‘Stitches in Time’ at DCMA

September 10, 2014 · 0 Comments

The passing of time and changing of ways are often seen in the simplest of items from history. A single stitch may tell a story, binding the fabric of time into art and fashion, signifying an era. At Dufferin County Museum and Archives (DCMA) the tradition of a fibre art exhibition begun in 2011, ‘Stitches across Time,’ will open again this year on September 12 at 7pm and run until November 9th, celebrating the tradition and history of textile arts.
Curator Sarah Robinson explains that the DCMA invites submissions for ‘Stitches across Time’ as a national juried exhibition of contemporary fibre art works. “The exhibition was inspired by a new selection of six historical pieces from the museum’s extensive collection of textile artifacts,” she says. “The artifacts used for inspiration date as far back as 1880. The details, colours and fabrics are still vibrant, even after decades of wear – however, it is the stories behind each piece that make them especially unique. For example, on display DCMA has a beautifully embroidered silver and green cape, a young girl from Mono had as part of her wedding trousseau in 1919.”
According to DCMA, jurors for the exhibition include Dorie Millerson, a Toronto-based artist and honours graduate from the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) who holds an MFA in textiles. Millerson is currently an assistant professor in the Material Art & Design Program at OCAD and her award winning artwork has been exhibited internationally. Judy Martin is also on as juror, having graduated with first class honours in fine art. Assistant Dean for eight years at the Ontario College of Art and Design, and an exhibiting fibre artist for over 40 years, Judith Tinkl will join Millerson and Martin as a juror.
Works submitted for the juried exhibition can include any textile medium or technique and may include both two and three dimensional contemporary works with selection made on the basis of “interpretation, originality, technique and finishing,” Sarah Robinson says, “The contemporary pieces selected by jurors will be presented alongside the DCMA’s artifacts to create a stunning display of old and new. In addition to the exhibit, the museum has been hosting various fibre art events and workshops throughout the year.”
A draw will take place on the opening night of the Exhibition, Friday, September 12th for a prize pack worth over $1000. Tickets are $5.00 each or 5 tickets for $20.00 and may be purchased at Dufferin County Museum & Archives at Hwy 89 & Airport Road or Scotiabank at 97 First Street, in Orangeville. Only 500 tickets will be made available.
The exhibition, ‘Stitches across Time’ will continue to Sunday, November 9, 2014. A number of events will take place during this time organized by the members of the local fibre arts community and museum staff. For more information check the Special Events, Workshops & Lectures, and Related Exhibits section of the DCMA website and www.stitchesacrosstime.com or call DCMA at 1-877-941-7787.

By Marni Walsh

Dufferin County Museum will display this 1930’s French evening dress, photographed by Pete Paterson Photography, at the ‘Stitches across Time’ exhibit opening Sept. 12th. Call 1-877-941-7787 for more information. Courstesy of DCMA.