New York Mills Center Hosts TACTILE Fiber Art Exhibition Encouraging Hands-On Participation

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center’s TACTILE: Fiber Art + Interaction invites New York Mills residents to touch, weave and add handwritten memories to a donated 200-foot scarf as the exhibition runs through Feb. 21 and closes during New York Mills Schools’ Fine Arts Day. The Close-Knit Community Project, woven with notes from community members, is described by the center as an evolving work that visitors may supplement during open gallery hours.

TACTILE opened Feb. 3 and is on view at 24 N Main Ave with admission always free thanks to members, sponsors and donors. Gallery hours are Tuesdays 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Wednesdays and Thursdays 10:00 AM–7:00 PM; Fridays 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; and Saturdays 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, with private tours available by emailing info@kulcher.org or calling 218-385-3339. The Cultural Center lists the show’s aim plainly: "This interactive show celebrates creativity, connection, and community through fiber-based works and participatory experiences for all ages."

The exhibition combines professional work and school projects. Participating artists include Naomi RaMona Schliesman, Lindsay Kennedy and Gen Keranen, alongside works from the NYMRCC Permanent Collection. TACTILE also features fiber art projects by New York Mills Elementary School second graders, whom the Cultural Center has "adopted" through its Adopt-a-Class program; those student pieces were created with guidance from Artistic Director and Gallery Curator Megan Shirley-Ross.

Interactive elements extend beyond the Close-Knit scarf. Visitors are invited to weave on a giant loom and add contributions to on-site pieces, making the gallery an active workspace as much as an exhibition. The Cultural Center’s event page frames the show as participatory: "This interactive gallery show explores fiber art as a medium for connection, storytelling, and shared experience, inviting visitors of all ages to engage with art through touch and participation." One participating artist posted on social media, "I'm honored to be a participating artist in 'TACTILE: Fiber Art + Interaction' at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center! On view" as the run continued.

Two event dates tie into the exhibition. The HYGGE MARKET on Saturday, Feb. 14, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Cultural Center will include meet-and-greets with authors, artists and makers and hands-on workshops titled Victorian Puzzle Purse and Victorian-Inspired "Heart in Hand"; promotional material notes early purchase pricing and bonus are available through Feb. 5 only. The exhibition concludes during New York Mills Schools’ Fine Arts Day on Feb. 21, with a planned schedule of 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at the Cultural Center for elementary art displays and interactive activities, 3:00–5:00 PM performances by TBD school groups at the Cultural Center, a 5:00–6:00 PM meal and art display at New York Mills School, a 6:00–6:30 PM program welcome in the auditorium, and 6:30–8:00 PM performances by the NYMHS Choir & Band and the Concordia College Band.

The Cultural Center, housed in a restored two-story brick building described as an 1818’s era example of prairie architecture, also operates an 80-seat concert listening room, two galleries and a gift store that represents the work of more than 80 regional artists. For press images or to arrange a private tour, contact info@kulcher.org or call 218-385-3339.