Our world is filled with an endless variety of flora and fauna that create joy, comfort, and wonder in our lives. Artists were encouraged to draw from this broad theme to express their inspiration and perspective on our vital world, from tiny organisms to entire ecosystems. Explore the rich textures, patterns, and rhythms of our natural world in this exhibition, juried by Sue Benner, an artist and innovator in the field.

ABOUT THE JUROR

While pursuing a degree in molecular biology and a master's in biomedical illustration, Sue Benner created her vision of the microscopic universe in painted and quilted textile constructions. Her early work propelled her to become a studio artist in 1980, working primarily in the medium that later became known as the Art Quilt.

An innovator in her field, Benner creates complex dyed and painted textiles combined with recycled fabrics to form collaged fields of pattern, color, and beauty. Her work is shown world-wide in galleries, US embassies and museums including the International Quilt Study Center and Museum, National Quilt Museum, and Neville Public Museum.

Her quilts have been juried into Quilt National eight times, recently winning the Most Innovative Use of the Medium award. She served as a juror in 2009.

A respected educator, she lectures and teaches workshops nationally and internationally in the areas of surface design, textile collage, fused quilt construction and artistic inspiration. She is well known for her communications skills and her ability to bring her knowledge of design and technique to the classroom experience.

Living in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, J. Craig Jett, Benner works in her studio custom-built in the backyard of their family home. They have two grown sons, Kellan and Calder Jett, who were the muses for many of her early series.

Although she has lived in Texas for over 40 years, part of her heart resides still in her home state of Wisconsin.