Tag: fiber art

Jill Schoof and The Rockland “Coral” Reef Project

Posted on April 25, 2025

ART MEETS SCIENCE:

ROCKLAND “CORAL” REEF AT BARTLETT WOODS

Bartlett Woods Retirement Community is honored to host a unique, fiber art installation that brings important attention to a grave topic. The Coral Reef Project, an effort led by Bartlett resident Jill Schoof, is currently on view on the second floor of the apartment house, located at 20 Bartlett Drive (off Talbot Avenue) in Rockland. Regular business hours are Monday – Friday, 8am to 4pm. There is no admission fee.

Coral reefs are beautiful but fragile — and ocean pollution, climate change, and reckless fishing is killing them worldwide. A major effort is underway to restore these reef gardens, and to make the public aware of the damage. Over one-half of the Australian reefs are now dead, and the Maine cold-water reef is also endangered.

Local fiber artist Jill Schoof re-creates the creatures of the coral reefs using a crochet technique invented by mathematician Daina Taimiņa — these models celebrate the remarkable beauty of the reefs and explore the science and mathematics of corals. Crocheted coral reefs have been exhibited at major museums throughout the world, and a new exhibit has been launched here in Rockland by residents of the Bartlett Woods Retirement Community.

Jill, a retired engineering professor from Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, has turned to fiber arts and to the fascinating intersection of mathematics, science, and art. The beautiful exhibit at Bartlett Woods in Rockland is the result of a winter fiber arts workshop with a group of eight joining Jill to crochet and knit these colorful re-created coral reefs.

For more information about this project, contact Jill at downeastfiberarts@gmail.com.

TumTum and Mary Alice

Posted on February 17, 2025

Mary Alice Bird, longtime resident of Rockland, ME and current exhibitor in the group show HANDS AT WORK: Fiber Art by the Bartlett Woods Community, is conducting a fundraising effort for Pope Memorial Humane Society.

Called Recovery Hot Pads, Mrs. Bird turned to this weaving option after a major stroke left her somewhat visually impaired. The activity, which she first learned as a girl scout, has been, in her own words,  “. . . a satisfying creative challenge and reminder that dealing with the mistakes and flaws woven into our lives can teach us patience, humility and compassion.” In this spirit, she chose to donate 100% of the sales of the Hot Pads to the Thomaston, ME Pope Memorial Humane Society (https://www.popehumane.org/), in honor of TumTum, the feline family member the Birds adopted not long ago. Mrs. Bird is selling the Hot Pads at two for $15.00, and they can be purchased directly from the artist by visiting the exhibition during regular business hours at Bartlett Woods. Mrs. Bird hopes to give a talk about the process of weaving later in March as part of a program of talks and demonstrations designed to complement the current Art at Bartlett exhibition, HANDS AT WORK, which remains on view until May 5, 2025. Admission is free and accessible during regular business hours, which are 8am to 4pm; please call 207 593-1608 for more information.

Art at Bartlett 2025 presents . . .

Posted on January 29, 2025

HANDS AT WORK: Fiber Art by the Bartlett Woods Community                                                                                       

 

The Art at Bartlett exhibition program is pleased to present a free Opening Reception for the exhibition HANDS AT WORK: Fiber Art by the Bartlett Woods Community, on Friday, February 7th at 2-4PM at Bartlett Woods Retirement Community, 20 Bartlett Drive in Rockland. A survey of works in cloth, wool, thread, yarn, and paper will include quilting, weaving, knitting, felting, hooking, needlepoint, quilling, and more created by residents and staff of Bartlett Woods, and family members. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is limited to unmarked spaces, the driveway and along Talbot Avenue.   The public is also invited to visit during regular open hours, Monday to Friday, 8AM to 4PM; the exhibition remains on view through May 5, 2025.

“Handwork and the needle arts have a long tradition in Maine, and remain very much a part of the creative community living and working at Bartlett  Woods,” confirmed Kelly Osborn, Executive Director at Bartlett Woods. “Our Art at Bartlett Program includes and supports the performing and visual arts. Through hosting public events and learning opportunities, we look to encourage the creative spirit within our community and beyond. This particular exhibit is exciting for its breadth and depth of talent and inspiration.”                                                                                                                                                  

Examples of contemporary and vintage fiber art work will include Memory Quilts, paper quilling, original petite point objects, appliqué, rug hooking, wearable art, and traditional Albanian textiles. Multiple generations will be represented by current makers living and working at Bartlett Woods, and their respective family members.

Additionally, artist talks, demonstrations and workshops are planned for the next few months to compliment the exhibition, which remains on view until May 5, 2025. Admission is free and accessible during regular business hours, which are 8am to 4pm; please call 207 593-1608 for more information.

About Bartlett Woods Retirement Community: Founded in 1998, Bartlett Woods Retirement Community is a 501(c)3 55+ apartment facility featuring 58 one and two bedroom apartments with Amenities and Respite rental options. Led by Executive Director Kelly Osborn, and a staff of nearly 40, Bartlett Woods is one of the smallest nonprofit communities in Maine, offering independent living as well as a full spectrum of support services and lifestyle enrichments. Located in Rockland, the art capital of Maine, Bartlett Woods provides convenience, accessibility, stimulation, and advocacy for individuals, couples, and their families. For further information, visit www.bartlettwoods.com or call 207 593 1608.