The Dooryard Gallery--New Life for the Old Bag

The Dooryard Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of new work by fiber artist Donna Tronca. By her own
description, Tronca is "obsessed" with the world of fiber arts. Her interest in mixed media fiber arts has included
adapting the ancient arts forms of weaving, felt making, and Kumihimo braiding to a contemporary aesthetic.

For the past several years, as part of her "New Life for the Old Bag" series, Tronca has been perfecting a technique that
completely transforms discarded, recyclable plastics such as bags and bubble wrap into a unique medium. She uses this
plastic "fabric" to replicate traditional and contemporary quilt patterns, as well as collage and 3-dimensional art. The latest
incarnation of the series, "Eco Art Inspired by Designs in Nature," finds its expression in miniature and life-sized kimono
robes as well as origami-inspired, framed wall art.

"Kimono Robe (Uchikake): an unbelted robe worn over a kimono. Westerners might think of it as an overcoat. The word
"kimono" literally means "thing to wear." Kimono was thus a generic word that embraced a whole range of garments, but
gradually it has come to refer to the full-length robe, made from straight strips of cloth. There are many different types of
kimonos, differentiated by style or purpose. It is a word like "sheep" and "fish" that has the same form for both singular
and plural uses. The kimono’s unbroken rectangular sections make it a perfect canvas for the decorative arts. The
demarcation between art and craft, so clear in the West, is nonexistent in Japan, and an article of clothing is as worthy of
artistic endeavor as a painting." (From the artist’s statement.)

Tronca doesn’t "believe plastic is going away so I’ve decided to utilize the positive aspects of the material while doing my
part to keep it out of the landfill. With a commitment to recycling, and a nod toward humor, my creations will bring a smile,
as well as a curious second look."

"New Life for the Old Bag: Eco Art Inspired by Designs in Nature" opens Saturday, November 19 with a reception for the
artist from 1 to 4 p.m., including a wine tasting by Vetro Winery LLC of Jefferson, Wisconsin. The public is invited.