Fiber Arts Exhibit and Silent Auction Supports Scholarship for Emerging Students

BOSTON, MA – On January 15, 2016, United South End Settlements (USES) will co-sponsor an opening reception for The Theresa Show: Fiber Arts Exhibit & Silent Auction from 6 – 8 pm in honor of the late fiber artist Theresa-India Young. Since her passing in 2008 after a brief battle with cancer, the Theresa-India Young Scholarship Committee has carried on her life’s work of preserving the art, history and diverse culture of weaving through the ongoing efforts of the Theresa-India Young Ethnic Weaving Scholarship established at Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

“Theresa had great knowledge of and admiration for African textiles, especially Kente cloth. She made a loom, learned to weave kente, and was preparing an exhibit of her work shortly before she passed away,” said Dr. Vivian R. Johnson, Boston University Associate Professor Emerita of Education and specialist in multicultural education and historical research. “Her spirit is eternal and she continues to inspire us.” Dr. Johnson dedicated her “Cultural Literacy Workshop” at the Dudley Branch Boston Public Library to Theresa’s memory.

The Theresa Show will be on view at USES’ Harriet Tubman Gallery at 566 Columbus Avenue January 15 through February 29, 2016. The exhibit features the support of artists including Stephanie Angelo, Edie Bowers, Arlette Doherty, Eleanor Elkin, Ellen Granter, Arlene Greenspan, Selena Narovlansky, Kaira Nazyat, Jeffrey Nowlin, Rachel Oswald, Alicia Quimby, Etta Rosen, Kate Sullivan, Dayna Talbot, Matt Theodhos, Susan Thompson, Sarah Trahan, Dianne Zimbabwe, and 2015 Theresa-India Young Ethnic Weaving Scholarship recipient Sarah Peloquin.

Each artist represents diversity in perspective, styles, processes, and material usage, while simultaneously illustrating and sharing art forms with various audiences.

Each artist is donating a portion of their proceeds from the silent auction sales to the Theresa-India Young Ethnic Weaving Scholarship established at the Massachusetts College of Art & Design. All visitors are welcome to bid until the closing of the exhibit on February 29, 2016. Fundraising for the scholarship is ongoing, and donations can be made to Cross Cultural Collaborative, Inc., 45 Auburn St., Brookline, MA 02446.

Sarah Peloquin, the winner of this year’s scholarship, will have her display her pieces 5 Elements (Fire, Earth, Water, Air, and Spirit), Wandering Path, and Blue Fields at the show. Sarah, a senior majoring in Fiber Arts at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, is elated to be this year’s recipient. “The money going toward my tuition will allow me to focus on my weaving and other aspects of my fiber education,” said Sarah.

This year we also honor South End artist Barbara Ward Armstrong (1940 – 2013) whose life-sized soft sculptures, such as her Harriet Tubman creation, and fabric applique brought attention to her creativity, historical research, and interpretative mastery. Her New Race of People combined aspects of culture and color in a most unique presentation. The commissioned Harriet Tubman sculpture embodies the past, visual simplicity, and reflection upon courage and greatness.

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About USES’ Harriet Tubman Gallery
The Harriet Tubman Gallery showcases a range of diverse, cultural and community-driven works that foster a strong sense of neighborhood appreciation where all individuals are welcome. Located at 566 Columbus Avenue in Boston’s South End, the Harriet Tubman Gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8 am – 8 pm. The gallery is wheelchair accessible, with limited meter parking is available in the area, and only a 5 minute walk from the Massachusetts Avenue Orange Line stop or the #1 and #43 buses.

For more information please contact Evan Gray, Marketing and Events Manager, at egray@uses.org or 617-375-8108 .