UNIVERSITY'S MUSEUM WILL CELEBRATE FIBER ARTISTS

The Southeast Missouri State University Museum will celebrate the "Year of American Crafts" when it presents an exhibition of contemporary fiber works by Missouri artists in September.

The exhibit, titled "Missouri Fiber Artists, 1993-1994," will open with a public reception at 7 p.m. Sept. 1 in the University Museum. Admission is free.

The exhibit contains 32 works of art in fiber media, including weaving, handmade paper pieces, baskets and handmade felt.

"Some of the works are functional and many are purely expressive," said Pat Reagan-Woodard, University Museum director. "There are large and small pieces as well as traditional and contemporary styles. Some of the Missouri artists place a lot of emphasis on craftsmanship, while others are interested in aesthetic impact.

"The variety of forms, materials and techniques makes this a very interesting exhibit," she said. "Visitors should find this exhibition delightful because of the creativity and craftsmanship of Missouri artists."

The works were selected at the 16th Annual Missouri Fiber Arts Conference exhibition by juror Lissa Hunter, a fiber art artist from Portland, Maine. Hunter, who served as the keynote speaker at the conference, creates baskets from coiled raffia and paper cord, to which she applies handmade paper, acrylic paint and embellishments.

The exhibit will continue on campus through Sept. 30. Designated museum parking is located in front of Memorial Hall, which houses the museum, on Circle Drive on the campus. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Arrangements can be made for group tours and special, after hours group functions by calling (314) 651-2260.

After the showing in Cape Girardeau, the exhibit will travel to the Missouri State Museum in the Capitol building at Jefferson City and then to the Dunnegan Gallery of Art in Bolivar, Mo.