“Translating Nature Into Fabric,” an exhibit of art quilts by Ellen Fisher, will be on display at the Nashua Public Library through Feb. 26.

Fisher prints or dyes most of the fabrics herself, using plants that she grows in her garden or collects locally–goldenrod, sumac, wild rose and raspberry, for example. As a result, she says, her quilts reflect features of the local area, and “The plants tell their own stories.”

From these custom fabrics Fisher creates quilts using classic techniques, such as piecing, appliqué and hand and machine stitching, as well as less-traditional raw-edge collage and fabric painting.

“The inspirations for my art quilts,” Fisher says, “are natural forms: streams, trees and shadows.” The scale of her subjects varies from whole landscapes to tiny details.

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Rural roots

Fisher grew up in rural Maine, learning both gardening and sewing from her family. As an adult she worked in landscape design and conservation but returned to sewing about 20 years ago, when she learned quilting and began creating her own designs.

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Previous shows

Among the venues where Fisher’s quilts have been exhibited are the New England Quilt Museum, Fitchburg Art Museum, Whistler House Museum of Art and ArtSpace Maynard.

The exhibit can be viewed anytime the library is open.

The library is located at 2 Court Street. Visit nashualibrary.org/visit/directions for directions and parking information.

Artists wanting information about exhibiting at the library should contact Holly Klump at holly.klump@nashualibrary.org or 603-589-4633.

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