The Plainsboro Library Gallery welcomes back Plainsboro artist Nelly Kouzmina with an exhibition of eco-dyed and handmade felt and silk works of art, stating on Saturday, May 27.
An opening reception for the show, which features dresses, accessories, rugs and decorative art, will be held on Sunday, June 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. Kouzmina will be in attendance to answer questions about the processes she uses.
Kouzmina is an award-winning fiber artist who works with natural fibers and dyes to create works ranging from wall art to wearable art. She utilizes both traditional felting methods and explores contemporary approaches to create unique textiles.
Her processes also include nunofelting, which binds wool fibers into silk; and cobweb felting, which creates a lightweight and airy product. Her brilliant colors and patterns are created by employing the processes of eco-dyeing and botanical printing, which use the natural colors and imprints from a wealth of plants.
Kouzmina, a Russia native, has been a Plainsboro resident for more than 20 years. She is prolific in her work, producing clothing, wraps, scarves, hats, jewelry, wall hangings, room décor, gloves, handbags and even costumes. The describes her work as “original, one of a kind and inspired by nature.”
The artist had her first solo show at the Plainsboro Library in 2015, and she has also conducted adult workshops there. She has been a visiting artist at the library’s annual fall arts festival, providing the public with felting demonstrations.
Kouzmina started working with fibers in 2012, and developed her own style and techniques using felt. Now she exhibits in the tristate area, and teaches her felting and dyeing methods throughout the region.
Her collections are sold in the Trenton State Museum store, the Trenton City Museum Boutique, Red Tulip Gallery, New Hope and Gallery 23 in Blairstown The artist also participates in pop-up galleries that support HomeFront and the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.
She teaches workshops and classes at Plainsboro Township, Lawrence Township, Artists of Yardley, the West Windsor Arts Center, the Trenton City Museum, ArtWorks Trenton and Grounds for Sculpture.
Her work was selected for the New Hope Arts Council’s “Fashion Fabric Fibers” in 2016 and May 2017; and the Fashion Show at the 2016 National Textile Show in Oaks, Pennsylvania. She was awarded Best in Show, First Place and Second Place in the last three years at the New Hope Arts and Crafts Festival; Best in Fiber Art, 2014 at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Open; and First Place/Fine Arts and Crafts, at the 2014 Highland Park Art Show.
For more information on Kouzmina’s works, visit her blog at feltinelli.blogspot.com.
