American Folk Heroes: Leotie Richards Opening Reception

The Jansen Art Center is pleased to welcome textile artist Leonie Richards to the Chamber Hall for an exhibit of her art quilts this spring. The exhibit, American Folk Heroes, opens with a reception from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 1.

Artist Statement

American Folk Heroes is a series of twelve art quilts created as fabric portraits of unique and compelling Americans. Some of the heroes are quite well known like Bob Dylan and Amelia Earhart while others, such as the black American Arctic explorer Matthew Henson, will be a surprise to many. The intent is to bring their deeds, talents and accomplishments to light for the inspiration of the viewer. The quilts incorporate cutting-edge quilting techniques and unusual textiles such as leather and fur.

To create this exhibit Ms. Richards researched each subject extensively. The exhibit highlights people who stand out as particularly dynamic, with a unique and compelling life story. Through her research, Ms. Richards sought curious and intriguing tales of human interaction to glean lessons for our society. The artist is deeply concerned about the fate of mankind in the coming decades. She would like her art quilts to teach lessons from history that may help lead the world to a better future.

Leotie Richards became enamored with textiles while working as an Art Director for a major retail chain. After twenty years designing graphics and textiles for retail stores, she retired to Sisters, Oregon and found opportunities to continue her work with fabric. She began applying her graphic design skills to art quilting. Studying intently for two years, she became adroit with fabrication techniques and began to experience a high degree of joy in her creative process with textiles.

Leotie is currently designing and fabricating a collection of one-of-a-kind linen garments for an upcoming exhibit, Wild Flax, at The Twigs Gallery in Sisters, Oregon (April of 2018). She’s also working on a series of dimensional textile sculptures that feature botanical images using needlefelt techniques.