Chaffey College and the Wignall Museum/Gallery are pleased to announce a new exhibition, Contemporary Fibers. Nationally recognized artists Sharon Algozer, Polly Jacobs Giacchina, Ferne Jacobs, Brian Jewett, Gyöngy Laky and Suzye Ogawa are exhibiting their fiber sculptures, wall hangings and vessels. Sharon Algozer weaves natural fibers into baskets with intertwining appendages, reaching out toward the viewer, drawing them closer. Polly Jacobs Giacchina uses palm seed frond to craft sculptures that reflect and interpret her inspirations found in nature, in language and in the human form. Ferne Jacobs uses ancient basket making techniques to shape three dimensional fiber works. Jacob's commitment to early techniques and her fascination with transforming thread into solid form result in beautiful figurative silhouettes and sculptures in a vibrant palette. Brian Jewett uses his background in manufacturing, creating baskets out of alternative materials such as cable ties, industrial tubing, raffle tickets and film negatives. His eye as a former and designer and engineer are evident in his clean, spare designs. Gyöngy Laky's interests in simple constructions and building things by hand have resulted in her explorations of linear and architectural compositions. Her work often references her concern for environmental issues by using orchard debris, tree prunings and park trimmings that explore our relationship to the environment. Suzye Ogawa's delicate works (most are less than three inches tall) combine metal work in fine silver or bronze with natural basketry materials and techniques, juxtaposing hard and soft materials, side by side. Don Weeke's sculptural works use traditional basketry techniques along side his own invented techniques in search of intuitive shapes and forms.

Please join us for this stimulating exhibition. Contemporary Fibers opens January 26 - March 20, 2004. Wignall Museum/Gallery and the ASCC are co-hosting an artist's reception with food, refreshments and live music on Thursday, February 5, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. A gallery talk with selected artists is scheduled on Tuesday, February 10, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Gallery hours are M – F, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sundays, noon – 4:00 p.m., closed Saturdays and Holidays.

Call for more information on our upcoming benefit tour of the Sam & Alfreda Maloof Foundation for the Arts and Crafts historic home and workshop on March 6, 2004. Tickets will go on sale soon!