The Byrne Gallery is pleased to present “Style Points”, the wearable art show for June 2023. This special exhibition will feature clothing, jewelry, and accessories for the new season by four local designers: Clara Graves, Caroline Cutrona Hottenstein, Susie Lipscher, and Kathryn Stanko.
Textile artwork is as old as human civilization, and the fabric trade paved the original crossroads of the ancient world. Early influencers sought to define their own personal style through creative expression in their clothing. Since the Silk Route brought Asia to Europe, and vice versa, style makers have incorporated the latest look into their own one-of-a-kind statement.
Each artist presents a one-of-a-kind collection, incorporating floral patterns and sometimes an abstract composition, to create the latest summer fashions. Commissioned pieces are also available to be specially designed for you with your favorite jewels.
“Style Points” will be on display from June 1st – 30th. Please join us for a special reception for the artists on Saturday, June 10th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The show and receptions are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend!
Clara Graves is an award-winning silk artist with a primary focus on wearable art. The fabrics she uses to create her scarves, shawls, and garments are painted or dyed in her own studio, and widely exhibited in public and private collections throughout North America. Clara is a nationally known teacher of non-traditional silk art techniques. She is Chair of the Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery in Old Town Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory.
Caroline Cutrona Hottenstein, a native Northern Virginian, works in traditional watercolor, pen and ink, and graphite. As a botanical illustrator, her artistic observations have been expressed through traditional watercolor, pen and ink, and graphite techniques. She has taught Fine Art & Fashion Merchandising at Marymount University and has presented in Carnegie Mellon’s Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation and the American Society of Botanical Artists.
Susie Lipscher of Plum Blossom Kimono has been fashioning stunning wearables since 1982. She uses the traditional dyeing techniques of Japanese textile arts like shibori, katazome, and kasuri. From vintage kimono cloth, she creates neck scarves realized that the bolts for kimono cloth were narrow and could be easily converted into neck scarves, pillows, and lavender sachets. Now, after 50 years of sewing, she never tires of stitching these fabulous vintage silks and wools. Kimono jackets (haori) and long kimonos continue to be in high demand in America and Europe. They enchant buyers with their timeless feel and design.
Kathryn Scimone Stanko creates intricate, non-traditional jewelry in sterling, copper, and gold – using traditional and ancient fiber techniques accented with pearl and semi-precious stones. Her works are light and mindful, informed by traditional woven basketry, Japanese woodblock, and Asian jade and pearl craftsmanship. The effect is wearable sculptural adornment.
Please join us to discover the intricate beauty of textile art and a piece that fits you at “Style Points” in June!
