Visions Museum of Textile Art

We had a great day celebrating health and wellness at today’s Anchored in Wellness event.

Inside each felt heart, visitors got to write an intention to slip inside before sewing it up.

There are proven benefits of textile arts on mental health and well-being, including relaxation, meditation, and connection, to name a few.

Thank you to those who stopped by our booth ~ we hope you had a better day because of it!

Explore the world of basketry in this fulfilling 4-hour workshop where you’ll learn the basics for creating your own basket using cotton rope. Through this interactive workshop led by Latine Artist Olivia Arreguin, participants will learn the essentials of weaving and shaping as you craft a unique and functional piece.

Ready to sign-up? You can register for this class through our online system: https://checkout.square.site/buy/4ENFDQPUXZGNGWCLUN6242KQ

Did you know that members get a discount on all classes and workshops? Consider joining for as little as $60/year! Find out more about our membership levels and perks: https://vmota.org/join/

Have you always wondered how to create a soft sculpture? Now is your chance to learn!

Latine Artist Mely Barragan, currently exhibited, will teach participants how to decontextualize the use of everyday materials to create a very personal sculpture. At the end of the 2-day workshop, participants will create a collective installation which will be displayed at VMOTA for 1 week, through July 18th.

Ready to sign-up? You can register for this class through our online system: https://checkout.square.site/buy/IY4J5PCUAWA4SCDC4MGK4SNP

Did you know that members get a discount on all classes and workshops? Consider joining for as little as $60/year! Find out more about our membership levels and perks: https://vmota.org/join/

Stop by the San Diego County Fair from June 12th to July 7th and experience the wonderful world of art!

Curatorial and Education Manager, Armando Garcia, and Board Member and Curatorial Committee Chair, Barbara Dodson, went to Del Mar earlier this month as jurors and selected Gwen Beope's embroidered quilt, Oh How I Love A Baby, for a Fine Art Award.

About the Exhibit: The Exhibition of Fine Art is a highly competitive and extremely popular juried competition featuring both 2-D and 3-D artwork, including many variations of drawing, painting, mixed media, sculptures, ceramics and more. Judging criteria is based on composition, technical quality, visual impact, creativity, and presentation.

Learn some of the techniques and skills artists use to create their imaginative works of art. Artists will be demonstrating their creative process and give you inspiration for your own artistic journey.

Learn more here: https://www.sdfair.com/events/2024/fine-art-exhibit

Happy First Day of Summer! ☀️ Start the summer off with a hands-on workshop exploring how to transfer your artistic work into the textile medium! This workshop will be directed towards non-textile artists. Bring to class images of your work, notepad/ sketchbook and discover how to transform your art into 2-D or 3-D!

Say It With Textiles is led by our Artist in Residence, Irma Sofia Poeter, who is currently on exhibit at the museum with her collection A Dress.

Ready to sign-up? You can register for this class through our online system: https://checkout.square.site/buy/FPUO7DXTH3AISBLRNODCR5Q5

Did you know that members get a discount on all classes and workshops? Consider joining for as little as $60/year! Find out more about our membership levels and perks: https://vmota.org/join/

We are a proud participant in Liberty Station’s brand-new festival: Anchored in Wellness, A Day of Movement and Mindfulness. The event will take place on Liberty Station's Ingram Plaza on Saturday, June 29th, from 9 am – 3 pm. Stop by our booth to learn about the mental health benefits of textile art and create a small piece to bring home with you! Find all the details for the event here: https://libertystation.com/events/anchored-in-wellness

Looking to learn a new skill this summer? You won't want to miss our upcoming workshops!

Join us tomorrow for a free bilingual story and craft time geared toward K-5th graders. While on site, connect with our Artist in Residence, Irma Sofia Poeter, and shop our last summer pop-up sale!

New to textiles? Learn how to convert your art to the medium of textiles in Irma Sofia Poeter's Say It With Textiles workshop on July 6th!

Want to express yourself? Join Mely Barragan's 2-day soft sculpture workshop and make a personal soft sculpture on July 10th and 11th.

Looking to make a gift for someone? Join Olivia Arreguin's Basketry Workshop on July 27th.

Interested in exploring symbolism and story? Learn the art of yarn painting through a workshop led by Timothy Hinchliff on August 20th.

For more information and to register, visit: https://vmota.org/latine-entretejida-interwoven/

We hope to see you this summer!

Join us this Saturday for our second bilingual story and craft day! From 10:15-11:45 AM we will be reading "Extra Yarn"/ "Hilo Extra" - a children's story about yarn. The story will be read in English and Spanish followed by a fun yarn activity. This curriculum is geared toward children in grades K-5, however, all are welcome!

