May 2007
Contemporary Expressions’ first exhibition ‘Stepping Out ‘ was held at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery from 26thMay to 8th July 2007.
The title of this exhibition,was chosen both to link back to the museum’s boot and shoe archive, but also to represent steps taken in recent years by textile artists to move away from traditional needlework into art quilting, surface design and textile art. The group wanted to follow this path and ‘Stepping Out’ into new fields was an apt title.
Using the extensive archive of the museum as a starting point, each member chose articles which inspired their individual work. These articles ranged from the oldest shoe remnant, work wear, foreign shoes, bejewelled heels and wedding slippers. These sources were displayed alongside the work. In all 24 pieces were created.
