Before “All in the Family”, There Was Always “Art” in My Family! Literally!
Montpelier Arts Center “Chronicles of
the African American Journey through Fiber Arts”
If you have read my previous blog posts, you
know art and creativity has always been a big part of my life from the
beginning. I was born into a whole family of creatives so “Art” plays a big role
in my day to day functions. This time it was time to let the light shine of my
mom, Andrea Stockton-Barton for this post! She’s taught me everything I know as
an artist, and I love how we can interact together, now that I’m a professional
artist like her. It’s truly a blessing to see how every year we can support one
another with our art openings and exhibits. My mom currently has her art on
display at the Montpelier Arts center, for their “Chronicles of the African
American Journey, through Fiber Arts” exhibit. We attended the artist reception
on Feb. 8th around 3pm, located on the basement 2nd level
of the building. The second level houses the art center’s current exhibits on
display and houses artist studios during residency periods.
My mother has a BFA degree from Pratt
Institute in NYC, with her specialty focus in “Fiber Arts.” As an artist she
wears many hats in different areas but her currently love is quilting different
fabrics together to form an intricate artwork. In the exhibit at Montpelier she
has two pieces on display that tell stories, of the African American journey
through her artistic knowledge and appreciation. Her first larger, wall hanging
piece is entitled “Motherland”, showing viewers the journey of how African masks
and the animals of Africa have correlations. This piece was designed through
initial sketches, and quilted with different colorful fabric prints. The second
piece takes you on a journey, portrayed through the colorful eyes of my mother,
who translates “Harriet’s Sunrise to Freedom” through a framed fiber art. The
artwork is a colorful burst of happiness! That illustrates through my
interpretation, how Harriet Tubman must have felt, once she made her way to
truly being free.
The whole exhibit is so beautiful and cohesively
curated by the arts center. I have many other favorites that art on display
which I will post pictures of. Everything exhibited is fiber art, but creatively
made in 2D and 3D pieces. This is a must see exhibit for all ages and perfect
for Black History month celebration activity. Below I will list all the info
for the Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel, MD.
Montpelier
Arts Center (Exhibition up through March)
9652 Muirkirk
Road
Laurel, MD
20708
Want to see
more fiber art from Andrea Stockton-Barton? Visit her art experience here!