Greetings everyone! It’s good to be back. My deep appreciation goes out to Gloria Rojas for penning this column for so many weeks, and to Sylvia Windsor for her understanding and flexibility that allowed us to continue to share the arts at DCA with the community.

A creative winter continues, with a focus on fiber for February. “Woven through Time: Fiber Arts Past and Present” opens in the galleries on Feb. 1. This exhibit will feature a variety of hand-crafted work, as well as history of the art form. As Wikipedia explains, “fiber art refers to fine art whose material consists of natural or synthetic fiber and other components, such as fabric or yarn. It focuses on the materials and on the manual labor on the part of the artist as part of the works’ significance and prioritizes aesthetic value over utility”. The Second Saturday Artists’ Reception will be held on Feb. 9 with artist talks, music and light refreshments.

“My passion is fiber art” says exhibit organizer Elissa Crouch. “I love having the opportunity to bring these talented regional fiber artists together in one exhibit. I don’t want fiber art to die. I feel like it’s my responsibility” she explains, “to keep it out in the forefront, and also to keep children involved — so that their hands stay busy and they learn to love fiber arts.”
With that in mind, children will have several hands-on opportunities in February to explore the world of fiber art. Plus, adults and kids can do these classes together! Five amazing instructors will be on hand and ready to capture your child’s interest in the art of Fiber. Come in for free and have a look, and if you and your child would like to participate you can buy a kit and join in. The best part about this event is that you get to see the art projects before starting.

Four sessions are scheduled for Saturdays 10 a.m. – noon and 1 – 3 p.m. (Have lunch or switch projects in between!) Feb. 2 - Feb. 23. Fee varies based on project. Instructors include Heidi Wetzel, Elissa Crouch, Stacie Pulk, Windy Karpavage, and Michelle Follet, teaching basket weaving, rug hooking, punch hooking, knitting, and weaving.

More February Features
Ban those winter doldrums with a colorful new class! Acrylic Painting for All Levels with instructor Lori Uncapher takes students into a world filled with versatility and vibrant colors. This class is for anyone who is interested in learning how to paint with acrylic as well as those who want to improve their techniques and skills. Acrylics are a great choice for those who are just learning because it is a medium that dries fast and is easy to paint over when a mistake is made! One 5-Week Session: Tuesdays 5 - 7:30 p.m., Feb. 19-March 19. $80 DCA members, $110 future members. Materials list available at DCA.
Little ones have winter fun with the “Mini Mozart” music class, instructed by Victoria Tarbutton and designed for children ages 4 and up who want to discover and explore music in a fun way. Children will embark on adventures with Mozart monkey and his friends as they sing, play and make music. Instruments are provided during class- no instruments are needed at home. At the end of the five weeks each student will take home a homemade egg shaker and a ton of knowledge! One 5-week session: Saturdays, 10 – 11 a.m., Feb. 23 - March 23. $95 DCA Members, $130 future members.

Victoria also offers private guitar lessons at DCA, where each lesson is designed around each individual student. Victoria strives to keep the lesson light and enjoyable while also aiming for a high standard of education. Victoria has instructional programs for all levels and styles, from beginner to advanced and from ages 6 years on up. Classes are 45 minutes, with dates and times to be arranged. Call DCA for details.
For more information on programs, events, and exhibits at DCA, visit 321 High St. in Cambridge, online at www.dorchesterarts.org, or give us a call at 410-228-7782. Like us on Facebook! Programs at DCA are supported by the Maryland State Arts Council.
Editor’s note: Spectrum is the weekly column of the Dorchester Arts Center. It is written by Barbara J. Seese, executive director.