‘Biophilia’ is quilt impressive

Creations of flora and fauna in fiber are the focus of the “Biophilia,” the new show opening this Friday, Feb. 28, at Lincoln City’s Fiber Arts Gallery.

An opening reception will run from 5 to 7 pm on Friday, offering wine, appetizers and a chance to meet the Studio Art Quilts Associates behind the exhibit.

Biophilia, the love of life and all things living, is a universal experience, fueled by an endless variety of flora and fauna that create joy, comfort and wonder.

This group of fiber artists drew their inspiration from this broad theme to create a show that shares their perspective on our vital world, from tiny organisms to entire ecosystems. The artists came together to celebrate the living things that bring wonder to the soul, interpreting that world in fiber and thread.

The show jurist is Sue Benner.

While pursuing a degree in molecular biology and a master's in biomedical illustration, Benner created her vision of the microscopic universe in painted and quilted textile constructions. Her early work propelled her to become a studio artist in 1980, working primarily in the medium that later became known as the Art Quilt.

An innovator in her field, Benner creates complex dyed and painted textiles combined with recycled fabrics to form collaged fields of pattern, color and beauty. Her work is shown world-wide in galleries, US embassies and museums including the International Quilt Study Center and Museum, National Quilt Museum and Neville Public Museum.

Her quilts have been juried into Quilt National eight times, recently winning the Most Innovative Use of the Medium award. She served as a juror for Quilt National in 2009.

“Biophilia” is on display through Sunday, April 27, at the Fiber Arts Gallery, located inside the Lincoln City Cultural Center at 540 NE Hwy. 101. The center is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Wednesday through Sunday.

For more information, go to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.