The University Museum at Indiana University of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce the opening of its newest exhibit, Reaching Into Stillness: Fiber As Our Voice, on display from October 19 through December 7, 2024. This evocative exhibition, featuring fiber artists Barb Kubala, Sandy Trimble, and Rhonda Luckey, explores the transformative power of fiber arts and how this unique medium communicates texture, emotion, and meaning in ways words cannot.
To celebrate the exhibit’s opening, the University Museum will host a free public reception on Saturday, October 19, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Visitors are invited to meet the artists, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and experience the beautiful intersection of fiber and storytelling.
The exhibit’s title is inspired by T.S. Eliot’s poem "Four Quartets," specifically the fifth movement of "Burnt Norton." The phrase "reach into the stillness" reflects the artists' desire to convey deeper meaning and connection through their fiber art, much like how Eliot’s words move beyond speech into silence. This exhibition presents fiber as a voice, bridging stillness with creative expression.
Each artist’s contribution to Reaching Into Stillness brings a unique perspective:
Barbara B. Kubala, whose work defies traditional labels, incorporates a wide array of techniques. Her pieces focus on texture and design rather than a specific narrative, inviting viewers to create their own interpretations of her art.
Sandy Trimble, a member of the Handweavers’ Guild of America and Complex Weaver’s Association, explores loom-controlled pattern weaving and natural dyeing. Her work is inspired by music and color, translating melodies into visual creations.
Rhonda Luckey draws inspiration from Japanese aesthetics and the beauty found in nature. Her work combines historical and contemporary techniques, using natural materials and found objects to create visual poems that evoke serenity and reflection.
"We are thrilled to showcase the work of these three remarkable artists," said James Rickard, vice president and exhibitions coordinator at the University Museum. "Each artist brings a unique voice through fiber, showing how this medium can evoke deep stillness and reflection while also serving as a powerful form of expression."
This exhibition will be on display from Saturday, October 19, until Saturday, December 7. Hours of operation are:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 2:00–6:30 p.m.
- Thursday noon–7:30 p.m.
- Saturday noon–4:00 p.m.
- Closed Sunday, Monday, and university holidays. Holiday closures during this exhibit are:
- Fall Break, Tuesday, October 22
- Thanksgiving Break:
- Saturday, November 23, 4:00 p.m. until re-opening Tuesday, December 3, 2:00 p.m.
For more information, please contact the museum at 724-357-2424 or at museum-info@iup.edu.