Meditations in Silk at OkEq First Thursday

The September Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists features the works of Terri Higgs in a show titled Meditations in Silk beginning with a reception on Thursday, September 3 from 6-9pm and continuing throughout the month.

Higgs has been painting on silk for more than 25 years, and continues to be fascinated by the luscious colors of the dyes and the feel of working with the silk. It is a surface that seems almost alive. Silk shimmers and shines in the light, feels luxurious, and moves. She likes that her work can be hung on a wall or go out to play — she laughs, and says, “My art goes out more than I do.”

Her work has been shown in galleries, retail shops and on the runway where she coordinated several art-to-wear runway events for art organizations including Tulsa Artists Coalition, Silk Painters International, and most recently Living Arts for their Champagne & Chocolate Gala. Her studio was also chosen to be on the Oklahoma Visual Artists Studio Tour in 2012.

Her inspirations sometimes come directly from nature — especially the colors and shapes from her garden. “I create designs in layers using stamps and stencils that I make. I paint and print with dyes that only work on silk or wool and that have to be steam set to become permanent. Over the last few years, I began incorporating words into some of my designs: poems, prayers, quotes on peace.” She uses her hand-painted fabrics to create scarves, jackets, prayer flags, wall hangings and prayer or meditation shawls.

“I try to keep my studio a place of peace, often working in silence with the windows open to hear the birds, usually with the two family dogs under my feet. Painting, writing and sewing frequently become my meditation.”

The show begins with a reception on Thursday, September 3 at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center , 621 E. 4th Street in downtown Tulsa, from 6-9pm where there will be a door prize drawn of the artist’s work; the show continues throughout the month.

Founded by a dedicated group of volunteers in 1980, Oklahomans for Equality/OkEq is Oklahoma’s oldest gay rights organization. From testing for HIV/AIDS and hosting the annual Tulsa Pride and Diversity Celebration to operating the Equality Center and documenting the Tulsa LGBT community’s rich history, OkEq works for social justice and full inclusion for Oklahoma’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) citizens and their allies. For more information, see www.okeq.org

The Gayly – August 30, 2015 @ 6am.