Exhibits

Main Gallery

1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN

Woven Worlds: Fiber as Medium, Thread as Language

June 20 through August 23, 2025

From the earliest days of human civilization, fiber has been essential to survival—woven from bark strips into baskets, spun from animal fibers into clothing and blankets. These materials and techniques, so deeply embedded in daily life, have also long served as inspiration for artists. Yet, because of their familiarity, fiber arts have often been dismissed by critics as mere craft or hobby rather than a legitimate fine art form.

Following World War II, fiber artists challenged this perception, transforming traditional fiber techniques into nonfunctional, conceptual works of art that aligned with the burgeoning women’s movement.

Pioneering artists such as Anni Albers and Claire Zeisler worked to overturn the notion that fiber was secondary to other artistic media, proving instead that it was a powerful vehicle for artistic expression.

This summer, South Shore Arts proudly presents Woven Worlds: Fiber as Medium, Thread as Language, an exhibition showcasing the diverse and innovative world of contemporary fiber arts. These artists have mastered and subverted everyday materials—wool, silk, thread, and more—using techniques like embroidery, felting, weaving, and knitting to craft deeply personal and culturally resonant works.

Fiber art is a multifaceted tradition that spans centuries and continents, reflecting both personal narratives and broader cultural histories. From the practical to the symbolic, fiber arts serve as a means of healing, identity expression, and societal storytelling. Woven Worlds blurs the line between reality and imagination, inviting viewers into a tapestry of dreams, cultural narratives, and unexpected beauty. Within this space, fibers become conduits for transformation and distortion, evoking both wonder and unease.

Curated by Exhibits Manager Brandon Johnson, Woven Worlds will feature the work of 20 Midwest artists and will be on display from June 20 through August 23, 2025, in the Main Gallery at South Shore Arts. The opening reception will take place on Friday, June 20, from 6–8 PM at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN. Join us as we celebrate fiber as a medium of boundless creativity and profound storytelling.

Substation No. 9

435 Fayette Street, Hammond, IN

Technicolor: A Group Invitational

Artist Reception: Friday, April 18, 6–8pm

Featuring artists Johnathon Arce, Ish Muhammad, Alejandra Mosqueda, Sabrina Sabella, Wes Thorn and Ashley Spisak. Inspired by the classic Technicolor logo, each artist has chosen a specific color to base their work on, coming together in a vibrant, unified display.

ARE YOU AN ARTIST?

More than 15 exhibitions fill four South Shore Arts galleries each year, showcasing regional, national and international artists and cultures. If you are an artist interested in exhibiting with South Shore Arts, submit your exhibit proposal here or contact Brandon Johnson, Gallery Coordinator, at Brandon@southshoreartsonline.org

SPONSOR AN EXHIBIT!

Advertise Your Business While Supporting the Arts.
Exhibit sponsors receive:
• logo and credit line on signage at exhibit
• logo and/or credit line in publicity and promotion
• opportunities for corporate entertaining throughout the exhibit

Contact Sandie Phalen, Director of Marketing and Development
219/836.1839, ext.107
 

© All images are copyrighted by the respective artists.