Krasl Art Center is has announced its first exhibition of the year, titled “A Beautiful Mess: Weavers and Knotters of the Vanguard,” which opens on February 1st. Krasl’s Curator of Engagement Laura Winkle tells us that this exhibition will showcase the work of 11 talented female artists from across the country who are using fiber in innovative and unique ways.

“It’s going to be unexpected,” Winkle says.  “It’s not just yarn and thread. You’ll see extension cords. You’ll see belts, doilies, found fabrics that are being repurposed in new ways. It’s not your typical fiber exhibition.”

Additionally, there will be a preview party where one of the featured artists will give a talk about their work.

“One of our artists, Kira Dominguez-Holtgren, lives in Chicago, is based in Chicago, and is actually going to help us open the exhibition on Friday night,” Winkle says. “We will hear an artist talk and kind of introduction from Kira, and then they’ll be staying to do another artist talk on Saturday.”

The kickoff event for the exhibition is scheduled for January 31st from 6 to 8 p.m., and it’s free for everyone to attend.