 Independent curator Jess Van Nostrand offers up an art show about all things touchable. Entitled, Felt: Exhibiting Texture, this month-long show promises imaginatively diverse interpretations on the theme of texture, from abstract two-dimensional works, to completely literal uses of the word “felt.” Viewers can see, hear, and in some cases, interact, with the works of art on display. Twelve artists from Seattle and New York have created new works for this exhibit, which demonstrates the paucity of traditional art venues in Seattle and the increased success on off beat ventures in Cafes.
 Independent curator Jess Van Nostrand offers up an art show about all things touchable. Entitled, Felt: Exhibiting Texture, this month-long show promises imaginatively diverse interpretations on the theme of texture, from abstract two-dimensional works, to completely literal uses of the word “felt.” Viewers can see, hear, and in some cases, interact, with the works of art on display. Twelve artists from Seattle and New York have created new works for this exhibit, which demonstrates the paucity of traditional art venues in Seattle and the increased success on off beat ventures in Cafes.
The uneven quality of the works in the show seems to heighten what works and what does not. This quirk can be laid at the feet of the curator Jess Van Nostrand. When the work is good it is very good and when it is bad it is horrid. One example of this conundrum rests in a suite of pieces by Susan Connor [above]. Entitled "Two Sketches from New Layers Series" the artist presents the viewer with a positive/negative contrast. Gale Whitney's "Dream Night" serves as a perfect coda located directly across the small hallway.
By far the most interesting piece in the show is by Jean Hicks. Entitled "Wall Phone", it is located in an equivocal position of by the front door. The sculpture plays with the space by spreading out its parts to span across the line of the transom plunging into the space of the chair. The hand made felt has a rich texture to surround the found object with the stitching completing the piece with a high fashion flourish. The felt wrapped cord is especially amusing in our wireless society. It is as if Joseph Beuys is making a cameo on television's "That 70's Show".
"Touch Activated Score", by D. W. Burnam objectifies the everyday form of computer and external speakers. This minimalist treatment allows the texture of the surface to convey both form and meaning. Artists featured include illustrator Robert Rini, photographer Frank Huster, collage artist Katelan Foisy, ceramicist Rachel Berg, and several others representing all kinds of media. despite the uneven quality of the works, the few standouts make this show worth seeing.
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