Mar 29 Friday
Alex Foster – Propagated and RootingOlin GalleryJanuary 26–March 31Opening Reception January 26, 6-8pm
In Propagated and Rooting, Alex Foster presents an exploration of liminal space- the threshold between what was and what will be. Through a range of media, including naturally dyed textiles, plants, organic material and technology, viewers are invited to contemplate the interconnectedness of humans and the natural world. The exhibition is a metaphor for the process of healing and rebuilding in the face of global chaos; highlighting the ways in which we can work together to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all. Foster explores the role of natural dyes in this process and highlights their beauty and versatility as a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials. Each piece of fabric is created from a moment with nature, through their pigments the plants communicate a union of breath, sun, and soil in the effortless giving of life.
Alex Foster (they/she) is an interdisciplinary artist and educator, living and working in Roanoke VA. Alex received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fibers and Material studies from James Madison University. Foster maintains an active teaching schedule sharing the fundamentals of natural dyeing and artistic practice with a breadth of audience including appointments at the Appalachian Center for Craft, the Visual Arts Center in Richmond and Floyd Center for the Arts. Foster was the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage Artist of the Year in 2022 and the winner of the 2023 Biennial Juried Exhibition hosted by Roanoke College's Olin Hall Galleries. Foster teaches elementary art in Roanoke City Public Schools. Check out www.fosterfiber.com and follow @fosterfiber on Instagram to learn more.
Image Credit: Cycles of Becoming, 105 x 108 inches, hand quilted cotton fabric, naturally dyed and printed with plants, compost
Homeschool Days are happening March 28 and 29. These two days feature special activities that have been designed specifically with homeschool students and homeschooling families in mind. Bring a picnic lunch and plan to spend the whole day at the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, VA. Tickets on each day are $3 for children under the age of 18 and $5 for adults.
For more information, visit frontiermuseum.org
Mar 30 Saturday
Easter traditions have a long history. Serving ham, cheese, and bread, along with special sweets to end Lent began around the 12th century. The first decorated Easter eggs date to the 13th century. Come join us as our costumed interpreters demonstrate historic Easter activities all weekend long, including naturally dyed eggs, making hot cross buns, playing games, and more!
Easter Weekend is a general admission weekend, and is included in the Annual Pass.
Mar 31 Sunday
Apr 19 Friday
The annual Studio Art exhibition showcases work by Roanoke College Art Majors and Minors. Exhibited works are from the artist’s area of focus which includes ceramics, design, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. This exhibition represents the wide variety of media, styles, and ideas students explore in the college’s Fine Arts Department.
Apr 20 Saturday
Avoiding the Gyre is a Roanoke College collaboration to remove some plastic from the waste pile, and to bring awareness to the harm caused by humankind’s disregard for nature and the environment. By ‘painting’ endangered species and everyday objects in plastic, we hope to challenge viewers’ perspectives on what is valuable.
During the 1960s and 1970s, plastics replaced traditional materials such as glass jars and paper wrappings because plastic is inexpensive, colorful, and conformed to nearly every shape and use desired. Unfortunately, plastics and their manufacture spread toxins in the natural environment. Humankind produces about 400 million tons of plastic waste each year. Much of this was intended to be recycled, but recent revelations have exposed the failure of industry and society to recycle. Fourteen million tons of plastic ends up in the ocean every year, much of it in the infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which covers an area twice the size of Texas. Marine species are placed at risk by the plastic waste through ingestion, poisoning, entanglement, and replacement. By 2050, it is estimated that plastic will outweigh all the fish in the sea.
Apr 21 Sunday