Dover’s First Fiber Art Installation debuts today

[Parenting NH Administrator]

DOVER – Starting on Sept. 6, Dover residents and visitors will encounter more colorful surroundings in the city’s downtown Henry Law Park. Lampposts throughout the upper park will be wrapped in original knitted works as part of Dover’s first-ever Fiber Art Installation, presented by local fiber artists with support from the Dover Arts Commission and the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire. This outdoor exhibition will remain in place through Oct. 15 for all to enjoy.

“We are excited for the debut of this unique public art project,” said Jane Hamor, chair of the Dover Arts Commission. “We live in a very creative community and want to support local artists in their endeavors to use original art to transform parks and other public spaces in our city. The Fiber Art Installation is the first of what we hope to be many exhibitions of public art in Dover in years to come.”

City resident Malone Cloitre is the artist and curator of the new Fiber Art Installation. “I have been knitting for 18 years and find it to be a very creative medium,” said Cloitre. “It is a timeless art form and Dover has a long history with textile production. It has been great to work with the Arts Commission and Children’s Museum to make this dream a reality.”

To bring the exhibit to life, Cloitre recruited several local knitters including Kelly Tronzo, Viki Guy, Amanda Reed, Caroline Lamoureux, and Laura Baxter. Working with donated yarn, they volunteered their time and created knitted works of their choosing, in addition to Cloitre’s creations. “We definitely wanted each piece to be its own individual work of art,” noted Cloitre.

Knitter Jean Hearn also got involved to create a sculptural textile piece that will be displayed inside the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire. “We are thrilled to be part of this project,” said Justine Roberts, Executive Director of the Museum. “We hope it will pave the way for more artists to present their work in Dover and put the spotlight on our city as an arts destination.”

An opening reception for the Fiber Art Installation will be held on Friday, Sept.7 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Children’s Museum of NH at 6 Washington St. The public is invited to view the exhibit, meet the artists and Arts Commission members, and enjoy refreshments.

For more information on the Fiber Art Installation, go to www.facebook.com/DoverNHArtsCommission or www.childrens-museum.org.