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Bay Area Fiber Artists Archive

In 2021, TAC launched its Virtual Program Series dedicated to highlighting the lives and work of living Bay Area fiber artists through video documentaries and artists’ conversations.

The first program focuses on Alice Beasley, an Oakland-based African American figurative quilter. It took place on August 15, 2021, premiering a video of Alice sharing her work process at her home and studio. In this project, TAC collaborated with the Tracing Patterns Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Berkeley, dedicated to the advancement of textile arts.

Our second program features Kay Sekimachi, an internationally renowned weaver who mentored many other Bay Area artists.

The third program highlights San Francisco Bay Area mixed media artists Jean Cacicedo and Janet Lipkin who helped pioneer "Art to Wear," an art form designed around the body. Working with a series of studio visits, conversations with these artists, and perspectives from author and curator Melissa Leventon, this film is a tribute to the contributions, friendship, and influence of these two artists.

Living Art: Jean Cacicedo, Janet Lipkin & The Evolution of Art to Wear

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Living Art: Jean Cacicedo, Janet Lipkin & The Evolution of Art to Wear

San Francisco Bay Area mixed media artists Jean Cacicedo and Janet Lipkin helped pioneer "Art to Wear," an art form designed around the body. Working with a series of studio visits, conversations with these artists, and perspectives from author and curator Melissa Leventon, this film is a tribute to the contributions, friendship, and influence of these two artists.

Kay Sekimachi Perspectives: Art, Legacy and Influence. TAC Bay Area Fiber Artists Archive

21:52

Kay Sekimachi Perspectives: Art, Legacy and Influence. TAC Bay Area Fiber Artists Archive

The life and legacy of renowned weaver Kay Sekimachi recounted by her friends, students, fellow artists, and Kay herself. Includes commentary on multiple aspects of Kay's work, both on and off loom, over the decades; her influences and how she has influenced others. Kay discusses her techniques for double weave, woven books and boxes, free-hanging monofilaments, card weaving, paper bowls, and Kiriwood paper vessels. Part of the Textile Arts Council of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco's Bay Area Fiber Artists Archive.

Alice Beasley: Having Her Say. TAC Conversations with Bay Area Fiber Artists Series #1

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Alice Beasley: Having Her Say. TAC Conversations with Bay Area Fiber Artists Series #1

For thirty years, the Oakland-based, self-taught quilter Alice Beasley has spoken out on issues and events that are meaningful to her through her figurative appliqué quilts. She uses fabrics to create the light, shadow, and realistic perspective used by artists in other media. She finds her colors and textures in the patterns of commercial fabric and fabrics that she prints herself. This video by the filmmaker Mark Haffenreffer captures Alice at work and highlights her process and inspirations. It also tells the story of how she came to quilting and fabric portraiture, and the themes in her work, including her family history and expressions of the Black Experience in the United States.

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