Gallery Season to Focus on Fiber

Whitefish Bay Farm Gallery is celebrating 27 years “on the quiet side.” The Early Summer Exhibit, opening May 23 and continuing through July 6, features the weavings of Richard Regnery and the photography of Tom Bast and Gale Wandke.

2009 is the International Year of Natural Fibers as declared by the United Nations. The purpose of this year-long initiative is raising global awareness about natural fibers with a specific emphasis on increasing market demand to help ensure the long-term sustainability for farmers who rely heavily on fiber production. To complement this initiative, Whitefish Bay Farm Gallery is focusing on natural fibers and the artists that use them during the 2009 season.

Featured weaver, Richard Regnery, uses yarn from the resident flock of white and naturally colored Corriedale sheep at Whitefish Bay Farm to create one-of-a-kind, heirloom blankets and other items. Each blanket is designed and woven to highlight the beauty of the natural colors found in the Corriedale wool. Occasionally a blanket may feature white or light gray wool yarn that has been dyed at the farm using natural dyes such as indigo, cochineal, avocado, artichoke or dandelion to name a few. During the gallery season, Richard can, on occasion, be found weaving on a 60-inch Glimåkra loom during gallery hours.

Featured photographers, Tom Bast and Gale Wandke have two distinctive photographic styles. Bast uses digital manipulation to create unique images, many with a painterly feel. Wandke captures nature in its simple and striking beauty.

The gallery also features the work of additional photographers and fiber artists as well as painting, pottery, wood turning, and jewelry. The gallery is open daily (but closed on Tuesdays) from noon – 5 pm. Located 1 ½ miles east of Hwy 57 on County WD (Clark Lake Road) next to Whitefish Dunes State Park.