Sue Whittaker, curator of The Art Gallery Osoyoos shows some of the fibre artworks in the current exhibition, Botanical Reflections from the Fibre Art Network. (Richard McGuire photo)

A new exhibition featuring the work of the Fibre Art Network opened last week at The Art Gallery Osoyoos.

The show is called Botanical Reflections.

Gallery Curator Sue Whittaker said she was approached about six months ago by Leslie Forbes, a fibre artist who moved to her East Bench neighbourhood.

“I wouldn’t have known about the Fibre Art Network,” said Whittaker. “So it’s always that personal connection that gets these things going.”

Members of the Fibre Art Network (FAN) come from the four Western provinces and the territories.

Forbes said Botanical Reflections is a travelling show that will likely tour for three years to a variety of institutions and galleries.

Asked about the difference between “fibre art” and “fabric art,” Forbes said “fibre art” is a little broader.

“It covers a little more media when you say ‘fibre art,’ because you’re going to notice in a few pieces that wool has been used, organza, netting, so a lot of different materials,” she said.

And, when you look at the intricate sewing on some of the pieces, you’ll notice similarities and differences with quilting.

“Most of us started as traditional quilters making the bed quilts you would normally have seen,” said Forbes. “Then we branched off, and instead of doing bedding materials, we have now gone into art quilts… If you look closely, you will still see a lot of quilting on these pieces, bringing forward our background in quilting.”

And unlike many quilts, these are meant to be hung on the wall and enjoyed, said Forbes.

The pieces in this show are all roughly the same dimensions, though some are hung vertically and others horizontally. This, explained Forbes, makes them easy to pack into tubs to transport between shows.

“We’re so lucky to have this exhibition in Osoyoos, in a small gallery,” said Whittaker. “We’ve got new lights and painted walls. Everything shows up so beautifully.”

Botanical Reflections runs at The Art Gallery Osoyoos until May 26. The gallery is open next to Town Hall from Tuesday to Saturday, from noon to 4 p.m.

Watch the video of this story.

RICHARD McGUIRE

Osoyoos Times