RUSSELL — The next opening at the Deines Cultural Center features art from multi-media artist Sierra Furtwangler from Kingston, N.Y., and Toby Flores from Hays.
Furtwangler’s show, “Entomological Geometry,” is a selection of hand-stitched, quilted pieces made entirely from recycled fabrics. Furtwangler is a member of multiple music projects in New York, and designs and hand-stitches her own costumes for performances; the fabric scraps making up each of the works on display include recycled remnants from these previous projects. The work attempts to invoke relationships between science and witchcraft, biological illustration and shamanism, and to contemplate the existential terror that surrounds our perception and deconstruction of the physical world around us, while heavily grounded in the narratives of art history.
Furtwangler earned her MFA in sculpture from State University of New York at Albany, Albany, N.Y., in 2010. She has shown in multiple galleries in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington. When not making art she teaches painting, sculpture, and digital art, specializing in disability support.
Toby Flores’s show “Iron Steel, and Mary” is sculpture that evokes his passion for metal forging and foundry work through his delightful sense of humor. “At times, my work can be humorous and lighthearted, but this body of work comes from a different place and reflects my passion for iron, steel and the tools that shape them,” said Flores.
He earned a master of fine arts in sculpture from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, in 2003. He has been teaching sculpture at FHSU since 2006.
The opening reception is from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. During the opening, Furtwangler and her husband, Heron’s two-person band, Blood and Stomach Pills, will play a brief set.
The Deines Cultural Center is located in Downtown Russell at 820 North Main Street. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Call 785-483-3742 for information.