Too Much Winter? Think Flowers!

If your studio windows are covering up with snow,

and your birds are walking up to the feeder instead of flying in,

then this is the time to revive your spirit and draw inspiration from the 

Winter's Garden Show 

at the Riverfront Arts Center in Stevens Point, WI.

This exhibit features floral and botanical art 

and fresh blooming orchids.

I'm proud to have artwork in the show.

The orchids are for sale so you can bring your favorite home with you.  

Oh yes, the artwork, too!

Details and link on the Side bar - "Galleries and Exhibits"

It's Not too Late!

Now that the winter is warmed, (yes, the temperature is above zero again today), we are excited about stepping out and enjoying the world again.

It's the perfect time to enjoy two upcoming events.

The first event is in Rhinelander, WI on this coming Saturday, January 18, 2014.  Enjoy viewing the challenge quilts of the Fiber Friends and chat with the members.

FIBER FRIENDS EXHIBIT

JANUARY 18, 2014

1-3 P.M.

Fiber Friends, a 10 member art quilt group from Northern Wisconsin, will be visiting Sew Smart, Rhinelander and Diane's Frame shop, Rhinelander for an artist reception and demonstrating various surface designs, embellishment & stitching techniques.

Sew Smart, Rhinelander

9 S. Brown Street

Sharon Rotz-    free motion stitching

Pat Gaska-       Angelina fiber application

Helen Tumas-   enhanced decorative machine stitching

Diane's Frame Shop

6 N. Brown Street

Connie Warshall-    machine needle felting

Gale Wilcox-           beading & embroidery on fabric

Pat Rasmussen-      gelli plate printing

Come and be inspired.  See you there.

*******

And, it's not too late to enter your quilts in 

"The Art of the Quilter: III" in Wittenberg, WI.  

This is the third judged Quilt Show at the WOWSPACE Gallery. 

Click here for information and forms needed to enter the show.

Don't delay!  Share your quilts with pride!

 Your work, completed Exhibitor Contract and entry fees may be brought to the Business and More, 600 Webb St. Monday, January 13 through Friday, January, 17, during usual business hours. 

"The Art of the Quilter: III"

Show opens Saturday, January 25, 11am - 3pm, WOWSPACE, 114 Vinal Street, Wittenberg, WI. Show continues Saturdays and Sundays, 11am - 3pm, through February 16

Bonuses: A boutique will feature small quilted articles, books  and patterns.

Talks:

January 25, 1PM, Louise Schotz, "A Quilter's Eye Views South African Art," Wittenberg Community Center. Suggested donation~$5

February 8, 1PM, Sharon Rotz, "Oh My Stars, What I Have Learned," Wittenberg Community Center. Suggested donation~$5.

What's the Crowing About?

If you've been resting on your perch too long, 

then you may want to spread your wings and 

enrich your life with new artwork.

I would like to invite you to two mind-stretching exhibits.

Enjoy an original poetry reading and view the accompanying artwork 

at the Crossings in Zumbrota, MN

Poet Artist Collaboration

Friday, April 19, starting at 6:30 pm

My artwork "Was It a Murder?" was inspired by Peter Stein's poem "Living Will"

detail - "Was It a Murder?"

or put your heads together to see

what artists can do with things we normally discard

at the Riverfront Art Center in Stevens Point, WI

Re-Art, Trash Transformed

Opening Reception - Friday, April 19, 5-7 pm

My art "You've Been Wallpapered" was created for a fun challenge to re-use the wallpaper that my friend Mary was stripping from her walls when redecorating.

detail - "You've Been Wallpapered"

Orchids and Art

If you love orchids and art

 the place to be is the 

Riverfront Arts Center in downtown Stevens Point, WI

 for the Winter's Garden Art Exhibition.

I am privileged to be part of the exhibit 

with my sunflower quilt, "Leaning on the Fence"

 on the right side in the photo.

The show is open to the public and free of charge. 

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the flowers and enrich yourself with the art. 

Both the orchids and the art are for sale 

so you can bring home your favorites.

The hours of the show are:

Tuesday through Friday, 11-5

Saturday and Sunday, 11-3

January 18 - February 17, 2013

at the 

Riverfront Art Center

 1200 Crosby Ave, Stevens Point, WI 

 **************

Another great art exhibit is at WOWSPACE Gallery in

downtown Wittenberg, WI

The "Stringing Along Quilt Show"

combines the 

"Connecting Thread: A Line of Design" work of 

the Milwaukee Art Quilters

 and the

"String Quilts" of 

Sharon Rotz.

