Local Artist exhibiting in Verona, Italy

Natasha Lehrer has a passion for fiber. This March, that passion is taking her all the way from rural Big Rock, IL to Verona, Italy to be represented in an international textile exhibit. The Silk Roads Meet in Verona, presented by Associazoine Ad Mairoa is to be held March 8-13th. The contest draws fiber artists from across the world in an exchange of creativity.
Lehrer, an artist, shepherdess and business owner, relates some of the background for her piece, Past Presence. She shares that “the inspiration for the piece comes from many different things, one of which is the memories told to me by my mother about the two years she spent in Rome as a young adult. She has visited many places across Italy and the stories and pictures I have seen and conjured up helped this piece come to life. “

The piece is constructed of hand dyed silks, wool, wire, cloth, oil pastels, beads and threads that harmonize in a scene depicting the city and the landscapes surrounding it, along with the metaphoric silk roads winding and meeting in the core of the town. Materials were hand dyed and chosen to represent the richness, depth and antiquity that lives within the land, people and lore of Italy.

Locally produced wool fibers were used in this piece, as that is a passion for Lehrer in her art. Being a sheep raiser and founder of a cooperative to support other producers in Illinois, she believes wholeheartedly in bringing fiber to life so that the farmers can keep doing their jobs. Their shop, Esther’s Place teaches, sells and promotes locally grown fibers and handcrafts, while inspiring the community with a place to be creative. The art she has produced has the opportunity to encourage countless others to produce their own works of art.

Drawing from the community, Esther’s Place will be hosting a celebration party on Fri. Feb. 4th from 6- 10 pm. There will be homemade pasta to sample, desserts, espresso and cappuccino as well as music and festivities for everyone, with a love offering being taken. Lehrer and her mother, Donna will be participating in a Duel of Talents as well. Lehrer is offering 4x4” art pieces, signed and numbered, using techniques inspired by the piece Past Presence . Donna will be baking her homemade paska bread and making it available for a donation. Both of these items will be available to order as well as at the party. Their goal is to raise enough money for air fare to attend the contest and see the piece in the exhibit.

“This is such an honor, both as an artist and as a representative of our country” shares Lehrer. “To be able to share with international artists, take in the beauty of new surroundings and represent Illinois fiber and art in such an exhilarating location is truly special. I know we’ll be able to share so much of this trip with our community, it is very exciting.” Donations are being accepted and orders taken for the Duel of Talents and more information can be found by contacting Esther’s Place at 630-556-9665 or at on Facebook at Esther’s Place heads to Italy.