"Artist of the Year"

Pictured above left to right:  Michael Verrett, President, Mary Felder, Artist of the Year, Judye Averette, past President, current Treasurer, Shelly Frederick, Secretary

My name is Mary C. Felder and it is an honor to be chosen as “Artist of the Year” by the Arts Council of Livingston Parish.  I am fortunate to be associated with artists who were chosen in the past.  Our parish has so many talented artists with so much to share. I have lived in Louisiana all my life and in Livingston Parish for 44 years.  My work is inspired by the natural beauty of our parish and state.

Fabrics, fibers, needle and thread have always been a part of my life.  My mother and grandmother taught me traditional quilting and sewing.   As much as I appreciate the traditional needlework, I always wanted to create my own contemporary designs. I dye, paint, discharge, stamp, screen, print, stitch, and embellish my own fabric and art pieces.  There are so many techniques and materials available.  I add texture, color and movement with paint, beads, tyvek, heated materials, Angelina fibers, silk roving and the list goes on.  I enjoy designing my own pieces and using my fabrics to create them. When I begin a piece, I do not always know how it will end. It is a journey with no directions. I just follow the path.  I want the viewer to be drawn closer to the piece and to feel that it is speaking to them.

I have won ribbons for my work and have pieces in private collections.  I have exhibited in several juried shows.  In 2010, My “Shining Victory” piece was accepted into LSU’s National Compact Competition and Exhibit.  My work has been exhibited in many venues through out the state.  I have been awarded grants from the Cultural Economy Foundation of Louisiana to advance my art.

I belong to several quilt and fiber art organizations. I lecture and conduct workshops for the Livingston Parish Libraries, the Arts Council of Livingston Parish and for local traditional and contemporary quilt and fiber arts groups.  I am excited about serving as president of Contemporary Fiber Artists of Louisiana for the next two years.  I am also on the board of the Arts Council of Livingston Parish.  I think it is important that we all do our part to provide art experiences for the children in our parish.  I have taught classes and written grants to provide art opportunities for them.

Thank you for this honor!