Kristy Ottinger will hold her exhibit "Spiritual Conversations" Thursday, Feb. 20, in the Clem Allison Gallery at Tusculum University.

Kristy Ottinger will hold her exhibit "Spiritual Conversations" Thursday, Feb. 20, in the Clem Allison Gallery at Tusculum University.

Kristy Ottinger to show her art quilts in exhibition at Tusculum's Clem Allison Gallery

February 20, 2020 @ Tusculum University

GREENEVILLE, TN –Tusculum Universityhosts a free reception for local artist Kristy Ottinger and her exhibition of art quilts Thursday, Feb. 20, in the Clem Allison Gallery of the Shulman Center.

Ottinger shows 18 mixed-media art quilts during the reception, which is held from 5-7 p.m. and is open to the public. The exhibition’s title is “Spiritual Conversations.”

Describing her works as fiber narratives usually framed by complicated, pieced borders, Ottinger said she uses bright and jarring color combinations with repeated found objects.

“Each piece is heavily embellished on natural fiber, often with words or phrases incorporated in the design,” she said.

Ottinger said she spends considerable time in biblical background research, investigation and analysis.

“Creating art to glorify God has been my life’s work,” Ottinger said. “What writers say in words I say visually with fiber. Art quilting is my way of seeking and studying truths of life. Quilt-making is my form of worship, my praise.”

Ottinger began sewing when she was 9 years old and started making traditional quilts when she was in high school. While she was pursuing her Master of Fine Arts at East Tennessee State University, she discovered the beauty of art quilting when she received a scholarship to Burren College of Art in Ireland. She met a quilter in that country who gave her silk, and Ottinger used that material to make her first art quilt.

“Quilts are one of the most familial forms of art,” Ottinger said. “People of every strata relate to them. I have redefined the function of quilts to express ideas and tell stories. They are no longer confined to covering beds.”

Ottinger taught elementary school art until 2016 when she decided to pursue her own art full time. She was commissioned to make the Tree of Life quilt hanging at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center in Kingsport.

“Kristy produces exceptional work, and we are delighted to share it with our visitors at Shulman,” said Bill Bledsoe, assistant professor and gallery director for Tusculum’s art department. “Her striking work will take our guests on a wonderful spiritual journey and provides another example of the high-quality art people can experience on the Tusculum campus.”

For more information about Ottinger, visithttps://kristymoellerottinger.com/. To learn more about Tusculum, visit www.tusculum.edu.

Category: Exhibits

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