Fiber Artists of Beaufort (FAB) is an exciting new group of artists whose goal is to inspire, motivate and challenge each other, as well as raise awareness of contemporary fiber art in the Beaufort area. The group meets bimonthly in each others studios.
“Unlike traditional groups, FAB’s emphasis is on original manipulation of fiber as a unique contemporary fine art form,” says Barbara James, one of the founders of the group and artist who dyes and prints silk. She

[caption id="attachment_6798" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Terry Waldron puts the finishing touches on one of her fabric figures as Barbara James looks on."]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0738.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-6798" title="IMG_0738" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0738-300x168.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="168" /></a>[/caption]

shows her work at The Bay Street Galley.
Andrea Stern shows in the Silver Fox Gallery in Hendersonville, N.C. She manipulates silk using the ancient art of Japanese Shibori and other techniques.  Andrea also makes hooked rugs and pillows in contemporary original motifs. She is especially interested in educating the public about fiber as means of artistic expression.
Terry Waldron is best known in the Beaufort art scene for whimsical figurative art shown at Green Fish Gallery in Beaufort, Bodhi Tree Gallery in Sharon, Conn., and the May River Gallery in Bluffton.
“I joined FAB because I was interested in showing my work with fellow contemporary fiber artists,” Terry said. She will realize her goal when FAB holds its first show and sale from October 26-28.
“I have been seeking a support group of artists for some time.  I have been a fiber artist in Beaufort for years and it is so great to now have fellow contemporary artists who share my love for the medium,” says Pat Wilcox, who uses needle felting to make captivating figurative art. Pat also is known for her creative costuming of many Beaufort theatrical productions.

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Cynthia Zeiss shows at the Beaufort Art Association Gallery, the Charles Street Gallery and Nuances in Port Royal.  At a recent meeting she showed her luscious silk scarves and wall pieces that she hand paints.
Linda Patalive also shares Cynthia’s enthusiasm for embellishing silk using many techniques including batik, shibori and silk screening and painting. Linda shows at Pluff Mudd Gallery in Bluffton and the Beaufort Art Association.
Kim Keats’ work has been included in museum and university gallery exhibitions around the Southeast.  Her interlaced sculptures and vessels are made of tree bark, twigs, driftwood and palmetto root that she harvests from both highland and Lowcountry habitats.  She is excited to be part of a group that has a focus on innovative explorations.
Newest members of the group are Rhonda Jordan and Diane Martin. Rhonda owns Tabby Fabrics and Studio in Beaufort. She promotes fine craft and hopes to offer contemporary fiber arts classes in her shop soon. Diane Martin hails from the San Francisco Bay area and works as an architect. She blends fiber materials with a structural sensibility.
For more information about Fiber Artists of Beaufort, its members and meetings, contact Barbara James at 843-525-6855.