Textile Artists of Virginia

“Balance”

ON DISPLAY RECEPTION

June 1 - August  28 Wednesday June 24,  4pm-6pm

The Montgomery Museum of Art and History (Montgomery Museum) is delighted to welcome back the Textile Artists of Virginia (TAVA) for their exhibition titled “Balance.” Just don’t call them quilts, they might not come back!  The correct term is fiber art, and these pieces designed to hang on the wall are fabulous.  Karin Tauber, the treasurer and member of the Executive Committee, explains that the new pieces often build upon the artist’s previous works. 

There are currently 35 members of TAVA, and they come from all over Virginia and some from North Carolina.  If a member is unable to attend a meeting in person, they attend virtually.

The Textile Artists of Virginia (TAVA) use fiber as a medium to create art.

The fiber art pieces in this collection utilize various types of fiber and may also incorporate other materials such as beads, buttons, or crystals. Occasionally, paint or ink is applied to the fabric. The process typically involves intricate stitches. 

(Left:“Keeping my Balance” © Shirley Sellers )

Each year, the group selects a theme that serves as a unifying thread for all the art pieces, while still allowing for creative artistic freedom. Last year’s theme was “Balance.”  Some artists interpret the theme as work-life balance or the balance of nature, such as the balance between pollinators and predators.  One piece shows balanced stacks of rocks.  Other pieces look at the balance of color, such as a color wheel.  Balance of viewpoints and different cultures are also represented.  A depiction of Ma’at, the Egyptian goddess of truth, balance, and harmony, shows her weighing the heart of a deceased person. It must be lighter than her feather to go to the afterlife.

(Right: “Balance of Joy and 3-6-9 Theory” © L C Adrienne )

Karin Tauber, a skilled photographer, is responsible for capturing high-quality images of the artworks for the group’s promotional materials. She pins each piece on a design wall, adjusts the lighting conditions, and takes the photographs.  Some works require images of details, and close-up photographs are produced.  Tauber says the process allows her to get close to each piece.  “When the shooting session is finished, I know all the pieces very very well,” she says.  Obviously, she thoroughly enjoys this part of the process.

“Balance” by TAVA will be exhibited at the Montgomery Museum starting June 1, 2026. The public is cordially invited to a reception on June 24 (a Wednesday) from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

https://textileartva.wixsite.com/tava

(Left: “Balancing Acts“ © Leslie Pendleton )

“Bluebirds” © Gloria Smith