The Art Spot:
Tacha Reed
Tacha Reed’s current exhibit “What We Leave Behind…” is currently on display at the Wolfville Memorial Library at 21 Elm Avenue. Check valleylibrary.ca for open hours
WHO: Originally born in Middleton, I was raised and educated in Halifax and moved to Ellershouse in 2009. Life in the country meant a whole new career path for me; I became heavily involved with the local arts council, which inadvertently led to me taking on the position of manager of the Avon River Heritage Museum in Avondale (one of Hants County’s truly hidden gems).
WHAT: For the last decade I’ve been working primarily with wool. My early creations consisted of articulated needle-felted dolls, stuffed animals, and soft sculptures made from recycled sweaters. My work evolved over the years and I began making three-dimensional wall hangings that I now call feltscapes. Over the last year, I’ve begun experimenting with wet felting and my latest collection of work has a bit of a dream-like quality, thanks to the inclusion of this new method in my creation process.
WHEN: I do the majority of my creating at my home, but each week during the summer I take whatever I’m working on to the museum for Open Studio Afternoons, where I get to create alongside other artists in the area. This is my favourite time of the week and reminds me of my days at NSCAD when we had to bring in our work for our classmates to critique and provide constructive criticism. I often participate in local group shows like the Great Little Art Show and Avon River Arts’ Long Winter Nights. My work can be found at the Artists Landing Gallery at the museum in Avondale, and at other local shops.
WHERE: I always knew I was an artist and have been lucky to have a very supportive family. Since my position at the museum is seasonal, I’m very fortunate to have extra time in the winter to devote towards exploration and creation. I’m a bit of a felting junkie, and if it weren’t for the sun going down I’d probably keep on working all evening.
WHY: My surroundings have always influenced my work and this most recent collection is no exception, with almost every piece in the series depicting the Avon River, the Minas Basin, or the Bay of Fundy.
