Iron Horse Arts August Pop-Up Art Gallery Features Knitting, Crocheting
Date: July 25, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cassie Ehrenberg, Iron Horse Arts District Project Manager, at (949) 295-7018, or info@ironhorsedistrict.org
Iron Horse Arts August Pop-Up Art Gallery Features Knitting, Crocheting
HOLDREGE – The Iron Horse Arts District’s August Pop-Up Gallery features the art of textile design.
Opening receptions are planned for Thursday, Aug. 8, from 3-5 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. at the Holdrege Public Library. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn and try knitting and crocheting as well as view examples from several local artisans, including Sue Stempke, Mary Norman, Sylvia Person, Deb Sindt, and Connie Jacobson. Refreshments will be served.
Sue Stempke’s grandmother taught her to crochet when she was 10. She started with hats and mittens. As an adult, Sue advanced to scares, doilies, and tablecloths. Her crocheted items received purple ribbons at the Phelps County Fair three times and a fifth place overall one year at the Nebraska State Fair.
Mary Norman learned to knit as a child. In college, she enrolled in a weaving class, and she learned more about knitting from “The Loom Shop” across the street from Union College. She began knitting more in her 30s, making items for family members.
When Sylvia was in junior high, Elvera Peterson moved from New York to her neighborhood and taught her to knit. Sylvia knitted throughout high school, including a special project for her high school art teacher. Syliva said knitting allows her to use her hands to be creative, and it’s calming for the mind. Sylvia considers it a good day if she can knit.
Deb Sindt learned to knit as an adult in a class that Sylvia taught. Deb has made baby blankets, scarves, and hats and finds knitting to be a fun hobby.
Connie Jacobson decided to learn knitting when she was pregnant with her first child. A family friend later taught her the techniques to be a successful knitter. Connie made quilts for several people and baby sweaters for her boys. Connie served as a 4-H leader, and the pattern she gave to one of the 4-Hers helped her compete at the Nebraska State Fair, where she won a purple ribbon.
The textile display will be displayed in the Holdrege Public Library main floor throughout August. The opening reception will be in the library’s basement.
The September art event will be the Iron Horse Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14. The daytime portion of the event is free and will include artisans and vendors from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Some of the artists/demonstrators will include Holdrege native and professional animator Ryan Quincy, Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason, a pop-up gallery from the Museum of Nebraska Art featuring five Holdrege artists, Artistic Innovations (barn quilt demonstration), and MomenTum Dance Academy. The event will culminate with a concert in front of the Iron Horse Station featuring country musicians Logan Mize, Luke Mills and Savanna Chestnut. Tickets are available for the evening concert by visiting the Iron Horse Arts District website at ironhorseartsdistrict.org.
For more information about the Iron Horse Arts District or to be involved, please contact project manager Cassie Ehrenberg at info@ironhorsedistrict.org.
