Texture can be an end unto itself, or an aspect of a work that embraces multiple mediums and any variety of subject matter. Jill Schmuckley, the organizer of the October 'Texture' show at Art Center Ukiah says, "We feel texture in our hands, our feet and even in our mouths when when we eat foods. I am especially interested in the diversity of texture and its dual interpretations. Texture can either be tactile (3-dimensional) or implied (2-dimensional), where the manipulation of the surface creates the refraction of light that results in visual texture."

 

Jill continues, "To be honest, I only decided to be in charge of this show because nobody else volunteered. The only shows I've ever been in charge of are the Chair Affairs that ACU has done in the past, and for that event I'm dealing with the artists... not the actual art that they make. I was really nervous at first... taking on something totally out of my comfort zone felt like a huge challenge. I had to define texture in my own mind so I could talk to artists about it and convince them to to enter. I even went  to the dictionary to look up the definition of 'texture' so I could  communicate about the art and sound intelligent."

 

Jill's homework paid off. She explains, "Last April I found this great artwork that I knew would be perfect for the show, so I went and talked to the artist. She said she would enter it. I've had the same response from many other artists, so I feel more confident stepping out of my box. I'm happy to be learning to communicate with artists about their art."

 

Jill expects that this theme might call most loudly to the non-objective and abstract artists out there, but also hopes to include art that is representational. She expects to see work in a wide variety of mediums; such as encaustic, weaving, ceramics or felting... or even paint that is applied with a palette knife or thickly with a brush. "The possibilities are endless," she says.

 

In conjunction with the 'Texture' theme, Pomo weaver and educator Corine Pearce will offer a basket weaving workshop at ACU on Sunday October 11 from 11am-4pm. The technique will be twine weaving, which is easy and fun for beginners to learn. Each participant will create a small basket from materials provided. The fee for the workshop is $15 (cash or check only), and interested people can sign up and pre-pay at the Corner Gallery, located at 201 S State St in Ukiah.