Susan’s exquisite hand dyed fabrics, intense threadwork, embellishments such as crystals and beads, add visual texture and depth. Her objective is ‘to move people and instill a sense of hopefulness that is divinely within themselves until they realize that they possess the energy to inspire others.’
2022-06-01 00:00:00[May 26, 2022 | MENA, Ark.] A unique art exhibit is now on display at UA Rich Mountain’s Ouachita Center. The textiles are the exquisite creations of New York textile artist Susan Schrott who synthesizes her life experiences into deeply personal and uplifting work.
Director of Marketing & Community Relations LeAnn Dilbeck said she had the privilege to meet Susan in 2015 and has looked for an opportunity to feature her work in Mena. “We were able to bring Susan and her artwork to Mena thanks in part to a grant secured by Brenda Miner and a partnership with Northwest Arkansas Community College.”
Schrott’s exhibit is made possible by a grant through the American Library Association’s American Rescue Plan: Humanities Grants for Libraries, an emergency relief program to assist libraries that have been adversely affected by the pandemic. Director of Library Services Brenda Miner is responsible for writing for the competitive $10,000 grant, which is assisting Johnson Learning Commons at UARM in delivering programs and services related to culture, history, literature, and other humanities subjects.
Susan’s exquisite hand dyed fabrics, intense threadwork, embellishments such as crystals and beads, add visual texture and depth. Her objective is ‘to move people and instill a sense of hopefulness that is divinely within themselves until they realize that they possess the energy to inspire others.’
Her artwork has gained critical attention, received numerous awards, including a first place and a prestigious Judge’s Choice award at the Pen and Brush in New York City.
She has had several solo gallery exhibitions and exhibited nationally in group shows. Her artwork appears in permanent installations and private collections. Her artwork has been selected for publication in notable quilting art magazines and art books.
Most recently, Schrott was commissioned to commemorate the reopening of the Montauk Library in Montauk, New York. Schrott created the Seven Sisters, a large textile work that depicts seven women surrounded by elements that form the unique beauty of Montauk: the sea, the sky and the abundant native flora and fauna.
The artwork also incorporates images of seven cottages along a bluff overlooking the ocean. Known colloquially as “The Seven Sisters,” these private residences in Montauk Association Historic District were built in 1881-1884 as summer homes.
She also recently released her first book, Rise with Radiance: 365 Days of Inspiration, which includes 365 individual textile drawings and inspiration reflections.
The community is invited to view the collection Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. through June 13. There will be a community presentation by Schrott on Monday, June 13 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. “Susan is a deep soul. She is pure joy to visit with. I hope the community will take the opportunity to not only view her work, but meet her in person on June 13,” said Dilbeck.
UA Rich Mountain’s mission is to provide transformative education to all learners.
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