Bristol Art Museum Presents Film Screening and Book Launch in Conjunction with "Parallel Threads: Entangled Ends" Exhibit

The Bristol Art Museum announces an afternoon of film screenings and a book launch on Sun., Jan. 19, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Museum, 10 Wardwell Street. The screenings are offered in conjunction with the Museum’s current exhibit, Parallel Threads: Entangled Ends, which explores the complex relationships between textiles, culture, and history through art. Admission is free with a suggested donation. The panel discussion is $5 for members, $10 for non-members.  

“The screenings and book launch will include riveting discussions with the filmmakers and contributors, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of textiles and their role in influencing culture and history,” said Mary Dondero, Museum curator and board member. “

The films that will be screened include: 

Evolutionary Threads, Directed by Alexander Spiess
Documentary filmmaker Spiess of Bend, Oregon, collaborates with Rhode Island artist Deborah Baronas to examine the enduring connection between textiles and human evolution. The film highlights Baronas’s artistic exploration of industrial and cultural narratives
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The Fabric of War: Why Wool?, Directed by Trish FitzSimons
Brisbane-based documentary filmmaker and social historian FitzSimons collaborates with Cranston-based curator and historian Madelyn Shaw to explore the historical role of wool in wartime economies and strategies. This compelling documentary reveals how a simple fabric played a critical role in shaping history.

Australian Artist Interviews, Directed by Janis Hanley
Australian filmmaker Hanley brings audiences into the studios of contemporary Australian textile artists, showcasing their creative processes and perspectives on the evolving role of textiles in art and society.
The event will also feature the launch of a book,

Fleeced: Unraveling the History of Wool and War by FitzSimons and Madelyn Shaw, which provides an exclusive preview of their upcoming book, set to be released in May 2025. Fleeced explores the intersections of textiles, economics, and global conflict, offering a richly woven narrative that spans centuries.
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Currently on view at the Bristol Art Museum, Parallel Threads: Entangled Ends explores the intricate connections between textile art and global narratives. Featuring works from an international roster of artists, the exhibit examines how textiles weave together personal stories, historical events, and cultural traditions. Through various media, from traditional weaving to contemporary installations, the exhibit underscores the enduring relevance of textiles in art and society. The exhibit is on view until Sun., Jan. 26, 2025. 

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