February 06, 2007

Spurlock's 'Fiber Works' on display at museum

by Sun Min

CARBONDALE, Ill. – In honor of Women's History Month in March, Southern Illinois University Carbondale's University Museum is showcasing the work of a popular female artist.

Sue Spurlock of Carbondale is an established quilter and fiber artist. Her "Fiber Works" exhibit runs from now until March 9. The University Museum will host a free public reception for the artist from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9.

Hours at the University Museum are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The museum is free and open to the public. For more information, call the museum at 618/453-5388 or visit http://www.museum.siu.edu.

"This exhibit not only highlights Sue's talent, but demonstrates the museum's dedication to present the work of our Southern Illinois artists," said Lori C. Huffman, curator of the exhibit.

Spurlock, 55, grew up on a farm in rural Saline County and taught herself to embroider as a child. "I always loved color, form, texture and shape," she said.

However, Spurlock's artistic pursuits were put on hold as she married, raised her children, took care of her parents and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in social work from SIUC. Six years ago, with the children out of the nest, Spurlock returned to her creative roots. Since then she has become a bona fide artist with several exhibits at the University Musuem under her belt.

"Spurlock's work shows excellence in execution and diversity in subject matter from personal events to the natural world," Huffman said.

Spurlock's day job as a licensed clinical social worker keeps her busy but she always makes time for her art. "There's a real spirituality and healing that is in my work and my art represents my commitment to always do the right thing and to be of service to my community," she said.