WESTFIELD –The Westfield Memorial Library and the Westfield Art Association are pleased to announce that the fourth Artist-in-Residence began her residency at the library in earlyAugust. TheArtist-in-Residence program brings Westfield’s talented local artists to the library for the entire community to enjoy through talks, hands-on workshops, live demonstrations and exhibitions.
Kelly ReneeArte, whose residency runs through November 30, is a fiber artist who blends intricate macrame knotting techniques with a contemporary aesthetic. With over 20 years of experience as a fashion designer specializing in knitwear, she sees macrame knots much like sweater stitches-each interwoven to create form and texture.
Kelly earned her Bachelor of Science in Fashion and Design, Thomas Jefferson University (formerly the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science). Some of her exhibits and shows have been at the Springfield Free Public Library, Springfield; Makers Market, Urban Sewciety and CASA by Cherry Home Design, all of Westfield.
Kelly’s journey with macrame began during the Covid lockdown when fashion design work slowed. She found herself searching for a new creative outlet, and after she and her family left the fast-paced life of New York and Brooklyn for the suburbs and an environment closer to nature, she was drawn to a medium that is slow and steady.
In her artist’s statement she wrote, “Macrame allows me embrace patience, repetition, and process, offering a stark contrast to the rapid turnover of fashion design. I had always been intrigued by macrame, so I taught myself the basics and started making functional pieces…I wanted to push macrame beyond traditional craft, merging my urban influences and love of modern abstract art with my deep connection to nature.”
Kelly’s current exhibit in the firstfloor hallway of the library opposite the meeting room was born from a physical and emotional journey through LowerAntelope Canyon (also known as Hazdistazi, meaning “spiral rock arches” in Navaho) near Page, Arizona. Renowned for its narrow, winding passages and stunning red sandstone formations, it offered Kelly “not just a visual feast, but a deep, grounding experience.”
Kelly will be at the library on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon and on Thursdays, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., to demonstrate her knotting technique. The public is invited to watch her and ask questions. Upcoming workshops for children and adults will be posted on the library website in the fall.
On Friday, September 19, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the library will hold a facilitated conversation with Renee and Darrin Owens, President of the Westfield Art Association. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
‘Kelly works with fiber and brings a different type of art to the residency,’ Mr. Owens commented. ‘All four of the resident artists have very distinctive styles; we are excited that the library patrons can see different kinds of art up close and personal. Kelly also plans to have library books and materials about macrame available at her work station while she is creating. The library has so many great resources and we want to demonstrate that to the public.’
“Each artist-in-residence will display their work at the library during their residency for anyone to see at any time,” continued Mr. Owens. “And if someone is interested in purchasing a piece, or commissioning the artist to produce something, they will feel more comfortable by seeing the artist create and getting to meet them. We are glad to see that Kelly is also continuing the practice that Sam Mooney initiated by creating her artwork right in front of the main entrance so that the artist in residence is so visible.”
The Westfield Art Association is a non-profit volunteer organization founded in 1922 that provides public art education and public exhibitions with work from its member artists.
Visit the library’s website at https:/ /wmlnj.org/ to register for the Friday night event, sign up for a library card or learn more about library programs and resources. The library is located at 550 East Broad Street.
Library hours are Monday to Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The library will be closed Saturday, August 30 to Monday, September 1 for Labor Day weekend.
