Exhibit: Ann Bausman

Ann attributes her love of textiles to her mother who grew up in Finland, a country where beautiful design is greatly revered. She always had a project — an embroidered pillow, a cross-stitch wall-hanging, a traditional Rya rug or a patch on Ann’s favorite pants. When her sons were little she focused on paper collage as a creative outlet. In a happy twist, Ann’s youngest came home with an embroidered piece he’d made in art class, and subsequently started embellishing a shirt and jeans. Ann’s interest in fabrics was reignited and not long after she’d started stitching, a friend gave her some upholstery samples. There was no looking back. Ann became obsessed with finding and using “found fabric,” taking inspiration from layering of colors and patterns. Look close at Ann’s pieces and you may see snippets from an old dishcloth, a loved Boden skirt, the now-too-tight Old Navy sundress or Marimekko fabric which she inherited from her mother. Several years ago Ann was inspired to stop buying new clothes in response to the waste and environmental impact of the fashion industry. She took to shopping at thrift stores, mending pants (thanks Mom!) and reading up on boro stitching which has its roots in Japan. Reuse of even the smallest scraps of fabric and visible mending are characteristics of boro and can be found in my fabric collages and other pieces. Ann often employs a simple running stitch which adds texture and color. The process itself is slow and meditative. Her Mom would be proud! On display September and October 2022 Opening reception Saturday, September 24th | 4-6pm | FREE with registration Please also join us for one of Ann’s workshops! ABOUT ANN As a graduate of Tufts University, Ann took numerous art classes at The School of The Museum of Fine Arts. While doing a semester at The American College in Paris she immersed herself in studio art classes through the Parsons School of Design. Ann’s day job is raising funds for a non-profit but she has taught courses on embroidery, meditative stitching, mending and more at the Arlington Center for the Arts, Arlington Community Education and the Belmont Gallery of Art. Ann typically participates in West Medford Open Studios as well as Arlington Open Studios.