Paper Threads with artist Jackie Gardener, Collage and Bette Covington, Quilts

The opening reception is on Saturday, June 3 from 3 to 7 p.m.

Gardener has explored many art forms and materials over her long career, but always comes back to paper. More than 35-years ago, she took a weekend class from Stockton book artist Kathy Crump, who made her own papers from her garden plants, and there the seed was planted for a long and heartfelt interest in paper.

Her bookmaking skills have helped her creates many of her own papers with paint and solvent. She incorporates origami, weaving, bookmaking and wrapping into new forms. Each piece communicates a mood or contemplative concept with words and color intended to provoke thought and humor. Her interest in letterforms and wordplay led to a new interest in letterpress printing, resulting in handmade cards and artist books.

Covington first came to the coast in 1975 and was inspired by the shapes, the colors, and the textures of nature. She retired after years of teaching and performing piano, and began to explore a new artistic direction. Covington has a clear passion for fabric and quilts. “When I begin an art quilt I start with a fabric that inspires me…the colors, shapes and design I envision.  Piece-by-piece the work develops, the concept emerges and the composition essentially creates itself, frequently with an abstract theme from the world around me”

The Coast Highway Art Collective is located at 284 Main St., Point Arena, the little red building with the big yellow sun, located next to the Redwood Credit Union.

Regular hours are Friday through Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm. This exhibit runs from June 1 to June 25.

Visit the website at www.coast-highway-artists.com for information about the collective’s artists, upcoming events and how to join. To find out more about becoming a member of the Collective, contact Ling-Yen Jones via the website above.