Keep Your Edges Glued Down, a Collage Sisthars Collaborative Exhibit will be in the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild Gallery from November 10 - 30, 2019. The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, November 15th, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Join us for food, gratitude and an eclectic collection of artwork.

The exhibit includes several collaborative efforts along with individual works. The Collage Sisthars (Pronounced: Sis-TAAS) work in a variety of styles, media and themes – all with a component of collage. Among the varied pieces on display are over one hundred small masterpieces that have been created and exchanged.

The Sisthars’ main focus is to explore and play with the wild world of mixed-media arts and to provide an outlet for sharing and nurturing each other’s creativity. As one Sisthar explained, “I have found my tribe.” The women share techniques on painting, journaling, polymer clay, resin, surface design, fabric collage, jewelry and encaustic painting

The Sisthars have a variety of interests and backgrounds. There are graphic designers, bookbinders, painters, writers, interior designers, art quilters, photographers and jewelers. Some practice their art full time, others create when they can, but all are united by their love for paper and learning new techniques.

The Sisthars started meeting in 2004, when a group of nine women met at a collage class at the Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles, IL and had such a great time together, they decided to continue to meet - taking turns presenting different mixed-media techniques and ideas. Since those first nine, the email list has grown to over 100 names. The Sisthars just happen to be all women, but would love to welcome a male Sisthar into the fold – it just hasn’t happened yet.

At the exhibit, to celebrate November as the month of gratitude, there will be a collection of collaged hearts created by artists with a donation Box. This “on your honor” donation box invites the community to take a heart and give back. The funds collected will be given to the Re:new Project. There will be a representative from the Glen Ellyn-based organization the night of the reception, to show and tell about the work the are doing to support refugee women and help them to thrive.

The exhibition can be viewed during regular EAM hours, Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm.  While admission to the EAG Gallery is always free, admission to EAM is $15 for adults, and $12 for seniors. EAM offers free admission to students with a school ID, children under 18, as well as members of the Elmhurst Art Museum. All visitors to EAM are admitted free on the first Friday of each month. More information is available at elmhurstartistsguild.org and elmhurstartmuseum.org.

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