About
I began creating traditional quilts many years ago, but I was never satisfied. I always wanted to change patterns and create my own designs. I treasure the traditional quilts from my grandmother, mother and the ones I made. I love their beauty; I know that the fabric and materials were hard to acquire; and many hours were spent hand quilting them. But, I still lean to the contemporary art side. I took classes and learned many surface design techniques. I collect embellishments such as stray earrings, broken jewelry, buttons, shells, and found objects.
I joined the Contemporary Fiber Artists of Louisiana, the International Quilt Association and Studio Art Quilt Association. It was an opportunity to meet art quilters from all over the world. I exhibited, by invitation, a traditional quilt that I designed at the International Quilt Festival in Houston. It was published in Lark’s “500 Traditional Quilts”. I exhibit my art quilts in galleries from Louisiana, to Texas, to Minnesota and Florida. My art quilt, "Jubilation:, was exhibited in "Reflections" at the International Quilt Festival in Houston. I have exhibited with the “Brush with Burden" and Louisiana State University's "Compact Competition 20 by 20".
I teach workshops and sell my quilted art, collages, hand dyed fabric. I demonstrate surface design techniques and give lectures such as printing on fabric, making fabric beads, creating fabric and paper collages, and silk screening.
I have created many pieces with my photos on fabric. “Sunshine and Shadows” is in a private collection. One side was a forest scene on a summer day with my photo of a blue heron printed on it. The other side was a forest floor with leaves silk screened
and discharged. The art quilt, "American Lotus", also has my photos as the focus. I grew the American Lotuses, photographed and printed them on cotton, silk and organza. I created a collage showing the stages of growth from bud to flower to dry seedpod. I have mastered many techniques, but I never stop trying new ones. I have expanded my art to include collages and photography. They all work well together. I hope you enjoy looking at my art. I want you to feel the emotions I experience when I am creating.
ORGANIZATIONS
Artist Advisory Member, representing Livingston Parish, of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge 2021-2023
"Artist in Residence" at Arts Council of Livingston Parish" for 2022.
Mid City Artisans Gallery: Artist member.
Arts Council of Livingston Parish: Vice President for 2014-15.
President 2016 --17, Vice President 2021. Board member. Grant writer.
Contemporary Fiber Artists of Louisiana: Member since 2005. Served as Vice President in 2010-11. Served as President for 2012-15. Will serve as Secretary 2022-2023.
International Quilting Association: Member 2004 - 2016.
Livingston Parish Quilt Guild in Denham Springs, LA: Organized this group in 2005 and served as co-program chairman for many years. A mixture of contemporary and traditional quilters. Disbanded in 2019.
Studio Art Quilt Associates: Member from 2012- 2019.
Louisiana Craft Guild: Member 2014-15.
Louisiana Northshore Quilt Trail Association: Board member for one year.
Fiber Exploration Group: Charter member. Organized in 2012.
Art Study Group: Organized a small fiber art group in 2019 that meets monthly and shares techniques and critiques.
PUBLICATIONS
Co- editor of "Preserving the Culture of Livingston Parish".
My traditional quilt "Butterfly Dance" was published in the Lark's book "500 Traditional Quilts" and exhibited in the International Quilt Festival Show in Houston in 2014.
"A Celebration of Art"
http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/livingston_tangipahoa/article_d78a7746-cd20-11e6-8691-03ea9a352059.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share
A New Year at the Arts Council of Livingston Parish
http://www.livingstonparishnews.com/arts_and_entertainment/arts-council-of-livingston-parish-returns-to-normalcy-following-a/article_81fa0508-d83d-11e6-b2ee-bb7765e2527a.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share
Artist of the Year for Arts Council of Livingston Parish 2011
http://www.livingstonparishnews.com/mary-felder-s-artwork/image_34257902-5476-11e1-beba-001871e3ce6c.html