Vennen_Panel I love fabric because of how rich in information it is. Not only does it have the five elements of art--line, shape, colour, texture, and space -- but it also carries so much history. In many cultures, fabric carries the work and the stories of women, so often silent. The assembled sculptural form may be reminiscent of a quilt, a canoe or a totem. I strive to have the materials form a new voice of a gathered people, a celebration of the human spirit in relation to its Creator, whether from secret spaces or the most flamboyant expressions. Alice Vander Vennen Alice Vander Vennen's parents emigrated from war-torn Holland for a new life in Canada, but Alice herself was born in Canada and her art speaks powerfully of her native country. Growing up on a farm, young Alice found herself just naturally using whatever she found to create new things - clay into small sculptures, bailer twine into wall hangings - and soon she was off to Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, training as a sculptor. Now, living in Cobourg, Alice is internationally known for her three-dimension "assemblages" using fabric supplemented by all sorts of found materials. Like fellow Cobourg artist, Ron Bolt, Alice finds inspiration in listening to music, putting things together to create something new, just as a musician puts sounds and rhythms together to create a new tune. Also like Ron, Alice has an installation at the Cobourg Community Centre, the 100 Floating Fish Sculpture. At least half of the fish were created with input from citizens who participated in an open workshop. The result is a colourful visual of a community coming together, created through fabric. Creator of Assembled Treasures Alice's work has been exhibited widely throughout North America as well as farther afield, and she is a frequent presenter at workshops. The Paradise City Arts Festival in Marlborough, MA, characterized her as among the "best-of-the-best" of America's most exciting independent artists, designers and master craft makers. Two illustrated books of her work have been published: Traversing and Assembled Treasures. "Anchoring" "Memory Stick"