Opening Reception, November 4, 5 – 7 p.m.

Gill’s exhibition encompasses her work leading up to and during her Fall 2021 sabbatical leave which was supported by a generous faculty grant from Hendrix College. Her project involved remote research of the collection of the Textile Museum at George Washington University, a 10-week online course in natural dyeing with Maiwa School of Textiles, and a weaving and embroidery workshop in Oaxaca Mexico. Gill created a new body of printed, dyed, and stitched textile pieces which loosely reference the human form and explore the concept that it is simply clothing for the spirit. This work was inspired in part by the Rumi quote,

“Know then that the body is merely a garment. Go seek the wearer, not the cloak.”

Melissa Gill is Professor of Drawing and Printmaking who’s practice includes printmaking, mixed media, drawing, collage, embroidery, artist books, and installation. She holds an MFA from IU Bloomington, an MA from Purdue University, a BFA from the University of Arizona. The Body is Merely a Garment is on view November 4 through 18, 2022.