The Durango Arts Center will present “Textiles Today: Redefining the Medium,” a review of contemporary textiles from internationally recognized artists including Bhakti Ziek, Mark Newport, Tom Lundberg, Carol Shinn and Claire Verstegen. The Arts Center will be the only venue for the exhibition, which features a collection of textiles pulled from quilting, embroidery, beading, knitting, weaving, cloth dying, printing and felting works that illustrate the fusion of fiber with various media and techniques. Curated locally by Ilze Aviks, the exhibit will be on view in the Barbara Conrad Gallery from April 24 to June 2.

“We’re thrilled to bring an exhibit of this caliber to the Four Corners area,” executive director Sheri Rochford Figgs wrote.

“These artists have taken textile arts into unexpected territory – conceptually, politically and using nouveau technology. We want to give visitors a glimpse into how fiber arts have moved from the conventional to the unconventional, from something functional to true works of art that are now shown in fine arts museums around the world.”

The 19 artists use different techniques to bring fresh perspectives and approaches to their work. In addition to bringing together works of contemporary artists and educators who are influencing and redefining the art and education of textile design, the show is designed to educate and enrich the appreciation of contemporary textile art. Three exhibiting artists will present lectures and offer workshops: Wendy Huhn’s “Acrylics for Textiles” (May 4-6); Liz Axford’s “Shibori, by Gum (May 18-20); and Lisa Klakulak’s “The Versatility of Handmade Partial Felts” (May 24-27). The artists previously conducted workshops at Penland School of Crafts, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts and the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.

Aviks also will present a two-day workshop Jan. 28-29 on monoprinted fabric and hand-stitching.

ted@durangoherald.com