Textile art, too long relegated to craft rather than Art with a Capital A, is seeing a pop resurgence: from the Met’s annual May 1st show dedicated to fashion to LACMA’s ongoing men’s fashion exhibit Reigning Men, what artists can do with textiles is being elevated into museums and gallery spaces.
DTLB’s SPACE 853, headed by local artist and metalsmith Sherry Ray-Von, is now no exception as their latest group exhibition Sew into Movies explores the work of artists from across the state at the intersection of—you guessed it—textiles and movies. It opens tomorrow with a reception from 7PM to 10PM.
From felted sculpture to appliqué-based plushies, structured vinyl figurative art to 2D portraiture on t-shirts, Sew into Movies will feature new works from Paul Frank (the famed designer of Julius the Monkey) and Chris Shary (the punk mastermind behind The Descendents, its artwork, and limited-edition tees in partnership with Bifocal Media).
Other artists include, Christine Benjamin, Bonnie Robinson-Stewart, Emily Connell, Kevin Seconds of 7Seconds, Bob Medina, and curator Lori Herbst.
“The artists were asked to use their specific techniques to create dynamic and versatile multi dimensional pieces,” said Herbst. “The various artists’ creations will fill a room with textures and glittering shapes that evoke whimsy.”
For years, Ray-Von has long dreamed of making the art scene in Long Beach reach the heights of our neighbor to the north’s own scene of multiple galleries, unique show spaces, and active patrons. This show—connected to her by way of friend and Lon Beach philanthropist Jon Halperin—exemplifies the heights that Long Beach can reach.
”This new contemporary art gallery is a labor of love,” Ray-Von said. “As its been my mission here in Long Beach once I realized we were short a few. Art openings are the splash down of an artist’s latest work—whereas it deserves a suitable desirable space to be showcased and nothing less. If you’ve been to art openings in Los Angeles, then you know exactly what I mean; there is no shortage there. I want Long Beach to buzz with that same vibe. My only hope is that Fine Art Students at the graduate level can take advantage of this space, as it was funded and managed with them in mind.”
Sew into Movies will run through July 20, concurrently with Pow! Wow! Long Beach. Artists will be present at the opening reception Saturday, July 16 from 7PM to 10PM. Gallery Hours are 11AM to 7PM or by appointment. For additional information please contact Lori Herbst at sewintomovies@gmail.com.