Kirsten Ervin Art

In September, Outside the Lines, my exhibition with artist Deobora Lieberman, will open at Irma Freeman Center for the Imagination. Both art educators and collage artists, Deborah and I, are showcasing mixed media collages that incorporate paint, textiles, and found paper. My particular inspiration for the project is the already used pages from vintage coloring books. I am struck by the vitality and energy of this found art, especially from those children who dare to create according to their own rules.  I am enjoying the challenge of paying homage to the unique mark-making of these young artists, in essence, collaborating with children I've never met. The opening reception for Outside the Lines will take place on Friday, September 5, from 6-9 pm at Irma Freeman, featuring musical guests Cheddar Bay Brass Band. The show will remain up through September 2025. 

In January 2026, I will have the incredible opportunity to study with Multicolores, Maya artisan rug makers and embroidery artists from the highlands of Guatemala. Founded in 2014, Multicolores is a marriage between Mayan culture and the rug hooking tradition of the Canadian Maritimes and Northern New England. I will be paired with one of the rug artists for 10 days to learn how to hook rugs the Maya way, including learning to make rugs constructed entirely of recycled clothing. I am excited to share my new rug-making experience and knowledge with others when I return to Pittsburgh in February 2026! 

3-Hour Workshop
Date: Saturday, September 27
Time: 10am-1pm
Description: Transform your stained clothing into custom embroideries that will impress everyone! Learn how to create unique embroidered clothing by letting the shape of the stains inform your design.
Students will leave with their clothing transformed from stained to beautifully stitched!
Students will bring in an item of stained clothing. Next, they will learn some automatic drawing techniques to create a few designs on paper based on the shape of the stain. Lastly, they will transfer their favorite design onto the stained clothing and embroider the design.
To ensure an easeful time in the workshop, it is helpful if participants have some basic embroidery or stitching skills. Please email Fibers Program Manager, Jamie Boyle, at jboyle@contemporarycraft.org if you have any questions.
Saturday Stitches is a program of the Contemporary Craft fibers studio, celebrating embroidery and other needle work/stitching techniques. These 3-hour workshops are meant to introduce folks to techniques and possibilities of stitches! The atmosphere is casual and sweet, and since it is Saturday morning, coffee and tea will accompany the workshop!
Tuition: $65 + $10 materials fee
Materials: All stitching materials will be provided. Participants will bring their own item of stained clothing.
Location: Contemporary Craft, Timmons Studios (5688 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201). Note, this workshop will take place in the Fibers Loft, which is on the second floor of the building.