On June 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Christine Macchi of Maine Fibers Arts, Susan Mills and Barbara Burns from Markings Gallery, will present an artist talk and private viewing of their work and journeys as fiber artists. The artist talks will begin at Mustard Seed Bookstore, 74 Front St, Bath, then will move on to Markings Gallery, 50 Front St, Bath for private viewing, refreshments and meet more of the gallery’s fiber artists.

Christine Macchi is the Executive Director of Maine Fiberarts, a statewide arts nonprofit based in Topsham. She will be talking about the making of the book, Fiber Arts Masters, a look at twenty of Maine’s master fiber artists.  Over the course of several years, Macchi traveled the state visiting artists in their studios and documenting them through words and photos. The book contains profiles of weavers, knitters, Wabanaki basketmakers, and even the fabric sculpture of artist Dahlov Ipcar. Macchi will show images from her interviews. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. 

Susan Mills is a mixed media fiber artist and photographer for the book “Healing Spirits” (Crossing Press), a collection of stories from different healers across America.  For five years Susan and her friends, Pat West-Barker and Judith Joslow Raywood, traveled together to interview these inspiring people. The narratives include a Navajo Medicine Man, Hopi Medicine Woman,  Peruvian trained Shaman and many more. Today Susan has a Spiritual Practice that combines meditation and shamanic journeying inspired by the different healers that she met and worked with during the creation of the book. She lives in Bowdoin where she creates her art.  She offers many classes on Shamanic Arts in which she guides one in the realization of personal and powerful creations.

Susan will talk about the journey involved in the making of the book and its profound influence on her art.  It will include the inspirations for her work and ongoing process.

Barbara Burns is a figurative artist working in the ancient medium of handwoven, tapestry. Burns’ will be talking about her "Burlesque Series" which explores the sensual, female form from her perspective as a performing burlesque and belly dancer. It also exemplifies the parallels between exposing herself as a dancer vs. an artist. Combining her passion for dance with her love of tapestry Burns is creating a series intended to challenge the observer with complex, and often contradictory, societal views of women. Often working larger than life, Burns’ images of dancers are accosting.

Barbara studied tapestry in New York and  West Dean College in England. Her work has exhibited internationally in solo and group shows, winning awards from as far as Serbia and the UK. She teaches and lectures about tapestry and has published writings on the subject.  She lives and works in Cundy's Harbor.