Next Meeting:
Friday, March 24nd, 2013, 10:30am – 1pm
Location: Pickwick Gardens Conference Center – see below for directions.
Guest Artist: Mavis Leahy
Evoking the tapestries of India, shrines of Mexico, and Japanese kanzashi, self-taught fiber and mixed-media artist Mavis Leahy's work is a reflection of the many rich cultures in her environment. The native Los Angeleno with a background in animation appreciates "how the city weaves together a multitude of heritages and cultures. I try to capture this in my art by piecing together materials that represent the wonderfully diverse communities of L.A." She creates mixed-media, textile-based collage and assemblage from vintage materials and found objects. The delicate feel of the complete works contrasts with the roughness of the raw condition of the found parts.
Leahy's pieces tell a story or reveal a history, becoming highly individual works assembled to represent a personal tale. In some, text further enhances their meaning. Wall-hung works fit for a home folk altar or wall hanging begin with often-embroidered patchwork found fabrics: brocades, jacquards, and metallic braid and trim. These are embellished with beads, buttons, jewelry, bits of metalwork, vintage ivory, and keys.
"Creating with found objects is a passion of mine," she notes. "Once-useful items-many were loved and cherished-somehow were discarded and forgotten along the way. Rediscovery, resurrection, rebirth; it is a journey with no end, just new beginnings."
Key elements such as photographs, candlesticks, ceramic, and bone may be added. The effect can evince a melancholy nostalgia for funerary craft art of Victorian times. Her quilt-like hangings can include three-dimensional elements, such as an angelic child swinging from a tree and framed text within the composition. She also creates free-standing cloth figures with animal skulls and antlers for heads.
Leahy has exhibited extensively throughout California and the United States. Her work can be found in private collections worldwide. She has also written numerous articles on beading, quilting, and other techniques. She is a member of the Arroyo Arts Collective.
Visit her website at http://turkeyred.com/.
Direction to Meeting Location:
Pickwick Gardens
Conference Center
Regency Room
1001 Riverside Drive
Burbank CA 91506
Directions and a map can be found on the Pickwick Gardens website. When you arrive at the conference center, continue driving to the rear and park near the garden entrance.
From the West Valley area: Ventura freeway (101) south/east to Ventura freeway (134) east, exit Buena Vista Street (exit 3), turn right from ramp and immediate left at light onto Riverside Drive. Travel east for about 1 mile. Just past Mariposa Avenue, Pickwick Gardens is on your left. Enter at the first entrance.
From the North Valley area: Golden State freeway (5) south, exit Alameda Avenue West (exit 145B). Continue on Alameda to Main Street and turn left. Travel south for about one-quarter of a mile. Turn right on Riverside Drive, Pickwick Gardens is on your right. Pass the bowling center and turn right into the second parking lot.
From the East/San Gabriel Valley areas: Ventura freeway (134) north/west to Golden State freeway (5) north, exit Alameda Avenue West (exit 145B) Continue on Alameda to Main Street and turn left. Travel south for about one-quarter of a mile. Turn right on Riverside Drive, Pickwick Gardens is on your right. Pass the bowling center and turn right into the second parking lot.
From Los Angeles West Side and points south: San Diego freeway (405) north to Ventura freeway (101) south/east to Ventura freeway (134) east, exit Buena Vista Street (exit 3), turn right from ramp and immediate left at light onto Riverside Drive. Travel east for about one mile. Just past Mariposa Avenue, Pickwick Gardens is on your left. Enter at the first entrance.
From Downtown/East Side: Hollywood freeway (110) north to Golden State freeway (5) north, exit Alameda Avenue West (exit 145B) Continue on Alameda to Main Street and turn left. Travel south for about one-quarter of a mile. Turn right on Riverside Drive, Pickwick Gardens is on your right. Pass the bowling center, turn right into the second parking lot.