Wendy Read

Beginning with the sewing skills learned as a young girl, I have incorporated many of these same techniques and sewing supplies, expanded upon the basics, and incorporated exotic fibers and materials, as well as design principles, to create my art.  This multitude of fibers and materials has become my paint and my canvas.

Having grown up with many professional and amateur artists in my family, it was natural that I find a creative outlet.   I first explored the artistic potential of the fiber arts 30 years ago, under the tutelage of quilt teacher Kathryn Watts.  While my favorite artist is Georgia O’Keefe, the early art quilts of Nancy Crow and Michael James first introduced me to the possibilities of utilizing textiles in art.  Later, the work of my dear friend, the late African-American folk art quilter Anna Williams, gave me a new sense of freedom to break the “traditional rules”.

The tactile qualities of the fibers that I incorporate into my art are essential to my work.  The sense of touch is as important to me in the creative process as the sense of sight.

I am always eager to explore and learn new techniques, and strive to continuously grow as an artist.

Exhibitions:

• 2010, 2011 American Quilters Society, Des Moines Show
• 2010 Small Art Quilt Works, Main Street Gallery, Croton, NY
• 2010, 2011 Wiederspan Gallery, Cedar Rapids
• 2010-2011 "Art and Science", traveling show of Professional Art Quilters Alliance members
• 2010, 2011 Grinnell Area Arts Council, Iowa Art Quilters
• 2009, 2011 Iowa Art Quilters Contemporary Art Quilts, Fairfield Area Convention Center
• 2011 Fiber Arts Show, Central Iowa Arts Alliance, Marshalltown, IA
• 2011 Women in the Arts, Central Iowa Arts Alliance, Marshalltown, IA
• 2010, 2011 Studio Art Quilters Association silent benefit auction
• 2010 Des Moines Area Quilters Guild silent auction
• 2010 Fairfield Art Association member show
• 1984 Contemporary Quilt Show, State Street Gallery, Baton Rouge
• 1983 Fiber Arts Guild member show, LSU Union Gallery, Baton Rouge

Galleries:

• 2010- 2012: Iowa Artisan Gallery, Iowa City
• 2010 Shop Next Door Gallery, Cedar Rapids
• 2009-2010 Green Zinnea, Fairfield, IA
• 1983 The Crafts Gallery, Baton Rouge

Professional Activities:

• 2011 Co-Curator, ICON Gallery, Fairfield, IA, Contemporary Fiber Arts show
• 2009, 2011 Co-Curator, Iowa Art Quilters Contemporary Art Quilts shows, Fairfield Area Convention Center
• 2011-2012 Iowa Representative, Studio Art Quilters Association
• 2009-2011 Board Member, Fairfield Art Association

Professional Organizations:

• 2009-2012 Studio Art Quilters Association
• 2009-2012 Professional Art Quilters Alliance
• 2005-2012 Iowa Art Quilters
• 2010 Des Moines Area Quilters Association
• 2005-2012 Fairfield Art Association
• 2009-2012 American Quilters Society

Publications:

• 1988, 1991 Fait a La Main, a Source Book of Louisiana Crafts
• 1984 Goodfellows Catalog of Wonderful Things to Wear and Wear and Wear

Workshops Offered:

• Art Quilting Techniques:
• Free Motion Quilting
• Art Quilt Embellishing
• Fabric Painting and Dyeing Techniques
• Traditional Quilts:
• Seminole Patchwork