An exhibition of fibre arts created by Prince Edward Island artisans is opening at the Eptek Art and Culture Centre in Summerside this Sunday. The exhibit features the work of fifty Island spinners, knitters, rug hookers and weavers and will be on display until April 7, 2002.
Nonie Fraser, Director of the Eptek Art and Culture Centre, says that while textile work has always been very popular in PEI, this is the first show at the Summerside facility to feature spinning, knitting, weaving and hooked rugs.
"The art forms that will be featured in the Island Fibre Arts Exhibition have deep roots in our province's history and culture," said Fraser. "In recent years, we've seen a renewed interest in the textile arts. According to the Spinners and Weavers Guild of PEI, its numbers have tripled over the last few years."
With 65 pieces of art, The Island Fibre Arts Exhibition aims to demonstrate the design, colour, creative process and quality workmanship of local craftspeople. Guild members are hoping this exhibition will educate the public on how important the Spinners and Weavers Guild, as well as the Rug Hookers Guild, have become in fostering the development of the creative arts. To further this goal, and also to attract new members, the Spinners and Weavers Guild of PEI will be giving demonstrations every Tuesday from 10 am to 2 pm during the Island Fibre Arts Exhibition.
Prince Edward Island Business Development, the lead economic development agency for the province, is supporting this event. Craft Business Development Officer, Carolyn Villard, sees the exhibit as an excellent opportunity to highlight the talent of Island artisans.
"Our craft development programs are designed to enhance and support this vibrant industry that is not only a key player in our Island economy, but also an important part of our history," said Villard. "The Island Fibre Arts Exhibition provides a showcase for this beautiful work and is a great chance for the participating artisans to promote their work to retailers and those interested in commissioning pieces."
For more information on the exhibition, contact the Eptek Centre at 888-8373.
The Eptek Art and Culture Centre, located on the Summerside waterfront, is a site of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation.