'Celebration Threads: New Twists by Robert Hillestad' opens April 21

The Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will present recent works by the gallery's namesake in "Celebration Threads: New Twists by Robert Hillestad," April 21-Sept. 5. This unique collection of festive garments, accessories, wall pieces and sculptural forms will compel gallery viewers to step into a magical world of invented textile forms.

Hillestad describes the common theme of these diverse forms as their interrelated techniques. Rich textures of machine and hand embroidery that embellish garments and accessories are repeated in the wall pieces. Felted "fiber berries" and twisted "fibersicles" that dominate the wall sculptures are used as accents in accessories. Shibori on silk and wool, various dyeing techniques, and loop knitting are represented as additional visual strategies.

The theme "Celebration Threads" will be articulated through an installation constructed by Hillestad at the gallery site as a vehicle for exploring the expressive potential of textile materials.

The Friends of the Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery will publish a monograph titled "Robert Hillestad: A Textiles Journey" which features the artist's work and career, including lush illustrations, invited essays by Beverly Gordon and Jo Ann Stabb, and a narrative by the artist. The monograph will be for sale after it is released at the closing festivities slated for Aug. 24.

The Hillestad Gallery (http://textilegallery.unl.edu) is part of the Textiles, Clothing and Design Department, College of Education and Human Sciences, and located in the Home Economics Building on UNL's East Campus, on 35th Street north of East Campus Loop. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and by appointment. Admission is free. For more information, call Wendy Weiss, gallery director, (402) 472-6370.

The links below are to color JPEG images of three works in "Celebration Threads." They are:

* "Celebration in Fiber," 2003. Wool, cotton and assorted fibers, 74 inches by 34 inches by 10 inches. Photograph by John Nollendorfs.
* "Conversations with Maida," 2006. Linen, rayon and assorted fibers, 69 inches by 24 inches by 10 inches. Photograph by John Nollendorfs.
*"Meadowlark in Fiber," 2007. Silk, rayon and assorted fibers, 49 inches by 24 inches by 10 inches. Photograph by John Nollendorfs.