When you think about how history is taught, do you think of reading textbooks or watching documentaries? What about witnessing stories weaved through textiles and quilts?
The Madelon Powers Gallery at the Fine and Performing Arts Center has opened a new exhibit titled “Wayward Sisters – Rebellion Dogs Our Every Step”. This exhibit features the work of textile artist, Colleen Rae Smiley, which showcases the history of women’s suffrage and spiritualism through quilts and other unique collages. At no charge, students and the public can immerse themselves in Smiley’s works such as “Rebellion Dawgs”, “The Oracle”, and more.
According to ESU Insider, “Smiley utilizes the intertwined histories of Spiritualism and the Women’s Suffrage crusade for inspiration. As a fiber artist, [she] navigates the realm of fine art through textiles, repurposing fabrics gathered from her community and travels to construct layered narratives that resonate with history and emotion.”
The exhibit opened on Wednesday, Oct. 1 with a reception that followed featuring Smiley in attendance.
“I had great conversations with different people, and I loved how I get to utilize this opportunity at a university,” Smiley said. “I really leaned into my research, putting in the extra effort by typing an essay for each piece. Putting inspirational references and just allowing people to see this history through the lens of the artist. It excited me for sure.”
Smiley also hosted a workshop on Oct. 5, during which women made banners of felt symbols. Each symbol placed on the banner was personally connected to each participant. Smiley’s goal was to demonstrate how she utilizes colors and symbols in her work and how art can be created as a show and form of unity and strength among women.
“The timing of all of this was just perfect,” Smiley said. “Just having this before an election was just perfect. I want to show that women do have a voice, and we can keep moving forward.”
Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., Smiley is an art handler at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. She has worked with quilting and textiles for over 30 years.
“I work on each piece simultaneously, and this showcase in particular I started in 2020 with ‘Words Like Pearls’,” Smiley said. “It’s definitely labor intensive and I like to get the visual idea out there. There are layers of work, technical skill and inspired labor. I’m not saying it’s hard but you’re definitely paying for it to be an integral part of the piece.”
Jourdyn Whitehurst, one of the gallery assistants, also attended the opening. She explained in detail what Smiley’s reoccurring symbols stood for.
“Sunflowers stand for hope, handstitched chains for interlinking and connection, stars for the American flag, and panthers to reclaim power,” said Whitehurst, a junior Graphic Design major from East Stroudsburg. “[The panthers] are kind of similar to movements like the Black Panther movement. It is nice that [Smiley] is able to showcase under-represented women who were important in the movement.”
Dr. Darlene Farris-Labar, chair of the art + media + design department, and a close colleague of Smiley, states that she hopes that students will get the opportunity to witness the stories of important people from over 100 years ago and experience the cultural voices in a way that reflects who people are today.
“The craftsmanship and quality are just one of a kind. The work itself shows how it can be labor intensive,” Farris said with a hand on her chest. “She also did a lot of research traveling to different locations. My personal favorite is ‘The Oracle’.”
Farris brushed the artwork as mentioned above with her fingertips as she continued.
“We make art to have a voice and try to gain something from various angles,” She added. “It’s always wonderful to see how good dialogue comes through the power of art.”
The exhibit will close on Oct. 31.
You can view more of Colleen Rae Smiley’s work by visiting these links:
Professional website: COLLEEN RAE SMILEY
Instagram: Colleen Rae Smiley (@colleenraesmiley) • Instagram photos and videos