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Category: Material Things

Detroiter Richie Campbell shows how to create art with knotted fabric

Last Friday's Handmade column features artist Richie Campbell of Detroit who demonstrates a fun and exciting way to turn old or unwanted fabric into works of soft-sculptured art.

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Category: Material Things

'Arts & Scraps Three-Ton Fabric Sale Sept. 13-20'

I recently received the following information from Arts & Scraps.

Support Detroit area kids AND get bargains on fabric! A huge variety and quantity of fabric will be available in bulk--no limits. On Sat., Sept. 13, from 10 a.m.-4 (p.m.), admission is $1 and a full grocery bag of fabric is $7. On Tues., Sept. 18 and Thurs., Sept. 18, bag prices will be determined by a lottery drawing; your chances are 1 in 10 for a free bag. Other prices are $4, $5 and $7. On Sat., Sept. 20, all bags are $4. New fabrics will be added as the sale progresses.

A special feature of the sale is Crypton (think Superman). This thin, but very strong, fabric is water/fire/bacteria/mold proof and is on bolts of 54". Cost is $3 per yard. Find bound tapestry/upholstery samples, cottons, retro, samples from Express--everything you could imagine. Large rolls of padded fabric and vinyl, satin with iron-on backing, denim and more.

We need help--call Wonner at (313) 640-4411, Ext. 5, to volunteer during the sale or on Mon., Sept. 22 to fold and move fabric.

After the sale, a new area will be created at Arts & Scaps--Fabric Heaven, a 9'X11' room FILLED (with) fabric. Bulk bags filled with over 300 materials at Arts & Scraps are $6.

Scraps is a Detroit non-profit that used recycled industrial material to help people of all ages and abilities think, create and learn. Programming and products for children and adults is hosted at Arts & Scraps or group sites. Hours are Tues., Thurs., 11-6, Sat. 11-4.

Arts & Scraps is located at 16135 Harper, near the I-94 Cadieux exit on the east side of Detroit. (For more information, call (313) 640-4411).

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Category: Material Things

'Rhythms in Fabric and Time' On Display Sept. 8-Oct. 31

The following information was recently sent in by the city of Farmington Hills.

A unique "collage" display of fiber works and African drums will be on exhibit at the Farmington Hills City Gallery, located in the Costick Center lobby, 28600 W. Eleven Mile Road, from Sept. 8 through Oct. 31. The collection is a collaboration of two performers and artists, Judith Sheldon and Baba Issa Abramaleem, also known as the artists of "First Circle." The exhibit was chosen to coincide with the City's Heritage Festival, which takes place on October 12.

"First Circle" evolved from the mutual interest of Sheldon and Abramaleem in incorporating drumming, dance, art, and process drama in order for participants to discover their indigenous and rhythmic group identity. The artists feel that, "Culture is the most creative thing we make," and believe in the celebration and beauty of diversity. The two present their theory in workshops and to schools, churches, museums and festivals, and have won several educational awards.

Sheldon and Abramaleem are also the choreographer and music director for Nations in Rhythm Detroit, a multicultural performance group. The exhibit will feature a visual presentation of the program, as well as collage works by both artists in several media.

The City Gallery is open during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and during special events. The Heritage Festival, a free family festival featuring artwork, exhibits, ethnic food and ongoing entertainment, will take place at the Costick Center on Sunday, Oct. 12 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. For further information, call the Cultural Arts Division at (248) 473-1848.