While you're on site, make sure to shop the last day of our Summer Pop-Up and interact with our Artist in Residence !

¡Únase a nosotros este sábado para nuestro segundo día bilingüe de cuentos y manualidades! De 10:15 a 11:45 estaremos leyendo "Extra Yarn"/ "Hilo Extra", un cuento para niños sobre hilo. La historia se leerá en inglés y español seguida de una divertida actividad con hilo. Este plan de estudios está dirigido a niños de jardín de infantes a quinto grado; sin embargo, ¡todos son bienvenidos!

Mientras estés en el sitio, asegúrate de comprar el último día de nuestra pop-up de verano e interactuar con nuestra artista residente .

Announcing two free events this month for all visitors:

Irma Sofia Poeter, VMOTA’s first Artist in Residence and currently exhibited Latine artist will be in the galleries for First Friday tomorrow from 5 pm to 8 pm! Stop by to see Irma’s techniques and ask questions to learn more about her artistic process. Bring your own art projects to receive guidance and feedback from this internationally recognized artist! Find a list of her residency dates on our calendar: https://vmota.org/events-calendar/

Bilingual Story and Crafts Time is a free education enrichment series on the museum every third Saturday of the month from May through September. Stories and activities are geared toward children in K through 5th grade! Discover cultural exchange and artistic expression with bilingual educators and volunteers. Join us next Saturday, June 15th from 10:15 am to 11:45 am to explore knitting and create your own craft sweater animals.

We have a few spots left for an embellishment workshop this weekend taught by our very own Artist in Residence, Irma Sofia Poeter! In this class you’ll learn how to upcycle a piece of clothing through appliqué and embroidery.

This workshop is intended for people with basic sewing skills. Materials are not included but a supply list will be shared.

There are a few spots remaining. Sign up using the link here: https://vmota.org/a-dress-re-addressing-old-patterns-through-clothing-and-ritual/

—
Photo provided by Irma Sofia Poeter. 2024.

VMOTA Summer Pop-Up

As an extension of the Museum Store, we are thrilled to announce our Summer Pop-Up, featuring one-of-a-kind handmade treasures from local and international artists.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 8th and 15th to explore the unique creations of textile artists from our region, including all four of our exhibited Latine artists.

Saturday, June 8th
—Helen Ashdown | Darn it Dolls, Fidget Toys, Custom Pins
—Megan Groth | Author of “Places We Love,” a SD/TJ Book
—Irma Sofia Poeter | Exhibited Artist of Latine
—Olivia Arreguin | Exhibited Artist of Latine
—Marisa Raygoza | Exhibited Artist of Latine

Saturday, June 8th
—Claudia B. Rodriguez, Sew Loka | Handmade Fashion Textiles
—Faith Orcino | Embroidered Art Pieces and Jewelry
—Aida Flores | Intricately Embellished Jewelry Cuffs
—Irma Sofia Poeter | Exhibited Artist of Latine
—Mely Barragán | Exhibited Artist of Latine

Stay tuned for updates on additional artists joining the lineup. Proceeds go into supporting VMOTA programs. https://vmota.org/classes/ -pop-ups

Olivia Arreguin is a fiber artist based in San Diego and Tijuana, currently exhibiting Tapestry of Hues in the Spotlight Gallery.

Explore the art of weaving in a uniquely hands-on and inspiring experience where we’ll guide you through the fundamentals needed to craft your own distinctive textile masterpiece. Over 4 hours, you’ll have the chance to craft a unique textile piece using a simple loom. All the materials you need will be covered through the cost of this workshop, including a basic wooden loom for you to take home.

Join us on Saturday, May 25th from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Learn more using the link provided here: https://vmota.org/latine-entretejida-interwoven/

You can also register directly here:
https://checkout.square.site/buy/MN45VZQ5QYVE5LGKKEUEBLP2

—
Photo provided by Olivia Arreguin. 2024.

VMOTA is delighted to announce our Bilingual Story and Craft Time Series.

Free for children and families, join us in the museum for stories led by bilingual educator Denaya Kelly and museum staff and volunteers. Each session explores a facet of textile art, accompanied by hands-on crafts activities related to the story. This program is geared to grades k-5.

Join us on the third Saturday of each month, from May to September, at 10:15 AM for a fun and engaging morning of learning.

