Three curated exhibits brought to us by new conservation non-profit, Sustainability Matters. Independent curator, Trudi Van Dyke conceived the complimentary exhibitions by inviting artists to create work that engages the viewer to reflect their appreciation for the natural environment of the Virginia woodland and share it with viewers through their artistic perceptions.

Into the Woods– Fiber Sculptors E. Skeeter Scheid and Andrea Finch are joined by wood artist George Van Dyke

A Slow Growth Forest– Sculptural Fiber installation by Mary Beth Bellah

Celebration of Heritage– Fiber and collages by Marisela Rumberg

Into the Woods: This exhibit will be in our lower gallery.

Skeeter Scheid is a fiber artist whose fanciful trees are a cross between reality and her imagination. Fiber sculpted faces hidden in the bark and burls reveal personalities as she provides a glimpse into the relevance of the woodlands.

Andrea Finch takes the beauty found in recycled and hand dyed fabrics to create three dimensional quilted sculptures featuring the natural world. This regional artist and horticulturalist shares her appreciation for the intricacies of native plants with viewers through her interpretations.

George Van Dyke has been turning wood for over 30 years. Now living in the Shenandoah Valley he is best known for his work with native species. A best-selling series of bowls with natural bark edges and inclusions titled “Road Kill” were sourced from trees felled by VDOT, and saved from the chippers. The widely collected artist emphasizes his reverence for the natural beauty of each piece by carefully turning it to reveal its most beautiful characteristics.

A Slow Growth Forest: The Second Floor Gallery space will be a site specific installation by fiber artist Mary Beth Bellah. Her series of trees will be shown together for the first time at the Barns. Her mystical trees, reach from the floor to suspend from the ceiling. The trees’ qualities reflect on her understanding of the environment of the forest. Each tree stands alone, yet is dependent on the others. Viewers will walk through the installation, viewing through and around the artist’s concept of the woodland ecosystem. Additional wall fiber pieces will complete the environment.

Celebration of Heritage: The third exhibition, by fiber and collage artist Marisela Rumberg is Mexican themed, in celebration of Cinco de Mayo (May 5). Rumberg shares her proud cultural heritage by immersing the viewer in her interpretations of traditional Mexican folklore and traditions.