Twelve-by-Twelve Textile Show, Opening June 24

Sure, a single square foot may seem small. But regional fiber artists are out to prove the potential of a 12-inch by 12-inch space as part of the Twelve-by-Twelve Textile Show. Facilitated by Local Cloth, a nonprofit that works to nurture Western North Carolina’s fiber economy, the group exhibition invites weavers, quilters, crocheters, sewers, and other fiber fanatics to submit work that fits the size restraints. According to event organizer Eileen Searcy, this will be the organization’s second time hosting the display. “The inaugural show was held in October 2023 and was a resounding success with hearty participation from members,” says Searcy. This year’s iteration will see work from creatives such as Betty Hilton-Nash. A Virginia native, Hilton-Nash learned to sew at eight years old. However, she didn’t discover her true passion — tapestry weaving — until decades later. For the exhibition, she will be contributing a wedge weave tapestry that incorporates rag strips of hand-dyed silk scarves. “Wedge weave is a type of tapestry weave that the Navajo people did in the late 1800s, which produces a scalloped edge,” the artist explains. Hilton-Nash’s piece, which she calls “Wandering,” will be auctioned off during a closing celebration on Thursday, August 8. The proceeds will benefit Local Cloth programming.