Upcoming Dates:
— May 21st - 'Caroline's Color Dreams: Los Sueños Coloridos De Carolina' and 'My Colors, My World: Mis Colores, Mi Mundo'
— June 18th - 'Extra Yarn'
— July 16th - 'The Quilt Story'
— August 20th - 'Rainbow Weaver/Tejedor del Arcoiris'
— September 17th - 'The Magic Ball of Wool'"

Learn more using the link: https://vmota.org/classes/

Latine opens this Saturday!

Showcasing the vibrant and innovative textile works of Latine artists from both San Diego and Tijuana, Latine Entretejida/Interwoven marks a significant cultural collaboration as part of the World Design Capital 2024 celebrations. Showcasing woven tapestries, hand-sewn garments, textile dolls, and luminescent sculptures, you’ll be delighted to discover this unique experience. Join us this Saturday from 1 to 2 PM for an exclusive conversation with the Artists.

On View May 11 to July 20, 2024
—Tapestry of Hues by Olivia Arreguin

On View May 11 to October 5, 2024
—A DRESS: Re-addressing Old Patterns through Clothing and Ritual by Irma Sofia Poeter
—Vivir al Borde: Hanging by a Thread by Marisa Raygoza
—Domestic Landscapes by Mely Barragán

On View July 25 to October 5, 2024
-Shrouds: Nuances of a body / Sudarios: Matices de un cuerpo by Carolina Betancourt

Read about Latine on the news:
NBC San Diego: https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/visions-museum-of-textile-art-launches-spring-exhibition-to-showcase-talented-textile-artists-from-both-sides-of-the-us-mexico-border/3498469/

Telemundo 20: https://www.telemundo20.com/noticias/local/museo-textil-lanza-exposicion-de-primavera-para-mostrar-talentos-de-artistas-textiles-de-ambos-lados-de-la-frontera-entre-estados-unidos-y-mexico/2378350/

VMOTA Staff, Board, and Volunteers are busy at work installing four new exhibitions for Latine Entretejida/Interwoven.

Armando Garcia, VMOTA’s Curatorial and Education Manager, has been measuring walls and preparing floor plans since the start of the year. Latine currently features four exhibitions with 56 unique two and three-dimensional pieces.

Thank you to our volunteers for sharing your time and talents. Learn about ways you can get involved here: https://vmota.org/volunteer/

While we wait for Latine to open, we encourage you to take advantage of a new program by the San Diego Museum Council that grants free admission to over 50 museums. The Big Exchange takes place from May 1st to 18th, find out more about the Big Exchange here: https://sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/specials/the-big-exchange/

We are delighted to invite you to a behind-the-scenes conversation with the artists of Latine Entretejida/Interwoven. Be the first to view the new exhibitions next Saturday, May 11, from 1 to 2 PM. This event is open to the public.

Olivia Arreguin showcases exquisitely woven cultural artwork in “Tapestry of Hues”.

Irma Sofia Poeter exhibits intricate hand-sewn garments in “A DRESS: Re-addressing Old Patterns through Clothing and Ritual”.

Marisa Raygoza displays three-dimensional textile sculptures in “Vivir al Borde: Hanging by a Thread”.

Mely Barragán unveils luminescent sculptures in “Domestic Landscapes”.

Discover the unique workshops offered by these artists for Latine Entretejida/Interwoven: https://vmota.org/latine-entretejida-interwoven/

VMOTA’s spring exhibitions are on display now through the end of April. Featuring extraordinary art quilters and textile artists from across the world, be sure to enjoy our free admissions.

We will close for installation on the first week of May to prepare for the upcoming bi-national exhibitions in Latine Entretejida/Interwoven. Regular hours will resume on Wednesday, May 8th.

On display now through April 27:
— Fevered Dreams by Diane Reeves
— Sense of Place by Eszter Bornemisza
— The Guardian Quilts by Irene Roderick
— Tiny Pieces, Vast Visions by Niraja Lorenz, Deb Cashatt, Irene Roderick, and Susan Lapham

Join our mailing list to get exclusive behind-the-scenes updates to our upcoming programs through the link: https://linktr.ee/visionsmuseum

United by Yarn is a free arts, crafts, and music educational event. Last weekend, children of all ages participated in this outdoor community event by the fountains behind the NTC Command Center.

VMOTA partnered with the San Diego Craft Collective and Songbirds Music to lead families in arts and crafts. Six different stations underneath canopies were spread across the Central Promenade where children and adults learned how to crochet, knit, and weave, creating tassels, cat’s eyes, and yarn balls. Families passing through were invited by the beating of drums and welcoming volunteers. In all, 226 unique hand-made yarn motifs were created.

