"Joyful New Beginnings" Art Exhibition | Opening Reception ft. Betty Leacraft, Asake Denise Jones & Akilah t'Zuberi

Expression in mediums that touch our everyday lives are monumental accomplishments of visual interpretation and inventiveness. The transformation of fabric, silkscreen, thread, wood, paint, and found objects comes together in a reimagined concert of voices, expressing family ancestry, ritual beliefs, and dynamic storytelling. The artist's internal motivation of persuasion connects us to dreamlike joy and newfound beginnings of life's journey.

Ultra Silk Gallery is proud to showcase three of the most talented, prolific, and original artists in the U.S. and internationally. Betty Leacraft , Asake Denise Jones, and Akilah t'Zuberi are presenting installations with analytical, thought-provoking meaning.

"Joyful New Beginnings: Mixed Media, Fiber & Textiles" Art Exhibit Opening Reception featuring works from Betty Leacraft, Asake Denise Jones and Akilah t'Zuberi will be held on Second Friday, June 9th, 2023 from 5PM-8PM at Ultra Silk Gallery (3808 Lancaster Avenue Philadelphia PA 19104). Preview will be available when doors open at 12PM. Exhibit will be open for viewing during business hours until Sunday, July 9th 2023. For info, questions or inquiries please contact us at 215-824-6556.

ABOUT THE ARTIST(S):

Betty Leacraft

Betty Leacraft is a Philadelphia based mixed media Shape Shifter of textiles, former educator, and curator. As a former educator she conducted numerous workshops/residencies in the tri-state area focusing on textile/fiber arts. She has exhibited regionally, nationally, and internationally. Selected exhibition venues: International Quilt Convention Africa, (Johannesburg, South Africa); Dei Center for the Study of Contemporary Art (Ghana, West Africa); Museo de Arte Moderna (Bahia, Brazil); Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture (MD); National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center (OH); The Mint Museum of Craft and Design (NC); Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (MI); American Folk Art Museum (NY); Smithsonian National Museum of Art Renwick Gallery (DC); Museum of the African Diaspora (CA); Philadelphia Guild of Handweavers (PA); Institute of Contemporary Art (PA); The American Craft Museum (NY); Leeway Foundation (PA); Philadelphia Folklore Project (PA); African American Museum of Philadelphia (PA); Textile Center, Minneapolis (MN).

Asake Denise Jones

As a mixed media fiber artist Asake Denise Jones is an alchemist of sorts believing that she can create something interesting, beautiful, impactful even. Although Jones' primary medium is textiles, her  work is an eclectic expression, using a mixture of material and techniques presented as art quilts and mixed media. Her sewing skills were honed while assisting her  mother, Dorothy Foye – Miss D” (professionally known) in her Philadelphia, PA dressmaking business. Since 1995 Jones' has taught and exhibited nationally and internationally. Her self-guided training and studies include, but are not limited to, Spelman College, Atlanta, GA, Fleisher’s Art Memorial, Philadelphia, PA, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA, The Neighborhood Arts Center, Atlanta, GA, The Cultural Center of Liberia, West Africa, Main Line Arts Center, Haverford, PA,University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA, Artwell, Philadelphia, PA, Build-A-Bridge Summer Institute for Arts and Transformation.

*MEDIA

Asake denise Jones documented in the following books/publication: Communion of the Spirit , President Obama: A Celebration in Art Quilts, and Types; Shadows:Journal of Fellowship of Quakers in the Arts -Issue #73. Horizons with Edie Huggins, WCAU Tv

Akilah t’Zuberi

Akilah t'Zuberi is a self-taught artist.  Taking classes in stained glass, attending a knitting circle, and weekend workshops in mosaic tile is the extent of her training. In light of mounting environmental concerns, t'Zuberi has been giving more thought to the purpose of her creations, especially the materials that she employs. t'Zuberi focuses on how to upcycle, repurpose and redesign not only in her art practice but in her life practice as well. 

"The majority of my creations are in my home and were never intended to be shown or displayed: crochet blankets, mosaic tiled walls, stained glass sculptures and doors, an Ancestor shrine, redesigned and upcycled lamps and sofas, garden art. Because I pass much of my time at home, these pieces were created in response to what I want to experience emotionally when I am in that space. " -Akilah t'Zuberi

ABOUT THE GALLERY:

Ultra Silk is a concept of maximized quality, artistry, and visual beauty. These characteristics are infused in our choice of products that enhance the environment and elevate your living space. World Art, Artifacts, Exotic Furnishings, & Home Décor items are on display in our gallery setting.

Ultra Silk also includes opportunities to explore historical and conceptual expressions in each piece displayed. We promote these concepts through gallery presentations, book events, multicultural music and other social events coordinated to expand publicity and neighborhood outreach. Our interactive "Learning Gallery" series features in-depth information on particular antiquities in our catalog.

We hope Ultra Silk Gallery will empower the community at large by representing innovative, high-quality representations of home décor items that are both practical and uniquely stated. We feel that developing a discerning eye for refined objects stemming from art will evolve into an appreciation of environmental alternatives.