SPRINGFIELD — Visitors to the Art for the Soul Gallery will have the opportunity to go on a spiritual journey as new works of Edjohnetta Miller will be on display through her self-titled exhibit.
An opening reception for the nationally acclaimed master fiber and quilt artisan will be held on Sunday, Nov. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Tower Square gallery in downtown Springfield.
Miller is a master weaver, curator, lecturer, workshop leader, and an internationally trained indigo dying professional based in Hartford, Connecticut.
“Edjohnetta’s works are really world renowned,” owner of the Art for the Soul gallery, Rosemary Tracy Woods, said.
Miller views her works to be clean, fundamental, and direct. According to Miller, every piece she creates tells a story with a single journey.
To Miller, what sets her work apart is her unorthodox style as she steps over the boundaries of traditional quilting techniques and color patterns. “When people say no, I say yes. I do what ever makes me feel good!” Miller said.
Rights of Passage II a work of Edjohnetta Miller displayed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Working with guest curator Jonathan Bruce, founding director of United Black Artists and Woods, Miller wants to produce an interactive experience with works that feel alive and free.
Fired up about this exhibition, Miller has crafted 25 new works. One of her most cherished pieces for this exhibit is a fabric with a floral pattern. “It is full of life. It’s has beautiful silk and embroidery. This is my garden. When I got done with it, I was laughing because it made me so happy. It was a spiritual journey,” Miller said.
Miller is enthusiastic about the opening reception because it is in her own back yard. “New England is wonderful, if I lived anywhere else, I don’t think I would have grown so much. I love being in the local area. The community has supported and sustained me through out my career,” Miller said.
She would like people to come into the exhibit ready to be delighted. “I want people to enjoy, ask questions, and share ideas,” Miller said.
Master fiber and quilt artist Edjohnetta Miller lecturing students in front of a quilt
Miller can be found giving back through encouraging passion and creativity. She is offering classes and workshops for all ages. She also organizes and instructs projects in the local community.
“I want to be a blessing to as many people possible,” Miller said.
Her works have been exhibited at Wilberforce University in Ohio, the African Crafts Museum in New York, Museum of Art in Hartford, the Craftery Gallery in Hartford, the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum in Colorado, Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, the Lake Placid Center for the Arts in New York, West Hartford Art League, Yale New Haven and in Nelson Mandela’s National Museum in South Africa.
Miller has been included in the Renwick Gallery located in the National Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C and has been inducted in The National Museum of African American History and Culture as a part of a permanent collection.
For more information about the exhibit, you can visit artforthesoulgallery.com and Miller online at https://edjohnetta.com/
Edjohnetta Miller master fiber and quilt artist surrounded by works that is full of color and life.
https://www.masslive.com/news/2021/11/art-for-the-soul-gallery-to-welcome-nationally-acclaimed-quilt-and-fiber-artisan-edjohnetta-miller.html
