Photo: Facebook

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THESE ARTISTS ARE FROM RIGHT NEXT DOOR! The Eau Claire Makers’ Market hosts several events each year for local and student artists to showcase and sell their work. From jewelry to paintings, to soap, to crocheted stuffed animals like this one, you can find just about anything at the Makers’ Market! If you’re interested in joining in the fun, you can go to their Facebook or follow them on Instagram. -Laura Carew

 

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THESE JUNK JOURNALS ARE PERFECT FOR JOURNAL JUNKIES. Tangled Up In Hue (505 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire), a gift shop here in downtown EC, posted this picture on their Facebook highlighting the outstanding work done by Moon Works Studio. These premade journals are the perfect gift for someone who loves the scrapbook aesthetic in their journals. -Laura Carew

 

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ARE YOU QUILTING ME? Quilting has evolved significantly from its practical origins as a technique for providing physical protection and insulation. With the addition in the 1800s of decorative pieces of fabric, quilts moved into the realm of art. Many finished pieces now reside in museums, while others are passed down for hundreds of years from generation to generation.

In a new exhibition, the Heyde Center for the Arts explores the connection between traditional quilting and today’s artistic pieces. Curated by local fiber artist Mary Hermanson, the exhibition brings together a collection of quilts and quilted items in a range of styles, including pieced or patchwork, appliqued, paper pieced, English paper pieced, art, and Amish.

Debra Johnson, Executive Director of the Heyde Center, says “Each quilt is exciting because there is a story that accompanies every single one. No two are ever alike, and each one is the artistic expression of that story told through the skill of the artist.”

With more than 55 quilting groups in the state of Wisconsin, there is a wealth of information and guidance available for anyone interested in trying their hand at this type of artwork.

“Keeping these skills alive is a challenge because so few young people learn to sew,” said Hermanson.

“Fiber art and sewing should be taught in schools to encourage more people to see it as a potential medium with which to work as an artist.”

The Artistic Quilt Show at the Heyde Center for the Arts runs from Wednesday, February 22 through Wednesday, April 5 2023, and is free to attend. -Keely Khoury