New work by 17 artist members of California Fibers debuts on August 11th with a reception from 5:00-7:00 pm for Tracing the Steps: The Diversity of Fiber. California Fibers was established in 1970 to support the artistic growth and professional advancement for contemporary fiber artists based in southern California. Members of California Fibers are juried by their peers for acceptance into the organization. Many members have an international exhibition history and are on the faculty at universities throughout California. The exhibition runs through October 7, 2012.

Tracing the Steps: The Diversity of Fiber was juried by Dale Carolyn Gluckman who distinguished herself at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art as the former curator for costumes and textiles. "The important criteria for me as a juror," said Gluckman, "was outstanding craftsmanship, clarity of vision, demonstration of a thorough knowledge of materials and techniques, and work that was innovative and inventive. My hope is that the rich, multi-layered works of art in this exhibition provoke ideas and sensations, challenge emotions and creativity, and expand the boundaries of conventional ideas of fiber."

In addition to the work in the exhibition, the artists have created storyboards that describe one of their works in the exhibition. This educational component is a new feature at Visions Art Museum that will deepen the experience of individual works. More: www.californiafibers.com.

A second exhibition also opens on August 11th from 5:00 -7:00 pm. Insights is a juried exhibition of 12 quilts by the members of the Visions Critique Group. These artists meet once a month to discuss their work and exchange ideas. Insights is the third Visions exhibition from this group. Insights runs concurrently with Tracing the Steps: The Diversity of Fiber.

Two programs accompany the exhibitions. California Fiber artist, Polly Jacobs Giacchina will discuss Tracing the Steps during a walking tour of the exhibition on September 8th at 2:00 pm. Admission is $5.

Quilt artist and California Fiber member, Charlotte Bird will hold a trunk show and sale of her quilts at the museum on September 22nd. Charlotte is the immediate past-president of Visions Art Museum and coordinator of the Quilt Visions biennial, known as one of the most prestigious quilt exhibitions in the world.

Visions Art Museum: Contemporary Quilts + Textiles is located at 2825 Dewey Road at NTC at Liberty Station, San Diego, California, 92106. Museum hours are Tuesday - Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is $5, free for children 12 and younger with an adult, and for Visions members. For more information or to schedule a docent tour, call the museum, 619-546-4872.

The Visions Museum Store is a great place to find gifts of books, home décor, fashion accessories, quilt art and textiles. The first Friday night of every month is a free open house with all of the galleries, artist studios and shops at NTC at Liberty Station, open 5:00 - 8:00 pm. There is plenty of free parking.