(left)”Picto 3″ by Ellen Solari and (right) “Gathering Strength” by Rochelle Zohn are two of the works on display at the fiber arts exhibition Molly Harding Nye Gallery at the Lexington Arts & Crafts Society.

An exhibition of textile art produced by a Somerville-based fiber arts collective comes to the Lexington Arts & Craft Society this spring, running from March 14 to April 4.

The Chemistry of FiberLab is curated by award-winning textile artist Jodi Colella, and features the artwork of students in her independent study group FiberLab. Begun in 2015, the group, under the tutelage of Colella, experiments with material and process while developing personal connections within a supportive community.

“I launched FiberLab to provide a place to expand knowledge, skills, and most importantly, creativity,” says Colella. “Working with different mediums can be very expensive and precious, inhibiting the ability to relax and “let it all go.” When provided with access to materials and tools, there is freedom to play, be brave and allow our instincts to guide us. We started calling it FiberLab after a few sessions because it describes our inquisitively open and experimental approach. There are no wrong answers in the ‘Lab because all efforts, even those that end unexpectedly, are successful in advancing our knowledge and enhancing discovery.”

“Upside Down World” by Amy Pett.

Exposure to a variety of techniques and skills is what drives many to participate in Colella’s collective. “I joined FiberLab for a couple of reasons,” says Ellen Solari, a Belmont fiber artist who focuses on fiber sculptures. “When I joined, I was a relative newcomer to the world of fibers. There were so many techniques that joining Fiber Lab gave me an opportunity to experiment with a wide variety of approaches and materials. It also introduced me to other fiber artists. At FiberLab, I found my tribe.”

For Amy Pett, a fiber artist in Jamaica Plain, FiberLab gives her an opportunity to see her work differently and continue to evolve as an artist. “Jodi and FiberLab have enriched my art practice in so many ways: getting me going again when I’ve been stuck, teaching me new techniques and new ways to use materials that have inspired new directions for my own art, seeing the wonderful work of the other artists in FiberLab and being inspired by them, and being a community of artists and friends who can share the highs and lows of being an artist. And especially during this dark time, I have felt held and supported by Jodi and the other FiberLabbers.”

“Artist’s work is often solitary and there is much discussion about the benefits of art communities for the health and wellbeing of individuals,” says Colella. “Each of us brings different experiences and skillsets that add to the diversity of the mix. We have become a beloved bunch who are invested in each other’s objectives while encouraging risk-taking in the development of a personal voice.”

The work of more than 16 artists will be featured in the exhibition. The pieces investigate the processes used in mixed media 2D, 3D, painting, printmaking, needle arts, surface design, dyeing and more.

Artists include: Tori Costa, Judith Felton, Molly Foley, Rebekah Lord Gardiner, Cassandra Goldwater, Meck Groot, Denise Howard, Cindy Kennelly, Jean Masland, Charlotte Moore, Amy Pett, Stacey Piwinski, Ellen Solari, Dayna Talbot, Rebecca Tuck, Cynthia Walat, Karen Weinhaus and Rochelle Zohn.

The Chemistry of FiberLab will run through April 4. A virtual opening reception is currently scheduled for Sunday March 14, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 p.m. The reception is open to the public.

Lexington Arts & Crafts Society, 130 Waltham St, Lexington, MA 02421

Exhibition Dates and Hours: March 14 – April 4, Wednesday – Friday, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Free admission.

Additional information: https://www.lexart.org/chemistry-of-fiberlab

“Basket of Deplorables” by Marianne Moore.