Costumes, sculptural quilts and artwork made from unexpected materials took center stage at McCord Gallery & Cultural Center during the opening reception for its Fashion-Fiber-Textile exhibition Oct. 9.
The exhibition, which runs through Oct. 31, celebrates fashion, fiber and textiles through original works by more than 15 regional artists. The collection showcases the creativity and craftsmanship behind a variety of artistic techniques, including costume design, weaving and silk screen printing.
Carol Trzcinski, executive director of McCord, said the exhibition introduces a different way to experience art at the Palos Park gallery.
“The exhibit is a new 3-dimensional concept for McCord,” Trzcinski said.
The collection features sculptural quilts and mixed-media artwork alongside costumes and textile creations. The range of pieces demonstrates how artists can transform traditional materials and everyday objects into distinctive works of art.
Among the featured works is “A Bump in the Road,” a sculptural quilt by Karen Musgrave. The exhibition also includes “Amber Hold” and “Undertow,” mixed-media pieces by Diane Rickert that incorporate coffee filters and inks.
The use of unconventional materials adds another dimension to the exhibition, encouraging visitors to look beyond the familiar and consider how texture, color and form can shape an artist’s work.
The exhibition grew out of a collaboration between McCord and the Palos Park Woman’s Club, including board members Ann Oliver and Sue Peterson.
Oliver teaches textile workshops at McCord and is contributing a silk scarf-dyeing demonstration. Peterson serves as the club’s board member for Arts & Culture.
Costume designer Minty B. is another artist featured in the exhibition. Her work highlights the creativity and construction involved in transforming an idea into a finished costume.
Visitors will have another opportunity to learn about that process when Minty B. presents “The Art of Costume Design: Costumers From Idea to Construction” from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at McCord. She will discuss the costume-making process, from developing an initial concept to constructing the finished piece.
Trzcinski said the exhibit introduces the community to different forms of artistic expression while showcasing the talent of regional artists.
The Fashion-Fiber-Textile exhibition remains on view through Oct. 31 at McCord Gallery & Cultural Center, 9602 W. Creek Road in Palos Park.
