Niles Library to display fiber works, photography exhibit

Published 11:24 pm Thursday, February 24, 2011

From an artistic family comes an exhibition of fiber works by Elizabeth Pilley and photography by Joseph  Roti Roti. The exhibition will be on display in the Eleanor and Mowitt Drew Gallery at the Niles District Library opening Tuesday and running through April 23.

In addition Roti Roti will present a Gallery Talk titled “The Fascinating World of Dragonflies: Dragonflies through the Camera Lens” on Thursday, April 7 at 7 p.m. in the library rotunda. The presentation will be complimented by pictures of dragonflies photographed in Michigan, and dialogue on the role of dragonflies in conservation. A handout checklist of easy-to-see species and where to look for them in the Niles area will be available.

When Pilley thinks of fiber work, she thinks of choices. The variety of fibers themselves are many — cotton, wool, silk, rayon, bamboo, tencel, soy and synthetic fibers. The different techniques are equally numerous with weaving, sewing, knitting, crocheting, braiding and felting. Then there are the decisions on what to create: clothing, accessories, home goods and toys.

There are so many choices, in almost endless combinations. These choices are among the reasons Pilley enjoys playing with fiber.

Pilley believes she has barely begun to scratch the surface of what can be done with this media. When choosing pieces for the exhibit, Pilley hoped to show some of the different ways she has been working with fiber and to encourage others to join her in its pursuit.

Most of Roti Roti’s effort in photography has been focused on birds, butterflies and dragonflies. However, he finds plant close up and landscape photography interesting as well.

Roti Roti uses photography as a way of seeing the world. There are many details of insects and birds that become apparent in photographs but are missed in an often fleeting visual observation.

Roti Roti’s wife Patricia participates in these activities with him. They work together to find and photograph rare species. Several of the show photographs are from nearby conservation areas or public parks.

Roti Roti has been involved in nature photography for about five years. His work has been on exhibit at the Buchanan Art Center and is currently on display at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. He grew up in Buchanan, and he and his wife currently reside in Highland, Ill.

The Eleanor and Mowitt Drew Gallery is located in the library’s rotunda.

Exhibitions can be viewed during regular library hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.