Up Close and Personal
Freeform stitching exhibit at CCCAC
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HANCOCK -- The September exhibition in the Coté Exhibition Gallery (formerly the Kerredge Exhibition Gallery) at the Copper Country Community Arts Center (CCCAC) is “Up Close and Personal, fiber work by Peg McNinch.”
This exhibition opens today and is on display through the month of September. According to a CCCAC press release, McNinch’s work includes materials such as hand-dyed fabric, wool roving, and thread. She combines those with objects like rusted metal, stones, bark, beads, and twigs while using embroidery stitching techniques like seed, French knot, bullion, back, and satin to create organic, flowing wall hangings and fiber sculpture.
McNinch said, “Over the years I have worked extensively in stained glass, colored pencils, beading and jewelry making, bead embroidery, and sewing to repurpose clothing and many types of needlework stitching. At this point in my life, I am drawing from all those mediums to do what I do.”
She added, “From the day I left home and was married at the age of 20, I always felt like I was a citizen of the world. Living off the grid in the Copper Country for 38 years, raising two fine boys, traveling as often as we could, and always looking forward to the next adventure.
McNinch said traveling through Europe was a “big adventure,” during the later part of the Covid-19 pandemic and the start of the war in Ukraine. ” That launched my exploration into free-form embroidery. As we roamed 10 countries on trains and a few buses, I sewed from the little bag of supplies I stashed in my carry-on and acquired bits and pieces along the way. This free-form approach to embroidery is really liberating. Look at the fabric, take direction from the needle and let it go where it goes."
The public is welcome to the opening reception on from 6 – 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10. Refreshments will be served. From noon – 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11 McNinch is hosting a Slow Stitch Circle at the CCCAC. There is no fee, and participants are encouraged to bring a project to work on.
The Copper Country Community Arts Center is located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock. Hours are Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Call 906-482-2333 or visit www.coppercountryarts.com for more information.