therapy and Community Gardening programs provide nationally recognized community outreach and service programs. A program of the Chicago Botanic Garden, Windy City Harvest is an organic vegetable and plant production enterprise that provides instruction in sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture to residents of Chicago’s North Lawndale and West Side neighborhoods.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). The Chicago Botanic Garden is also host to Botanic Gardens Conservation International-U.S., and a member of the Center for Plant Conservation. In 2006, the Chicago Botanic Garden received the Award for Garden Excellence, given yearly by the APGA and Horticulture magazine to a public garden that exemplifies the highest standards of horticultural practices and has shown a commitment to supporting and demonstrating best gardening practices.