Astra by Victoria van der Laan

An exhibition of quilts and stretched works exploring the star, a perennial motif within American patchwork.

Learn more about Victoria and her work at her website: https://victoriavanderlaan.com/

Opening reception: April 17, 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, in conjunction with Schenectady Art Night. Stop by the New York Folklore Gallery to view the exhibit!

About Victoria:
My work is an abstract interpretation of the traditional quilt-making techniques I learned from my Grandmothers. The painstaking handwork of my forebears never far from my mind as I work, I am committed to revealing the inextricable connection between the traditions of Women’s Work and fine art.

I am passionate about equitable access to art and subverting the gate-keeping that is so pervasive in the art world. I believe in alternative economies and want my work to be accessible to all. I offer an ongoing series of textile sketches with a pay-what-you-can model on Instagram and have recently shifted to a sliding scale pricing model for all of my work. I am always looking for ways to increase my role in the solidarity economy.

Gravely concerned about the climate crisis and the harmful role the textile industry plays in it, I use only secondhand, repurposed, or vintage textiles in my work. Even the tiniest clipping of fabric and thread is kept for use in future work as I strive for a zero-waste practice.

Related programming: TBA

Exhibit viewing and details:
- Dates: April 17 @ 5:00 PM EDT through June 16 @ 5:00 PM EDT
- Venue: New York Folklore Shop & Gallery, 129 Jay Street, Schenectady, NY 12305
- Gallery hours: Monday–Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Contact: 518-346-7008, info@nyfolklore.org
- Website: www.nyfolklore.org

Parking in downtown Schenectady is free on weekends. There is parking in LAZ lots and on-street parking.

Funding for this exhibit is provided by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and Schenectady County Initiative Program.