For Immediate Release: February 10, 2017
Press Contact: pr@fabricworkshopandmuseum.org
NEW EXHIBITION, SURFACE FORMS, HIGHLIGHTS THE FABRIC WORKSHOP AND MUSEUM’S CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO CREATIVE EXPRESSION AND ARTS EDUCATION
PHILADELPHIA, PA — This spring, The Fabric Workshop and Museum presents Surface Forms, an exhibition showcasing silkscreened yardage designs created through the Museum’s acclaimed Apprentice Training Program. The program, established at the organization’s founding in 1977, is a vital part of FWM’s continued educational commitment.
Surface Forms, on view through June 25, includes a selection of printed textiles made during the past three years of the program, and demonstrates the variety of possibilities and the expressive qualities of the medium. The exhibition presents dozens of original designs ranging in color, style, and subject matter, alongside swatch books from the Museum’s archive and videos that capture the screen-printing process.
Over 1,600 local high school students and college, graduate, and post-graduate students from the United States and abroad have participated in the program since its inception. During their time at FWM, the artists explore the medium of screen-printing on fabric to expand their studio practice or prepare for future careers as designers.
“The Fabric Workshop and Museum’s Apprentice Training Program provides young and emerging artists with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a professional studio as they develop their work,” says Susan Talbott, FWM’s Executive Director. “Apprentices benefit from guidance by our staff and first-hand experience assisting artists-in-residence in the creation of new work. In turn, their participation brings a vibrancy to the studio culture at FWM.”
With the show marking the beginning of FWM’s 40th anniversary year, Talbott notes, “Surface Forms is the perfect opportunity to highlight the endless creativity that apprentices bring to our studios. Textiles are central to The Fabric Workshop and Museum’s identity and while the organization has expanded beyond screen-printing in its projects, Surface Forms demonstrates that the medium is still ever-present in our studios.”
During their 12 weeks at FWM, apprentices have the opportunity to learn many skills, including how to create a repeat design, mix colors with textile ink, and print their own one-color and three-color yardages with the support of FWM’s master printers. Students also receive portfolio and career guidance from artists and studio staff to provide a long-term benefit beyond their time at the organization.
“Hand screen-printing is an art form as well as an industrial skill, and the program is designed to provide students with new tools for artistic expression and self-empowerment,” says Christina Roberts, Director of Education. “The Apprentice Training Program offers an opportunity rarely available to students in their schools. Our program alumni have gone on to a number of different careers, but we continuously hear how their time at FWM was a pivotal experience in the development of their creativity and critical thinking skills.”
FWM will celebrate Surface Forms and Object Temporarily Removed, a new project by current artist-in-residence Lenka Clayton, with a public reception on Friday, March 17, 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
In addition to the exhibitions on view in the galleries, FWM offers free guided tours of the studios daily where visitors can meet apprentices as they develop their silkscreen designs and learn how artists-in-residence collaborate with FWM’s studio staff to create new work.
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