May 9, 2008

In our last days here in Amherst, so many have stopped by to share memories of their experiences at the Fiber Art Center. I share some them below.

Please indulge me as I share some of mine.

*The near daily ooooohs and aaaaahs are by far the most satisfying sound the manager of a fine craft gallery can hear.
*And it is wonderful to hear the joy in a rising artist's voice when she hears a piece sold.
*Groups of fiber artists traveled from some pretty far-flung places, making the Center a sort of pilgramage.
*Students, both young and old, shared their enthusiasm and accomplishments.
*The first time I met Maximo Laura was awe inspiring.
*I fondly remember the day an Amherst high school student came in to share with me doilies he had crocheted (he taught himself from a book-they were perfect!). He wanted to sell them at the Center and donate all the proceeds to an orphanage in Vietnam.
*I remember the many volunteers who gave so much of themselves and their expertise.
*I cherish the uproarious laughter we would indulge ourselves in. Not to mention the chocolate.
*I hold dear the friendships.

I am so proud of what we accomplished over seven years -
The artwork shared, the knowledge imparted, the urges to create stirred, the ability to inspire.

Please take a moment to remember a favorite time or a favorite piece of art - hold that thought and enjoy it all over again. We may not physically be in Amherst, but our presence remains in hearts and minds.

Thank you,

Linda Ruel Flynn, Interim Director

 

 

Some thoughts from friends.....

a wise woman said to me the other day, " Creative people always leave things more beautiful in their wake."

"hi linda,
reading about FAC closing was very upsetting to me. yes, it was a
GREAT place to see the best in fiber art. the work on display was
always exceptional quality. i'd often stop by the shop to be
inspired. but, the biggest reason i'm going to miss FAC is much more
personal. my first visit to FAC was february 2002 when i had just
gotten my 2nd breast cancer diagnosis and a friend brought me over
there. as soon as i had finished my chemo that summer, i signed up
for an amazing improv. quilt class with nancy board. i had loved
nancy's work at the valley quilt show and was excited to learn from
her. well, the class changed me as a fabric artist. i've always
associated FAC as a symbol of my survival.

i hope FAC will resurface at some point. everything about FAC was
top notch - the exhibits, the gallery and the classes. you will be
missed!!!"

-this was shared by email from A. W. I share it with you with her permission

"Of course we are very sad to hear about this. Above all, however, we want to express our appreciation for the creativity and dedication you have brought to this work. The cultural life of Massachusetts will be poorer for this, but we hope that you and other FAC stalwarts find great happiness in all your future endeavors and adventures!"

Thank you for being part of the Fiber Art Center community

The Fiber Art Center is closing

The Foundation for Fiber Art Board of Directors regrets to announce that as of
May 9, 2008, we will be closing the doors of the Fiber Art Center and the Foundation for Fiber Art. All classes and exhibits have been cancelled.

This decision is first and foremost a financial one. Due to the unfortunate economic climate and a history of funding challenges we are unable to sustain our mission to sell, exhibit and educate the art of fiber.

For the past seven years we have had the great pleasure to celebrate and promote the work of over three hundred artists from the Pioneer Valley and beyond, offer over 250 classes, greet over one thousand visitors, and have a membership roster in the hundreds.

Our work would not have been possible without the interest and enthusiasm of a talented and creative membership and dedicated sponsors. We are tremendously grateful to the staff and volunteers, instructor and artists for all their hard work and unique vision. Throughout its history the Fiber Art Center has been a wonderful place for community and a source of inspiration. It saddens us to close the doors on this important community resource.

Please scroll below for a little walk down seven years worth of memory lane. This will be updated over the next week and the website will continue to be accessible for a few months to come.