Quilts bring awareness to environmental issues at River Arts Center
May 23—A series of quilts called "Addressing the Earth" by artist Cheryl Lennox of Erie, Illinois, is now on display through July 13 at the River Arts Center.
"This series brings attention to our decaying and suffering earth," Lennox says. "Each piece in this series brings awareness to an environmental problem, including issues such as climate change, light pollution, and fast-fashion. My wish is that you identify with at least one cause and work toward a solution."
Lennox has been sewing for as long as she can remember.
"My mother threaded needles for me and encouraged stitching before I could read," she said. "There was always fabric and art supplies around to play with."
When she began reading about waste and pollution produced from the textile industry, she says she felt shocked and angered.
"I began to feel guilty about how much I've contributed to this growing problem," she said.
She continued to read, becoming motivated to spread awareness about other global issues as well, including global warming, food waste, deforestation and melting ice caps.
Lennox decided that she wouldn't make another purchase until she'd significantly reduced her existing stash of fabric, trims, beads and threads that filled her closet.
"I started to take inventory of my bins of treasures and came across a small dress that a friend gave me during Covid when she was in her cleaning spree," she said. "This little worn out cotton dress started it all."
What followed is a collection of gifted, thrifted and rescued clothing used as canvases on quilted backgrounds that ultimately become the "Addressing the Earth" series.
"I now find myself working with hand-dyed fabrics and threads to further make my art my own," she said. "Exploring natural dyes and recycling old fabrics seems a fitting way to use resources to have a positive impact on our planet."
A reception will be held 1-3 p.m. on June 23 at the River Arts Center, 229 Fifth Ave South. Refreshments will be served.
The River Arts Center's normal business hours are 1-4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
