Welcome | portiamarieyork | Fiberart Exhibits

The clothes we choose to wear can reveal so much about us whether we are aware of the revelations or unaware of our walking narratives. For as long as humans have worn clothes, the clothes have come packaged in rules and social etiquette about what should or should not be worn, and when or why or even how the clothes we wear should adorn the body. We may profess to be somewhat indifferent – but even indifference is a recognizable style. What we wear and how we wear it can express our political values, our conformity or lack thereof, how we are feeling, what parts of our bodies we are proud of or might be embarrassed by; how confident and comfortable we are in the skin we conceal with our clothes or reveal in peekaboo style; who our friends are, who we wish to alienate or desire to seduce. The clothes we select each morning to wear is a statement about who we are, who we aspire to be and will influence others’ perceptions whether we intend them to or not. Of course, the adage holds true, “never judge a book by its cover,” but the cover holds the pages together or lets them scatter as they fall out from a broken spine.

You Are…

Feminine Strength: A Trilogy of Empowered Expressions

This exhibition of fiber-based works seamlessly weaves together three distinct bodies of work: Bras of Beauty, Identity and Me, and Flower Power. In this amalgamation, the artist acknowledges the realms of self-discovery, identity formation, and the unabashed expression of femininity and strength. Each piece within this collection explores and contributes to a powerful narrative that explores the multifaceted dimensions of women throughout the world.

Dr. York will be the featured artist for the duration of the exhibit. Dr. Portia York is a crochet artist, professor, and motivational speaker. Her work ties directly to our themes throughout and pushes the artistry and textiles to a whole new level! “Her work inspired me when I first saw it,” Wiedrich explained. “It’s innovative, different, and expressive.” Niche Knits opens to the public on Saturday, September 9, 2023. A public opening will be held on Saturday, September 9 from from 1pm-3pm.

Recent Exhibits:

Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, The Clothes I Wear, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC

December 2024 - May 2025

Gaston County Museum, You Are... Fiber Art Exhibit, Dallas, NC

April 2024-Aug 2024

Gaston County Museum, Niche Knits Fiber Art Exhibit, Dallas, NC

Sept 2023-Jan 2025

Insatiable Fibers, Jeane Rauche Gallery, Gaston College, Dallas, NC

February 2023

15th Annual African American Fiber Artist Exhibit, City of North Charleston, Charleston, SC

May 2022 - June 2022

African American Fiber Art Traveling Exhibit

Museums in the state of South Carolina

July 2022 -June 2023

Art Exhibits

Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, The Clothes I Wear, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC (Dec 2024-May 2025)
Gaston County Museum, You Are… solo exhibit, Dallas, NC (April 2024-Aug 2024)
Gaston County Museum, Niche Knits (16 months) Fiber Exhibit, Dallas, NC (Sept 2023-Jan 2025)
QC Family Tree/The Arts Factory @ Johnson C. Smith University, My Momma Told Me group show, Charlotte, NC, 2023
QC Family Tree/The Arts Factory @ Johnson C. Smith University, Unconventional group show, Charlotte, NC, 2023
Insatiable Fibers, Jeane Rauche Gallery, Gaston College, Dallas, NC 2023
South Carolina State Museum (10 months) Traveling Exhibits Program, SC 2017, 2022
Annual African American Fiber Artist Exhibit, Charleston, SC 2016, 2017, 2022
Carolina Breast Friends Pink Boots Ball Auction, Charlotte, NC, 2014, 2015
Dalton Gallery, Clinton College Bras of Beauty exhibit, Clinton, SC, 2014
Trinity Episcopal School Art Show, Charlotte, NC, 2013
Coastal Carolina Artists and Crafters Guild, Bras for a Cause Showcase, Jacksonville, NC, 2013
The John Crosland School Art Show, Charlotte, NC, 2012, 2013, 2014
Channel 9 TV News gallery exhibit with Artist de’Angelo Dia, Charlotte, NC, 2012, 2013
Women Centered Art Small Works Show, Charlotte, NC, 2011
Women Centered Art Simpatico Show, Charlotte, NC, 2011
Project Art Aid & American Cancer Society Auction, Charlotte, NC, 2011
Mint Hill Arts Juried Show, Mint Hill, NC, 2010, 2012
Providence Gallery Holiday Works show, Charlotte, NC, 2010
Art House Co-op Self Portrait Project, Atlanta, GA, 2010
Art House Co-op Fiction Project, permanent collection in The Brooklyn Art Library, Brooklyn, NY, 2010
Dore Academy Art Auction, Charlotte, NC, 2009, 2010, 2011