Hand Sewing Workshop Closes Out "Visions Of America" Exhibit In Newtown

NEWTOWN, PA — As the acclaimed exhibition "Visions of America" comes to a close, Bucks County Community College's Hicks Art Center Gallery will host "In Plain Sight," a hands-on
textile workshop led by exhibiting artist Duwenavue Santé Johnson on Saturday, July 25, from 1 to 4 p.m.

The three-hour workshop coincides with the exhibition's final day, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn directly from one of the artists whose work is featured in the
invitational multimedia exhibition celebrating America's 250th anniversary.

Johnson, joined by artist Rae Burns, will guide participants in creating an original stitched artwork inspired by the botanical studies of historic Newtown Quaker artist Mary Ivins Cunningham and the area's rich local history. Johnson recently discovered that Cunningham is a distant relative.

Using marbled fabric paper, silk, tulle, beads and other traditional materials, participants will explore 19th-century hand-stitching techniques while reflecting on stories, images and natural elements that often remain "in plain sight" but are easily overlooked.

Johnson will discuss how her own textile installation in "Visions of America" was inspired by Cunningham's work and demonstrate how historical research can be translated into contemporary fiber art.

The workshop costs $20 for adults and $10 for youth ages 12–16 and students, with payment collected on the day of the event. All materials are included. Advance registration is requested by emailing gallery@bucks.edu.

Curated by Clifford Eberly, Senior Manager of Galleries and Exhibitions, "Visions of America" brings together contemporary artists and historical artifacts to examine the
nation's past, present and future through diverse perspectives.

In the exhibition, Johnson's textile work symbolically evokes the ethereal spirituality found in Cunningham's observational artwork, making the closing-day workshop a fitting
culmination to the show.

The Hicks Art Center Gallery is located on the east end of Bucks County Community College's Newtown Campus, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown 18940, where there is ample free parking.

Admission to the gallery is free. "Visions of America" is on view through July 25.

Event Details

• What: “In Plain Sight” Hand Sewing Workshop
• Instructors: Duwenavue Santé Johnson and Rae Burns
• When: Saturday, July 25, 1–4 p.m.
• Where: Hicks Art Center, Room H100, Bucks County Community College, Newtown Campus
• Cost: $20 adults; $10 youth (ages 12–16) and students
• RSVP: gallery@bucks.edu