December 5, 2025 - January 24, 2026
108|Contemporary is excited to present the biennial Oklahoma Members Exhibition, The State of Craft 2025, juried by Pauline Verbeek. On view December 5, 2025 – January 24, 2025 this exhibition will showcase current craft works made by 108|Contemporary’s Oklahoma members.
Exhibition Opening:
Friday, December 5, 2025
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Thank you to our exhibition sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor:
Hardesty Family Foundation
Program Partner:
Commerce Bank
Patron:
Kirsten Olds
The State of Craft 2025 showcases 34 works in a variety of craft-based media. While the traditional disciplines are all represented, it is worth noting that the field of Craft is clearly expanding. Alongside the more established approaches, there is unmistakably an interest in mixed media and the exploration of materials in combination. Though there were many submissions traditionally associated with Fiber and Textiles, weaving or basketry entries were sparse at best. Similarly, in the ceramics category, while there were a good number of objects in clay, very few, for example, were wheel-thrown. Interestingly, works using primarily wood dominate, and the lathe seems to be the tool of choice among the woodworkers. Craft fundamentally embraces a materials-based process of making. Many works in this exhibition clearly demonstrate the sensitive and skillful handling of materials: knowledge and understanding developed after years of deliberate practice. Storytelling is front and center. Whether it is a specific personal narrative or the need to share a more universal human experience manifested through imagery, text, and the use of color, both subtle and bold. Overall, this exhibition will delight viewers of all ages. Imaginative examinations of form in many shapes and sizes, from small-scale jewelry to impressive sculptural furniture.
About the Juror:
Pauline Verbeek, a native of the Netherlands, received her BFA in Fine Art from the Maryland Institute (1982) and her MFA in textile design from the University of Kansas (1995). After teaching at the University of Kansas she joined the faculty of the Kansas City Art Institute, where she has been developing the area of constructed textiles since 1997. Pauline was on the board of the Surface Design Association and coordinated two (2000 & 2003) textile conferences, which took place on the Campus of the Kansas City Art Institute. She is one of the leaders in the use of new technologies in hand weaving and has also conducted research using industrial looms in The Netherlands and the US. Most of her weavings span several feet in both directions and comment on the nature of woven surfaces. Through structure, material, image and/or surface treatments, she demonstrates that weaving is unique in building an image. Her work has been exhibited extensively in both national and international venues including France, Germany, Japan and Korea. She is the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, including the Kansas City Art Institute’s Excellence in teaching award (2007) and most recently the 2008 Kansas Arts Commission Master Fellowship. Her work is in private and corporate collections and has been featured in books and publications such as Fiberarts Design Book, American Craft Magazine, Fiberarts Magazine, Surface Design Journal, Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot and Textileforum.