Thank you to our volunteers for helping us spread the joy of textile art alongside the staff from San Diego Craft Collective and Songbirds Music. Participants were welcome to keep their creations or donate them to be assembled in upcoming public art installations across Liberty Station’s ARTS DISTRICT.

Interested in volunteering at future events? Get involved with community events here: https://vmota.org/volunteer/

—
This program was made possible by the NTC Foundation through the ARTS DISTRICT collaborative program.

Today is World Heritage Day, an international celebration of historical sites and culture established by UNESCO in 1983. In observance of World Heritage Day, VMOTA recognizes the historical significance of Liberty Station, our home since 2007.

Formerly a naval base established by then Assistant Secretary to the Navy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Liberty Station began construction over 100 years ago in 1921. From training and accommodating 1/6th of the Navy’s fleet during WWII, Liberty Station has played a key strategic role throughout the 20th century.

On April 30th, 1997, active military use of the base ended upon entering a master lease with the City of San Diego, the site was repurposed into a hub for commerce, history, and arts. The Liberty Station we know today is home to schools, churches, restaurants, museums, and local businesses.

Located in the heart of the ARTS DISTRICT, VMOTA occupies Building 202, a former administrative building next to the Command Center. Spot the pay windows on the east face of our building where sailors would receive their pay.

We invite you to discover the uniqueness of Liberty Station’s ARTS DISTRICT by embarking on the Public Art Scavenger Hunt. Stop by VMOTA and scan the QR code at the corner of Historic Decatur and Dewey Road for more details.

—
VMOTA at Sunrise. 2024.

Do you have fabrics, sewing tools, embellishments, or sewing kits that have been taking up space? We'd be happy to accept them as donations.

The Veranda Sale is VMOTA’s beloved community shopping event for textile enthusiasts. Here, you’ll find curated selections of fabrics, sewing items, and one-of-a-kind treasures at bargain prices. All proceeds collected go towards supporting VMOTA programs.

Please check below for more details about what we do and do not accept and drop them off at the museum on May 18th or 20th.

Items we can use:
— Textiles of all kinds – at least ¼ yard
— Quilt tops, blocks, and kits
— Jewelry, embellishments, beads, and buttons
— Threads, lace, and trims
— Working sewing machines and sewing tools

Items we do not accept:
— Textiles with strong odors, sun damage, or mildew
— Clothing
— Yarns and fabric scraps
— Textile, fabric, and trim samples
— Arts and craft supplies
— Books, magazines, and CDs
— Large, framed art with glass

Plan your visit through the link: https://vmota.org/classes/

Join us on First Friday, April 5th, to meet the celebrated artist and activist Victor Ochoa.

Considered one of the pioneers of San Diego’s Chicano art movement, Victor Ochoa will lead a free workshop as we prepare for Latine Entretejida/Interwoven, VMOTA’s upcoming cross-cultural celebration of textile art. Cats Eyes, created from this unique opportunity and the forthcoming event, United by Yarn / Unidos Por El Estambre, will support community art exhibitions for Latine. United by Yarn is a free arts and musical event that will take place outdoors next Saturday, April 13th, on the Central Promenade of the ARTS DISTRICT.

Also, on exhibit this Friday, don’t miss the chance to witness an impressive 23-foot-long collaborative quilt created by the students from Liberty Station High Tech High. As part of our mission to support textile art education, VMOTA has a long history of supporting local schools through our Liberty School Arts Program, founded by the former VMOTA president Phyllis Newton in 2007. Don’t miss the chance to support these budding artists while engaging with the esteemed artist Victor Ochoa.

Learn more about Latine:
https://vmota.org/latine-entretejida-interwoven/

Learn more about United by Yarn:
https://vmota.org/latine-entretejida-interwoven/

—
Victor Ochoa. 2024
High Tech High Quilt. 2024

Happy Persian New Year!

On March 19th, millions worldwide celebrated Nowruz, the Persian "new day," heralding the arrival of spring. We had the privilege of hosting an exclusive event immersed in the art of Pateh, a traditional Persian embroidery technique.

Hosted in collaboration with the nonprofit Persian Place, Iranian artist Sara Soleimani Qashqai delivered an engaging lecture on the rich heritage of Persian textile art. Attendees also participated in a hands-on workshop exploring the intricate techniques of Pateh.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants expressing appreciation for the opportunity to delve into this vibrant cultural tradition. Discover VMOTA member benefits, like invitations to exclusive events, in our Linktree 🌟

Happy National Crochet Month!

Did you know that we are offering a free-form crochet class next month? Recently exhibited artist Bonita Johnston just concluded a two-part introduction to crochet workshop at the museum and will be back to offer an intermediate-level class on April 16th.

