Miami University professor of art Tracy Featherstone let her imagination run free with her newest artwork in the Beeler Gallery’s “Wake…Sleep…Dream” exhibition.

The exhibition opened September 7 and closes November 18. It features 8 other artists along with Featherstone and the gallery is located on the campus of Columbus College of Art & Design. 

Featherstone said her pieces – “Despite a Structure” (canvas, ink, acrylic paint, fabric, embroidery, 68”x45”, 2023) and “Off the Curb” (canvas, canvas, ink, acrylic paint, fabric, 71”x 38”, 2023) – are paintings that want to be quilts.

These pieces explore the difference between the revered or important reputation of paintings, and the understated but human quality of quilts. 

“The works in ‘Wake, Sleep, Dream’ imagine what it would be like for painting to shift its shape a bit inventing a new way of being softer, more receptive and subservient,” Featherstone said. 

As Featherstone is on research leave this semester, she thanks Miami for its support and extra time in the studio to make new work. She also thanks the Beeler Gallery’s director Tim Rietenbach for inviting her to participate in the exhibition.

“It’s exciting to show new work in an amazing gallery and in the company of other artists I admire,” Featherstone said. “I’ve seen many great shows at the Beeler Gallery and I am excited to be an exhibiting artist there now.”