Kay Klose, who makes wearable art, earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from California College of Arts and Crafts and has spent more than 40 years exhibiting work throughout the U.S. and Mexico. (Photo courtesy of Oregon Coast TODAY)Two art exhibits open at Lincoln City Cultural Center on Friday, including a show featuring sculptural fashion and fiber pieces by fiber artist Kay Klose.
“Whimsical Wear,” running through Aug. 2, will showcases Klose’s handcrafted wearable art made from fine merino wool, silk and other natural fibers. Rather than sewing garments together, Klose creates each piece through the labor-intensive process of nuno felting, using soap, water and friction to sculpt fabric by hand into richly textured hats, clothing and accessories.
Drawing inspiration from the four elements — earth, air, fire and water — Klose blends art and fashion into pieces that are both functional and expressive. Full of color and organic texture, the works reflect a lifelong connection to fiber arts and the natural world.
Klose earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from California College of Arts and Crafts and has spent more than 40 years exhibiting work in museums, galleries and juried shows throughout the U.S. and Mexico. Her connection to wool dates back to her teenage years, when she participated in a work-study program in New Zealand and learned to shear sheep while working as a shepherd. She first encountered there the merino wool that now forms the foundation of her wearable art.
Her interest in fashion was also shaped by childhood memories growing up in northern California during the 1950s.
“People dressed so nice back then,” Klose said. “I loved helping my mom dress up to go out, especially opening the hat box.”
In recent years, Klose has volunteered with Mujeres a Mujeres, a Mexico-based fashion show fundraiser supporting college education for young women, further deepening her passion for combining art with fashion.
“Whimsical Wear” opens Friday, May 15, at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, located at 540 N.E. Highway 101.
Painting, drawing and mixed media show
Another art exhibit opens at Lincoln City Cultural Center on Friday, May 15, featuring work by Lincoln City artist Ben Soeby and guest artist Booker Bartow.
The exhibit, “here,” reflects on a lifetime spent along the coast and explores what it means to be present in the moment through painting, drawing and mixed-media work inspired by nature, heritage and personal experience.
Soeby’s intricate and playful drawings are rooted in years spent fishing rivers and wandering the woods of the Northwest. A graduate of Oregon State University with a bachelor of fine arts degree, Soeby traveled widely before returning home to the rivers and forests that continue to shape his work.
“Art and fishing saved my life,” Soeby said, “and the two activities have given me an attachment to the moment, as well as a meaningful perspective on nature and life.”
His work frequently draws inspiration from salmon and the rhythms of the natural world, reflecting a deep connection to the Oregon landscape and the cycles of return and renewal.
Joining Soeby for the exhibit is Booker Bartow, whose work is influenced by family history, identity and healing. Bartow is descended from Indigenous people who survived the Wiyot Massacres by fleeing north along the Pacific Coast and settling in what is now South Beach.
The son of acclaimed artist Rick Bartow, Booker reconnected with visual art while caring for his father during his final years. After attending an exhibition of Rick Bartow’s work following his death, Booker rediscovered the power of art and began exploring his own creative voice through experimentation and mixed media.
Although he continues to face health challenges, Bartow said creating art helps him focus on what matters most.
“If through my art, I can impact someone in a positive way, or spark a conversation, then it’s even more amazing,” he said.
The exhibit “here” will be on display through July 5 at the Lincoln City Cultural Center.
Opening Reception
Meet the artists from both exhibits and enjoy light refreshments at 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, May 15 at 540 N.E. Highway 101.
For more arts and entertainment news, go to Oregon Coast TODAY.