“Bonita did a great job of teaching both crochet novices and those with past crochet experience. She made the class fun for everyone” said VMOTA member and volunteer Betty Colburn.

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to learn from the best! Book your spot now while the seats last.

Link in Bio

United by Yarn, a FREE Music and Arts Extravaganza!

Bring a picnic and enjoy a sunny Saturday morning on Liberty Station's Central Promenade on April 13th! With free arts and music activities for kids of all ages, VMOTA has partnered with the NTC Foundation, San Diego Craft Collective, and Songbirds Music to bring you this unique event that promises fun for the whole family.

Link in bio for more info

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Unidos Por El Estambre, ¡un espectáculo GRATUITO de música y arte!

¡Traiga un picnic y disfrute de una soleada mañana de sábado en el Central Prominade de Liberty Station el 13 de abril! Con actividades artísticas y musicales gratuitas para niños de todas las edades, VMOTA se ha asociado con la Fundación NTC, San Diego Craft Collective y Songbirds Music para ofrecerle este evento único que promete diversión para toda la familia.

Enlace en biografía para más información

Did you know about VMOTA’s education initiatives?

Since 2014, VMOTA has organized art programs with local elementary schools in partnership with the NTC Foundation. Over the coming weeks, our dedicated team of quilters will introduce 4th graders to the basics of textile art. With a 3:1 student-teacher ratio, this arts program goes beyond the traditional curriculum by providing the opportunity for each student to create a self-portrait quilt, which will be displayed in the Spotlight Gallery.

Link in bio to become a volunteer!

“I felt like a hothouse flower, locked in a greenhouse for my safety, longing to be outside and free.” — Diane Reeves

Opening today, “Fevered Dreams” by Californian artist Diane Reeves explores the isolation and claustrophobia of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from the intricate details of nature during nighttime walks in her neighborhood, Reeves depicts the complex emotions of this shared experience through textured collages.

By blending photography, fabric, embroidery, and natural elements, Reeves sheds light on the overlooked patterns found in shadows and nature, capturing moments that might have otherwise slipped unnoticed. Link in bio to learn more.

—
Diane Reeves. “Map of My Mind.” 2023.
Diane Reeves. “Waves.” 2022.
Diane Reeves. “Invasive.” 2023.

VMOTA has many exciting initiatives this year and beyond!

We are hiring our first Director of Development to take the lead on grant writing, donor cultivation, and donor management. We would love applicants who have a passion for textile arts, know the landscape of arts and culture grant opportunities in San Diego, and are familiar with using donor management platforms like Donor Perfect.

Does this sound like you or someone you know? Please head to our careers page in our Linktree to apply 🌟

Our museum is dedicated to promoting fiber and textiles as fine art.

Design and Architecture students from Xochicalco Universidad of Tijuana were surprised to discover the artistry and craftsmanship on exhibit during their tour last week.

As the practice of quilting transcended its utilitarian origins, from a symbol of tradition into a medium of expression and cultural identity, so too does its appeal resonate more and more with younger audiences.

Like our museum, which started as a showcase of quilts, VMOTA now celebrates a vast collection of different forms of fiber art.

The students remarked that they felt inspired by the historic depictions of Eszter Bornemisza’s installation “A Sense of Place” as well as the bold, modern crochet of Bonita Johnston’s “I See You”, don’t miss these exhibitions before they’re gone—Link in bio.

Have you ever seen a figurative drawing made of yarn?

Typically, crochet conjures images of coasters, dolls, or your favorite shawl or sweater. However, San Diegan artist Bonita Johnston challenges the conventional perceptions of crochet, positioning it as a form of fine art.

Instead of baking sourdough bread like the rest of us during the Covid lockdown, Bonita started crocheting for the first time. 4 years later, Bonita spun her pandemic hobby into a stunning exhibition you won’t want to miss.

With striking colors from afar and intricate techniques up close, come see for yourself before March 2nd! And don’t miss Bonita’s free-form crochet class at the museum on April 16th. Register in our Linktree while spots last!

—
Bonita Johnston. "I See You." 2023.
Bonita Johnston. "Music Maker." 2023.

Spots are filling up!

Don't miss Pat Pauly's humorous and fast-paced lecture this Saturday at the museum! According to Pat, “All is fair game for inspiration.” Pat will present more than 400 images in the space of an hour. You will never think of the word “quilt” in the same way again!

Please register using the first link in our LinkTree.

—
Pat Pauly. "Rite of Spring."
Pat Pauly. "Loves Letters Lost."
Pat Pauly. "Blue Garden."