By Mary Hambly
In the summer of 1988, Mary Hambly arrived in Bloomington to begin her Master of Fine Arts program in Studio Art/Textiles at IU. Having obtained her degree, Hambly then infused herself into many facets of the Bloomington arts scene for the next three decades.
Mary’s spent 5 years as Adjunct Art Instructor at Ivy Tech State College, Vincennes University and IUPUI-Columbus and Art Education Coordinator for the Columbus Area Arts Council. She then was Assistant Gallery Director at the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art (1999—2001) and after returning to Bloomington, served as Gallery Program Director at the John Waldron Art Center from 2001—04. While at the Waldron, Mary was a founding member of the committee of persistent individuals who, in January 2003, started the Downtown Bloomington Gallery Walk.
Hambly’s artwork has been an exploration of many textile materials including handmade felt, basketry, and handmade paper, but since the summer of 2008, Mary’s attention has been absorbed with the intricacies of machine stitching boldly colorful, pattern–printed paper into the geometrically complex, pieced designs of her Paper Art Quilts.
By Hand Gallery has been a constant home for Hambly’s work over all these years and it is here that Mary Hambly will have her last Bloomington exhibit in a bid goodbye to her collectors, friends, and colleagues.
After many years as a practicing artist, arts educator, and arts administrator, it is time to re-locate back to her home state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest. Mary will be leaving Bloomington in mid-May so please stop in the By Hand Gallery for a friendly farewell and a chance to enjoy her Paper Art Quilts.
Opening Reception: May 7th, 4-8 PM
On Display: April 27th – May 14th