Lone Star College-Montgomery’s Center for the Arts presents the artwork of Kim Eichler-Messmer with an exhibit titled “Cold Comfort” on display January 8-February 6. This exhibit will showcase her exquisite work in fabric as it is quilted using patterns and a love of fabric to relate to her own perceptions of the world. Often, bones and teeth are uniquely incorporated into her works to relate to the fragility of life. There will be an opening reception on January 28 from 1-3 p.m. in the Mary Matteson-Parrish Gallery (Building D).
The concepts for Eichler-Messmer’s quilts are often fueled by imagery found in the artist's dreams. Repeated themes and imagery work themselves out in her quilts. By paying attention to her subconscious and making intangible ideas visible, she creates quilts that reflect a part of her. Themes that she continually returns to are family, death, nature, transgression, and anxiety.
The “Cold Comfort” exhibit is a piece of live emotion from the artist.
“I work intuitively, allowing memories, emotions, and associations to flow through me as I construct each quilt,” said Eichler-Messmer, who teaches full time in the fiber department at the Kansas City Art Institute. “In addition to repeated imagery, frayed edges, translucent overlays and hand stitching are standard elements in my work. I use a wide variety of surface design techniques, such as dyeing, screen-printing, embroidery, appliqué, devore, and piecing to construct large and small-scale quilts for the wall.”
Linda Woodward, chair of art and humanities at LSC-Montgomery, found this artist creating a unique art as well as providing viewers with extraordinary patterns.
“Eichler-Messmer was a resident artist for Arrowmont School in Gatlinburg, Tennessee,” said Woodward. “I was fortunate to see her show there and also her at work in the studio. She has a profound sense of the connection of everyday life to the visual expression.”
Eichler-Messmer holds an master’s degree in fine arts (in textiles) from the University of Kansas and a bachelor’s degree in fine arts (in drawing and printmaking) from Iowa State University.
The Matteson-Parrish Gallery is a teaching gallery at LSC-Montgomery, and the presentations and artwork provided are free to the community. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information regarding the exhibit, call Amy Cooper at (936) 273-7021.
LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call (936) 273-7000, or visit Montgomery.LoneStar.edu.
Lone Star College System consists of five colleges, including CyFair, Kingwood, Montgomery, North Harris, and Tomball, six centers and Lone Star College-University Center. With more than 51,000 students, it is the largest college system in the Houston area, and third largest community college district in Texas. For more information, visit www.LoneStar.edu.