An artist's boutique offers a varied collection of 

original works, books and patterns for sale.

The WOWSPACE  at

114 Vinal Street, Wittenberg, WI

 is open 

Saturday and Sundays, 11-3

January 19 - February 10, 2013

PS: I hope to see you at 1:00 p.m.

on Saturday, January 26, 2013 

when I will be sharing ideas at my lecture, 

"Diet Quilts" 

at the Wittenberg Community Center.

"Stringing Along" Exhibit

You are invited to an upcoming exhibit and lectures

at the WOWSPACE 

in downtown Wittenberg, WI

                          NATIONAL PRIZE WINNING QUILTS AT WOWSPACE

The Walls of Wittenberg is pleased to present “Stringing Along,” the fourth annual quilt show, featuring the work of the Milwaukee Art Quilters and Sharon Rotz, Mosinee. The show opens Saturday, January 19, 11am-3pm, and continues Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am-3pm, through February 10 at the WOWSPACE, 114 Vinal Street, downtown Wittenberg. Free Admission.

MARQ’s “Connecting Thread: A Line of Design” was the 2010 winner of the Ultimate Guild Challenge in Knoxville, TN. The challenge had exacting standards. Each quilt is 36 inches square and a string of red cording must run through each quilt, exiting or entering the piece either 12 inches from the top or bottom, ultimately connecting all the quilts when displayed. Of the quilts on display, the work of eight artists was chosen to go on to Knoxville: Terri Kirchner, Cecelia Rotter, Nancy Linz, Roberta Williams, Kasia, Jane Wolton, Nancy Kimpel and Linda Reuss Benson.

The Milwaukee Art Quilters (MARQ) was organized in 1992 to exchange information about contemporary art quilts, pursue exhibitions and competitions and to share artistic critiques of one another’s work. More than 40 members from various backgrounds come together to advance their work as quilt artists.  To quote MARQ, “Art quilts are part of the fiber art field of highly collectible artwork. They are meant to hang on the wall like an oil or watercolor painting. The quilted surface brings a dimensional depth to the artwork that paint alone cannot.”

To continue the theme of “strings,” Sharon Rotz, Mosinee presents her collection of “String Quilts.”  Strings are those leftover bits of fabric that could have been thrown out; however, thrifty quilters make use of even their smallest bits of fabric. These strips of fabric are sewn together to cover a foundation, cut into shapes and used in quilting patterns.  Sharon has used her stash of “strings’ to add spontaneous color and pattern to her contemporary art quilts. Not made for utilitarian purposes but for the joy of the viewer, Sharon’s quilts delight the eye.

Visitors to the WOWSPACE are familiar with the award winning work of Sharon Rotz. She has successfully competed in national and state competitions; her work as a commissioned textile artist is displayed in private collections and public venues; she writes quilting books, creates quilting patterns and has more than 20 years experience conducting workshops or giving lectures to quilt guilds and others.

A boutique of books, patterns and smaller quilted pieces allows the visitor to purchase an addition for their own quilt collection.

Sharon Rotz, Mosinee, will discuss “Diet Quilts” on Saturday, January 26, 1 PM, Wittenberg Community Center, 208 Vinal Street. Door Prizes! Suggested donation is $5.

Chris Lynn Kirsch, Watertown, will present “Quilt Tales,” on Sunday, February, 10 1 PM, Wittenberg Community Center, 208 Vinal Street. Door Prizes! Suggested donation is $5.

Don’t miss these opportunities to see some exquisite quilts and learn from 2 expert quilters.

You're Invited

Tuesday's Tile - Adding Beads

Quilter's Tile - Red Leaves with Beads

8" x 8"

©2012 Sharon V. Rotz

I am in awe of the exquisite beaded works of Sharon L. Wright exhibited at the Form and Function gallery exhibit at the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau, WI.

After seeing her work, I knew I wanted to try adding beads to my own art projects. My attempts would be a far cry from her level of expertise but you learn by doing and I was ready "to do".

I had a finished quilter's tile that I felt could use additional interest and adding beads would provide it.  Out came a small container of mixed red beads that I was saving. (No, I didn't know when I purchased the beads that I needed it for this project, but it is so apparent now.)

