Fashion Galleries

Mica Wraps Up the Year with Wearable Art

Wearable Art at Mica Gallery

Artist Deanna Lynch

Mica prepares for the season with an upcoming show, Winter Wrap Up, starting Tuesday, November 22, and running through the New Year.

Three guest artists, Liz Spear, Neal Howard and Deanna Lynch, will present their wearable artwork—scarves, shawls, hats and wraps—that are meant to be used and can function as everyday objects.

“It brings a whole different layer of wearable art to the gallery,” Gay Smith, Mica artist and member, says. “These items are really beautiful and utilitarian. They are comfortable, gorgeous and functional.”

Lynch was introduced to weaving by her grandfather when she was nine. She uses earth tones and simple lines to reflect her sense of tradition and her commitment to creating usable pieces.

“I believe handmade treasures should function as everyday objects. Textiles are a part of our daily lives and we often take them for granted,” Lynch says. “We should be able to wear a scarf or garment that makes us feel special because the magic of someone else’s time and care is behind every stitch.”

Howard weaves luxurious scarves and shawls from silk and silk/merino blended yarns. She dyes her yarns using the Japanese shibori technique and creates patterns with a manual resist dyeing method. In addition to her garments, she also has hand-dyed yarns available as kits with instructions to weave, knit or crochet your own special piece.

Spear creates comfortable, classic pieces and often collaborates with other fiber artists to produce her designs. “A buyer can expect a range of garments made in my cotton and rayon fabric in classic styles in a range of interesting colors,” Spear says. “My styles are mostly original designs with interesting lines that are appropriate for many different ages, body types and style preferences.”

All three Winter Wrap Up artists will be present at Mica during the Toe River Arts Council’s Studio Tour Weekend, December 2–4.

“Buyers can ask direct questions to the maker,” Smith says. “Artists are also available to help with fit and sizing.”

Mica is a cooperative gallery of fine contemporary crafts that includes pottery, sculpture and textiles. Eleven local artists, many who are nationally and internationally recognized, co-own and operate the gallery in a spacious, antique building in downtown Bakersville.

Mica is located at 37 North Mitchell Avenue. The gallery is open daily Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12–5 p.m. For more information call 828.688.6422, email info@micagallerync.com or visit micagallerync.com.

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