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June 26: Ann Arbor Fiberarts Guild and Silver Maples unveil community art project

Courtesy photo. Residents of Silver Maples work with Ann Arbor Fiberarts Guild members to create a community art project called Circles of Life.
Courtesy photo. Residents of Silver Maples work with Ann Arbor Fiberarts Guild members to create a community art project called Circles of Life.

(Chelsea Update would like to thank Shawn Personke for the information in this story.)

Silver Maples of Chelsea will host a reception for the Ann Arbor Fiberarts Guild exhibit in the Gallery 100 on Sunday, June 26, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

“Circles of Life,” a collaborative piece designed and executed by six members of the Fiberarts Guild and several residents of Silver Maples, and will be presented to Silver Maples to become part of their permanent collection.

“Circles of Life” was conceived as a cooperative effort between the Fiberarts Guild and Silver Maples to engage residents and members in a joint venture.  Fiberarts Guild members brought materials, and residents offered personal treasures, which together have formed a wall hanging approximately 4′ by 6′.

Lois deLeon, resident coordinator for Gallery 100, said she’s thrilled to be a part of the project as offers more in the end than a piece of art.

“One of the things that’s so special about this exhibition is how it continues and strengthens the connections between Silver Maples and the AAFG,”deLeon said.

That being said, she’s looking forward to seeing the finished piece installed.

“Our initial idea was one of ‘interesting things,” but moved to “Circles of Life” after a brainstorming meeting with the Guild artists,” said deLeon.

In fact, it was deLeon’s suggestion of the seven stages of man, from Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” that helped focus the project, said Helen Welford, AAFG member and deLeon’s primary contact with the organization.

Before too long, retired Wayne State University professor and artist Urban Jupena joined the discussion and project. Fiber artists Jean Hosford, Millie Danielson, Betie Bahan, Madeline Navarro, and Arlene Kindel played key roles in the creation of the project, working head to head, hand to hand, and heart to heart.

The personal treasures incorporated into the installation include a “key to the city,” earrings from Venice, a key from an old Silver Maples bus, a letter from a former elementary student to their now retired teacher, and so many more.  Silver Maples residents have created many of the mini pieces that are featured in the circles of life: Growth, Engagement, Hope, Joy, Travel, Life, Content, Garden.

For more info, visit www.silvermaples.org.

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