Painting with Thread

Crewel Embroidered Fiber Art by Marci Alvis-Slinksi

January 4th - January 29th

Experience the “oldest form of embroidery brought to America” through the award winning Crewel Embroidery of Marci Alvis-Slinski. Crewel, a free form method of embroidery, incorporates the use of nearly eighty different stitches to create a variety of forms and textures within a work of fiber art. Alvis-Slinski’s choice of color and technical proficiency truly give the illusion that she is “Painting with Thread.” Romantic floral arrangements are embroidered into variety of compositions and styles including Asian, Victorian, Greek and Modern. The works in this exhibit are framed with conservation quality and available for purchase.

Alvis-Slinksi, a second generation Fiber & Fabric Artist from Brownsburg, Indiana, first learned to love this art form from her grandmother Ola Faye Alvis. She then followed her passion for Art to St. Agnes Academy, John Herron Art Institute and Purdue University. The artist further honed her love of Fiber & Fabric Art in New England where she received instruction on Crewel Embroidery by a highly talented Daughter of the American Revolution. To honor this nation's bicentennial in 1976 this lovely lady taught a few students the ancient Art of Crewel Embroidery that was brought to America by her descendants on the Mayflower.

Taking her instruction very seriously, Alvis-Slinski become a recognized and published Fiber & Fabric Artist. As an author of nine books, she helped other artists understand what certified judges were looking for when judging Fiber & Fabric Art in shows and competitions across the country. For more than a decade, Marci coordinated CraftAdventure "the largest Fiber and Fabric Art Showcase on the eastern seaboard" according to The Quilter Magazine . This publication devoted a three page color spread to "CraftAdventure 2005 at Eastern States Exposition featuring The Quilts from Dublin Ireland." Alvis-Slinksi arranged for these quilts to "cross the pond" for their first exhibit here in The United States.  

A proud member of the Hendricks County Arts Council, Alvis-Slinski has demonstrated and exhibited for the last three years in Hendricks County's ArtsGo!  Event. In 2008, she was named Artist in Residence for Brownsburg, Indiana. Passionate about keeping the Arts alive in Indiana, Alvis-Slinski looks forward to sharing her acquired knowledge of Crewel Embroidery with her fellow Hoosiers so that this ancient Art form continues for generations to come.

Alvis-Slinski will be demonstrating her Crewel Embroidery techniques during an Open House, January 15th from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm at Artistic Designs Gallery. Refreshments will be served.

Inquire about the 8 week “Painting with Thread” Embroidery Class that Alvis-Slinksi will teach beginning on Thursdays, February 3rd – March 24th, from 6:00 pm -8 pm at Artistic Designs Gallery.Click here for registration form.