African Textiles Exhibit at Barron Arts Center
Lisa Shepard Stewart, a Rahway resident and owner of Cultured Expressions Sewing Studio, will be featured at the Barron Arts Center in Woodbridge, September 10-26, 2021, as a part of the center’s 2021 series, “Textiles: Reimagining New Jersey.”
“African Accents: Modern Designs from traditional Textiles” highlights authentic African fabrics, along with quilts, handbags, home accents and crafts made from them. Shepard Stewart works primarily with bogolan (mudcloth) from Mali, Korhogo from the Ivory Coast, kuba cloth from Central Africa, Ghanaian batik, and African cotton prints. Recycled glass beads and hand-cast brass accents from Ghana often provide the finishing touches pieces.
Her obsession with African textiles began in 1986 during a trip to Senegal, West Africa. Through her publications, her sewing studio in downtown Rahway, virtual events and more, Lisa encourages other DIY enthusiasts to express themselves creatively with the culturally relevant fabrics, embellishments and techniques.
She wants viewers to come away from the exhibit with a new (or heightened) appreciation for the cultures behind these traditional textiles. And, just maybe, viewers will also leave with a desire to create their own beautiful pieces with these unique fabrics.
The Barron Arts Center is located at 582 Rahway Avenue in Woodbridge. Gallery hours are Monday thru Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 2 – 4 p.m. Phone 732-634-0413.
