Whimsical and colorful felted birds and other wondrous creatures created by feature artist, Karen Ihrig, will be visiting the Alliance Art Gallery during the month of July.

Karen is a Nauvoo artist and retired English teacher. She has always been seduced by wools that provide a pleasant, tactile sensation—and color. Four years ago, when she learned the basics of armature construction and coupled it with needle felting (aka dry felting) and luxurious wool from a friend’s flock, it was a marriage made in heaven. From that moment on, an ever-growing woolen flock of birds emerged, each taking on its own quirky colorful personality.

Karen’s creative juices being stirred, other life-like animals began to join these delightful birds. She enjoys bringing her fiber friends to life under the felting needle as well watching people’s reactions to them. It has become a challenge and a passion.
It never ceases to amaze her how airy puffs of wool can be transformed into sculpted shapes. Always exploring new dimensions, she now dabbles with wet-felted forms.

The exhibit will open with a reception on Saturday July 9 from 5 until 8:00. This coincides with Hannibal's Second Saturday Gallery Walk and is free and open to the public.