I randomly added beads to the corner, building out to more scattered beads. 

Between and around the beads, I added french knots using embroidery floss. I had never combined beads and embroidery before. Again, thanks to Sharon, for the inspiration.

I used six strands for the heavier knots and three strands for the finer knots.

I'm happy with the combination of beads, knots, and the row of dots on the printed fabric.

Who inspired you today?

"Form and Function" Art Exhibit

You are invited to the Gala Opening of

Form and Function

November 16, 5-7 p.m.

at the 

Center for the Visual Arts

427 N 4th Street

Wausau, WI  54403

Many artists stand on the edge of form and function. Has function met form? Has form followed function? Artists working in textiles, jewellery, pewter, wood, and other mediums walk this fine line making utilitarian beautiful and bringing a functionality to the decorative. 

 Featured Artists:  Nathan Hatch, Rebecca Hungerford, Paul Jensen, Paul Klein, Char TerBeest-Kudia, Erika Mock, Timothy O'Neill, Sharon Rotz, TJ Roovers, Mariella TerBeest-Schladweiler, Richard Schneider, Louise Schotz, Laura Wasilowski and Sharon Wright.

Don't Be Left Out

Photos cannot do this exhibit justice.

Enjoy the color, textures and patterns of fiber art 

at the Nicolet College Art Gallery in Rhinelander, WI.

Fine Art Fiber

September 15 - October 6, 2012

Fiber Art of Pat Gaska, Gale Wilcox,

Louise Schotz, Pat Kumicich

and Sharon Rotz

Artwork by Louise Schotz, Sharon Rotz and Pat Gaska

Beadwork by Gale Wilcox

Artist Gale Wilcox, Gallery Director Katy Ralph, myself and Artist Pat Gaska

at the Opening Reception 

We all invite you to travel to the Northwoods of Wisconsin,

 enjoy the colorful autumn season and view our artwork in person.

Fine Art Fiber Exhibit

Uninhibited Growth

©Sharon V. Rotz

You are invited

Fine Art Fiber 

Saturday, September 15 - October 6, 2012

Nicolet Art Gallery

Nicolet College

Rhinelander, WI

Five artists are highlighted in this rich exhibit of fine art quilts and beadwork. Featured are Pat Gaska, Louise Schotz, Gale Wilcox, Pat Kumicich 
and Sharon Rotz.

Greet the artists at the Opening
 Saturday, September 15th
5-7 pm

The Fine Art Fiber Fair is 

Saturday, October 6

10 am - 4 pm.

Meet and interact with the fiber artists as they present live demonstrations.

This event is free and open to the public.

See you there.

Searching for Aqua?

Potamogeton Rising

48" x 68"

©Sharon V. Rotz

If you are looking for an event to visit this weekend, 

check out the 

"Aqua - Fluid Motion" juried exhibit 

at the Central Wisconsin Cultural Center, 240 Johnson St. Wisconsin Rapids, WI.  

The exhibit includes oils, acrylics, watercolors, sculptures and photography 

as well as several fiber pieces.

I love shows that include a variety of mediums so viewers can truly see the many options there are for expressing themselves through art.

I am very excited that "Potamogeton Rising" was awarded a blue ribbon.

(Now, while we are inspired by water and its motion, it would be so nice to watch a little of it falling on our parched fields and raising the levels of our lakes and streams.)

Gee, I Love that Man

Gee, I Love that Man

12" x 12"

©2012 Sharon V. Rotz

This is another quilted artwork that I have in the Original Valentines, Artful Expressions of Affections show. It was made with my husband in mind. There have been many times when he has stopped at the store for bread and milk and came home with flowers. How could you not love a man like that?

I had so much fun with the background. Maybe even to the point where it overshadows the foreground?? But it is the adventure of trying new things. Never, never, keep making the same thing over and over again. (There are machines to do that!)

Tuesday's Tile Caught Stepping Out

Quilter's Tile - Mowing Around the Violet Patch

8" x 8"

©2011 - Sharon V. Rotz

This past week-end I had the opportunity to view this heartfelt show.

