The School of Design’s newest show, “Cross Threads,” by artist Claire Nicholls, will be on display in the lobby of the building until April 12. Approximately 20 pieces of textiles are presented.
The contemporary artist held a workshop in the Manning Academic Center on Feb. 27, in which she demonstrated her double cloth technique, weaving structures and loom skills.
Stevenson’s director of cultural programs and exhibitions, Matt Laumann, said that this show is something different for the School of Design.
“We have not explored it [textiles] here a lot,” he said, adding that the show could appeal to fashion design students in particular. These students show their projects every winter, he explained, “but we wanted to do something that wasn’t specific to clothing, but used textiles and patterns that they [fashion design students] could draw inspiration from.”
Nicholls uses a loom to create most of her art. The double cloth technique is one of her favorites, according to Laumann. This way of creating art could appeal to the whole community, fashion designers and visual communication design students alike.
Art students may learn from the graphics in Nicholl’s designs, and they could relate to the grid on the loom on which she weaves. Entrepreneurs in the making may be inspired by her style and brand. Her blog has opportunities to sign up for workshops on dyeing and weaving.
Fashion design major Meghan Incantalupo believes that “bringing professionals in the industry not only teaches us what they have done with their degrees, but their success. It helps to bring in a networking opportunity for students as well. Seeing someone with success in the industry helps keep us focused on what we want as students.”
Laumann added that the arts in general — music, theatre, etc. — could influence the culture and the environment of Stevenson.
“Being exposed to art can help students learn and grow,” he said. Laumann believes the arts play an important role in “an energetic campus community.”
Before sharing her art with Stevenson, Nicholls attended St. Mary’s College in Southern Maryland. She also took classes at Maryland Institute College of Art for weaving.