Original Valentines

Artful Expressions of Affections

February 25 - March 17, 2012

Nicolet College

Art Gallery

Rhinelander, WI 54501

I felt privileged to be part of this show and one of my Tuesday's Tiles, Mowing Around the Violet Patch,with its tiny silk ribbon flowers, caught the attention of many. By mounting this small work on a fabric covered canvas elevated it from a simple square (or as Mom would say - potholder) to a dainty artwork. Because this piece reminds me of my dad, it holds special meaning for me. 

Each of the pieces in the show had a special meaning to the artist and it was thought provoking for the viewers. The varied artworks were hung between delightful valentines, the kind I remember as a child. 

One of my favorites was Apple of My Eye - Applemania. 

(used with permission of the artist)

The apples looked so juicy and delicious that I thought certainly this was a photograph. I was totally mistaken because this lovely artwork was a pastel done by central Wisconsin artist, Andrea Fenner.

Poetry as well as art was displayed. One of my favorites was a poem by Jane Banning (used with permission of the author).

Yearling Deer

Back legs stork-thin

knock-kneed

front feet

tiny hooves of a Victorian lady

neck long as a brown question 

she eats mushrooms,

twitches her tail,

browses.

With the planting 

of each

hoof-gloved foot,

I, blunt and fleshy-handed,

am unsure

which one of us

is the more

evolved.

What would your artful expression of affection say? Do you have a favorite quilt or other artwork that shares a bit of your life, brings to mind a beloved person or evokes images of a special moment?

What a Simple Plan

Did you ever have a simple plan that turned into a multiple week adventure?

I thought it was an easy plan. I wanted to take a photo of my art quilt in the Winter's Garden exhibit. But there are days and then there are more days.

Day 1:  Got to the exhibit. Not opened.
Day 2:  Got to the exhibit. Forgot the camera.
Day 3:  Got to the exhibit. Camera battery was dead.
Day 4:  Got to the exhibit. Got in the middle of a tour group.

Yes, we followed a flock of mallards right up to the door.

But, I finally got in with camera working and once again enjoyed the beauty of the orchids and the artwork.

I even got a photo of my quilt in the exhibit.

A lesson learned. 

When I paid a visit to the Art of the Quilter II exhibit, I arrived with my camera in hand and working and snapped these photos.

The entries were varied and each fascinated us with the mastering of different technique.

The quilts were artfully arranged to show off at their best.

 Our lives are enriched when we have the opportunity to view beautiful art. It captures our imagination and inspires us.

Winter's Garden

O - Water Lilies

22" x 32"

©2012 Sharon V. Rotz

You are invited to an exhibition of floral inspired art with live orchids in bloom. 

Winter's Garden

at the Riverfront Arts Center

1200 Crosby Ave.

Stevens Point, WI

I am pleased that my art quilt "O- Water Lilies" will be part of the juried exhibit. You have been watching the progress of this piece on my blog and now you will be able to see it in person.

To make the three-dimensional petals, I fused two layers of fabric together and then stitched the petals on my machine using Superior Threads Glitter metallic thread in the needle.

  

I used matching pink cotton thread in the bobbin. I then cut close to the stitching to separate the petals.

These petals were added on to the center of the flowers.

detail of water lilies

WVAG Art Opening

Ready for guests to arrive at the

Wisconsin Visual Artists' Guild Opening Reception 

at the Center for the Visual Arts in Wausau, WI. 

The exhibit runs through July 31, 2011.

For the past few years, I have had the opportunity to be a member of the Wisconsin Visual Artists' Guild. While I treasure my quilting friends and learn so much from them, I've also found I've learned a great deal from artists who work in different mediums.

The basic principles of art are the same no matter if you have a brush, a camera, or a needle and thread in your hand. These new friends come from different backgrounds and have different ideas to share. Ideas that stretch me out into thinking of my quilting projects in a different light.

As the days of summer roll along, take a moment to look for opportunities to broaden your ideas. What things spur your creativity? Perhaps a stroll through an art museum, a botanical garden, a trip to the zoo or splashing at a water park.

Sad Time for Art in Wisconsin

It was with a heavy heart that I was taking down my art display at the Wisconsin Arts Board Lobby Exhibit. There will be no more chances for artists to present their work in this fine venue. Because of heavy budget cuts, the Wisconsin Arts Board has almost been eliminated and with it tremendous opportunities for artists in the state.

Especially in hard times, art uplifts our spirits. Whether it is visual art, music, theatre, or written, we thrive on creativity to encourage and revive our lives.

Look for ways to show support for art in your community.